PORTLAND UNITED 3

HORNDEAN 2

JAMIE Beasley hit a hat-trick to complete a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down and see Portland United through to the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup final with a 3-2 victory over Horndean.

The visitors struck twice in the first 10 minutes but Portland were able to reply and cling on, despite going a man down when Ross Doidge was sent off late on.

Portland started well and created early chances, but soon found themselves a goal down when Brandon Jewell slotted in after three minutes.

Disaster then struck as the Deans doubled their lead after six minutes when a Sean McMonagle pass found Liam Kimber who fired in.

In a frantic start to the match, a well-worked move forward allowed Beasley to half the deficit just two minutes later.

Portland were forced into a change after 25 minutes when Darren Watts suffered a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Ed Bastick.

Portland kept pressing for an equaliser and hit the bar twice, seeing some brilliant saves from Deans’ goalkeeper Eusebio Parker but the Blues went in a goal down at the break.

Brendon King’s men then started the second half well, pressing the visitors and dominating possession.

Directly from a corner, Beasley then added a second to equalise after 63 minutes.

It seemed the wind was in Portland’s sails before red mist descended.

A Horndean break forward was met with a pull from Doidge on the edge of the area, which the referee promptly handed him a straight red card for.

The resulting free-kick was whipped over the bar and 10-man Blues kept their composure to win the match after 78 minutes.

From 30 yards out, Beasley volleyed a fantastic effort straight into the bottom corner.

“There was a good feel about the club, we have had a few ups and downs lately, but there was a good buzz about it. It is always nice to reach a cup final.

“It keeps our season alive. We have got something to play for now and can push on and finish as high as we can in the league, so all in all it was a good night.”

Commenting on the eventful nature of the match, King added: “It was a bit of a strange game.

“I think for the neutral supporter who was there when I spoke to a couple of people after the game and I spoke to a couple of people the morning after and they said what a great game of football it was. It was a really entertaining game and I think that is really important as well.”

Portland host Fareham on Saturday (3pm).

Portland: Edgar, Doidge, Clarke (Hutchinson 68), Halloran, Whyton, Richardson, M Buckler, Symes, Watts (Bastick 25), Beasley (S Roche 85) Subs not used: E Roche

Horndean: Parker, Grant, Doughty, Martin (Kane 81), Heard, Marriott (Tyler 73), Kajanda, Kimber, McMonagle, Jewell, Winter

Match ball sponsors: Yvonne & Geoff Gale

Programme sponsors: Anne & Charlie Bilke

Attendance: 107

Portland’s Man of the Match was presented by Ian Hutchinson to Jamie Beasley

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