HAMWORTHY UNITED 0

PORTLAND UNITED 3

Watts 43, Symes 83, Mitchell 88

PORTLAND United boss Brendon King got the perfect return to his old club Hamworthy United as the Blues eased past the Hammers 3-0 in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Goals from Darren Watts, Jamie Symes and Billy Mitchell helped the Blues continue their run in second place in the table, four ahead of third-placed Horndean, but 11 behind leaders Sholing.

Portland struggled in the first 10 minutes, with a hectic opening to the match.

However, the Blues got a foothold in the game, as Jamie Beasley headed over from two yards.

The Blues were able to get into good positions but could not find that final breakthrough to score, while Portland goalkeeper Sean Lillington had one routine save to make.

Watts opened the scoring in the 43rd minute however in some style, with a brilliant 20-yard volley into the top corner.

The two sides went in at the break with the Blues a goal up, but they would have to be patient before they could extend their lead.

In the second half there were half chances for Portland but which could not be put away through Tom Richardson, Beasley and Symes.

The Hammers came into the match more and enjoyed increasing possession without doing a great deal with it.

The game was wrapped up in the last few minutes of the match.

Firstly, Symes shot from the edge of the area to double the Blues’ lead.

In the 88th minute substitute Sol Roche, who usually plays for the reserves, marked his call up by setting up Mitchell, who dribbled round the goalkeeper and fired in.

The Hammers could not respond and the Blues saw out the victory.

Portland boss King said: “It was a really, really good win.

“I thought we sort of dominated the game and we got what we deserved.

“We put a good shift in and it was a really good win at a tough place to come to.”

When asked if there was any added satisfaction with it being at one of his old clubs, King replied: “Of course it does, it has got to a little bit but ultimately it is three points and that is what we came here for and that is what we got.”

Discussing Roche, King said: “He has been playing well for the reserves, he has been training well when he has been with us so we took him for a bit of experience.

“We managed to get on the pitch. He did well, he set up Billy so that is good.”

Portland host Cowes Sports on Saturday (3pm).

Portland: Lillington, Doidge, S Buckler, Whyton, McKechnie, Watts, M Buckler, Halloran (Butcher 80), Richardson (Mitchell 75), Beasley (Roche 85), Symes. Subs not used: Hutchinson

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