PORTLAND UNITED 3

HAMWORTHY UNITED 0

PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey insisted he “could not have been happier” after his side cruised past Hamworthy United at Grove Corner.

The island outfit were in control throughout the contest against their Dorset counterparts, who are managed by former Terras’ boss and ex-Portland assistant-manager Brendon King.

King’s Hammers failed to strike any meaningful blows at the Blues however and it was Bailey who was left delighted after the festive bank holiday fixture.

He told Echosport: “We dominated from start to finish really.

“We showed some efficient, controlled football, with good game management. The players looked like they had a real desire about them to get going again.

“I could not have been happier, we got a good crowd to see it. It was some good solid football and I thought it was a terrific performance from us in all aspects.

“We played good football at the right times, won our battles when we had to and took our goals well.”

Having started brightly, the Blues opened the scoring on 10 minutes from the penalty spot.

A free-kick was adjudged by the match official to have hit a Hammers’ hand inside the box – up stepped Lewis Clarke to dispatch the resulting spot-kick.

Following that, the islanders went in search of a second, Tom Richardson was played in and forced a strong save from the visiting keeper.

Bailey’s side had to wait to double their advantage but their second goal then came with 65 minutes on the clock.

Substitute Max Buckler, just five minutes after being brought on, headed in after a clever short corner routine saw Darren Watts deliver a precise ball on the angle.

The hammer blow was then given to King’s visitors by the Blues as, just after kicking off at 2-0, Portland won the ball and surged forward again.

This time, Richardson made no mistake in making it 3-0 and wrapping the contest up.

Bailey added: “Hopefully, with a clean sheet and three goals, we sent the fans home happy.”

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Whyton, Carmichael (S Buckler), Clarke, McKechnie, Watts, Beasley (Buckler 60), Richardson, Godfrey (Doidge 60), Clarke. Subs not used: Halloran, Mutch

Attendance: 203

Match ball sponsor: Tony Pidgley

Programme sponsor: Dave Tune

Portland man of the match: Ryan McKechnie