FAREHAM TOWN 3

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United fell to a harsh 3-1 defeat despite Lewis Whyton scoring a superb effort for the Blues in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

The defeat in the 180-mile round trip to the Creeksiders saw the home side claim victory through Callum Laycock, Matt Andrews and Scott Hamilton goals.

Portland started well, with good chances for Ed Bastick, Shaun Bessant and Alex Godfrey as the away side looked to strike early.

The Blues found themselves a goal down at half-time thanks to the efforts of Laycock, who struck in the 38th minute from a corner to give the home side crucial momentum into the second half.

Fareham were then quick out of the blocks and took full advantage when a goal-kick from Sean Lillington turned over possession and allowed Fareham to attack and Andrews scored to extend the hosts’ lead.

But Whyton clipped in a superb 20-yard volley to narrow the scores with 20 minutes to go.

However, with minutes left on the clock and Portland pouring men forward, Fareham added another goal late on to complete the scoring, with Hamilton’s 86th-minute effort.

Portland host Fareham to complete a quickfire double encounter as they end their season on Saturday (1.30pm).

Fareham: Douglas, Sweeney, Yokota, Holmes, Benjamin, Hardy, Eames, Laycock, Andrews, Hamilton, Silvester. Subs: Tattersall, Bath, McCombie, Harding

Portland: Lillington, Smith, Curran, Butcher, Whyton, Sharpe, Bastick, Bessant, Mitchell (Okumu 80), Godfrey (Wilson 85), Buckler (Payne 46). Subs not used: Hankin

Attendance: 61