Portland UNITED 3 BRIDPORT 2

SCOTT Henley announced his return to Portland United with a brace in their 3-2 victory over Bridport.

The towering defender, back at Grove Corner following a spell with near neighbours Chickerell United, twice headed home after Darren Watts had put the Bees in front at Redlands with a fine effort from 25 yards.

United then extended their advantage early in the second period with Ross Carmichael forcing the ball home.

Bridport upped their game in the latter stages and were rewarded with a late consolation as Jamie Filkins’ cross was turned into his own net by Portland’s Lloyd Cranny.

Island chief Chris Wilson said: “It was a nice way to start and it’s good to get a win under your belt, but you’re not always looking for results in pre-season.

“We we more concerned with getting a workout and a good performance, and fortunately we got both.

“Bridport are a good side and they keep the ball very well so we had to keep our wits about us and make sure our concentration levels were good.

“The lads certainly delivered on that front.”

Counterpart Trevor Sen-ior added: “We played okay in the first half but in the second we didn’t pass the ball as well and the three goals we conceded were disappointing.

“We had quite a few players missing but it was good to see Shane Evans back playing for us and Alex Halloran, who is one I want to sign, play the full 90 minutes.”

Portland play host to Weymouth this Saturday while the Bees entertain Hillingdon Borough (both 3pm).