Portland UNITED 4

MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 0

BRACES from strike partners Sam Pattison and Adam Linaker propelled Portland United into round two of the Dorset Senior Cup.

The scoreline may have been comfortable but the first half-an-hour was anything but as Merley Cobham Sports, who were battered 6-0 at Grove Corner the previous Saturday, turned in a much-improved display.

But Pattison and Linaker both struck before the break to ease the tension and set the hosts on their way to a home tie with fellow Magna Dorset Premier League outfit Poole Borough in the next round.

Boss Stuart Heath, who saw his two forwards complete the win with second-half efforts, said: “They certainly gave us a real test in the first 30 minutes and it was an even game. However, we scored two really important goals just before half-time.

“They would have been very disappointed to be 2-0 down at half-time so the goals were really important in terms of the final result.

“We played some good stuff at times but not as good as it has been. Sometimes that happens, especially against a team with a point to prove.

“I think the hot conditions made it an open game. Had it been cooler I don’t think it would have been so open but it made for a decent game and we’re pleased to go through to the next round.”

On the subject of his goalscorers, Heath added: “The conditions would have affected them more than anyone as it’s not easy to do the leg work when it’s so hot. But they worked hard and they got their rewards.”

The second round draw saw a number of big guns draw each other, with Weymouth hosting Dorchester Town and Sherborne Town expected to travel to Bridport, providing the latter prevail in tonight’s clash with Shaftesbury.

As a result, Heath is hoping to emulate the class of 2007/08, who impressively reached the final before narrowly losing out to Sherborne.

He said: “We’ve got Poole Borough at home in the next round and although it’ll be a tough game, we’re looking to go as far as we can. The club reached the final four seasons ago and there’s no reason why we can’t do that again.”

Blues: Carroll, Cranny (Perkins 65), Wells, Carter, Whyton, Doidge (Toghill 50), Reader, Halloran, Litherland, Pattison, Linaker (Chance 65).

Attendance: 126