PORTLAND UNITED 2

Symes (2)

ANDOVER NEW STREET 2

Lock, Lewis

PORTLAND United fell to a frustrating draw at home to Andover New Street, despite Jamie Symes bagging a brace in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Portland had a host of other chances to win the match against Andover, but had to come from behind to rescue the draw after goals from Shane Lock and Kylen Lewis for the visitors.

The draw sees Portland miss their opportunity to go second in the table, and slip to fourth in the table on 23 points, level with AFC Portchester and Hamble Club, albeit having played two games less than the other two teams.

The Blues lost Shaun Bessant in the warm-up, which meant Sam Buckler came in at late notice.

Portland took a first-half lead early on from a good move forward.

Sean Stewart played a great ball out to Alex Godfrey, who laid the ball back to Crit Clarke, the left-back swinging in a good cross for Symes to nod into the net.

Portland were on top of the match at this point, but could not add further to their tally before half-time.

After the restart Portland went through and Symes had a good shot on goal but saw his effort saved brilliantly by the Andover stopper.

From the resulting corner Andover broke away, before eventually lashing the ball into the net to equalise through Lock.

Two minutes later, Portland goalkeeper Sean Lillington kicked the ball straight to Lewis 25 yards out, who took a touch before firing into an empty net.

Portland created numerous chances, hitting the post and seeing efforts saved.

From a Godfrey corner Symes then scored another great header to put the two teams on level terms.

It was one-way traffic from there as Portland kept banging on the door, with Jamie Beasley hitting the post at one point.

There were other chances but the Blues could not find a cutting edge.

Portland manager Brendon King said: “It was two points dropped all day long.

“It was a disappointing result, we gifted them two goals.

“We have had to work really hard for our goals, it is frustrating.”

Portland are next in action when they travel to Poole Town’s Black Gold Stadium tomorrow in the first round of the Dorset Senior Cup (7.45pm).

Portland: Lillington, S Buckler, Walker, Whyton, Clarke, Stewart, Whyton, Doidge, M Buckler (Bastick 65), McKechnie, Godfrey (Beasley 75), Symes. Subs not used: Halloran, Tewkesbury.

Match Ball Sponsor: Louise Cann

Match Programme Sponsor: Karen’s Motocycle Training School

Man of the Match was awarded by Portland’s President, Dave Camp, to Jamie Symes

Attendance: 146