PORTLAND UNITED 2

McKechnie 30, Beasley 60

BASHLEY 1

Beard 45+1

GOALS from Ryan McKechnie and Jamie Beasley sealed a 2-1 win for Portland United over 10-man Bashley, after a Saturday which assured them of finishing fourth in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Bashley had Cameron Beard equalise for them, but Beasley’s effort in the second half saw all three points belong to the home side.

Portland went 1-0 up after 30 minutes when a brilliant cross-field pass over the defence found McKechnie on the right wing, and he ran in and sidefooted a volley from 15 yards out.

Doidge and McKechnie then linked up well, which saw the latter square the ball to Jamie Symes who hit straight at Bashley’s goalkeeper.

Bashley also saw Tony Rolls sent off for picking up two yellow cards, one for a push on Beasley, and another for dissent.

Bashley responded through Beard in the first minute of injury time during the first half.

Bashley broke through, turned Crit Clarke, and put in a cross that was nodded at goal, which Portland goalkeeper Michael Edgar did brilliantly to save from Hugh Dathan, but he could do nothing as Beard tucked away the rebound.

The two sides went in level at the break, but the Blues would not need long to re-take the lead.

From a free-kick, Max Buckler played a short pass to Beasley, who whipped in the effort from 30 yards out.

It was not a game for clear-cut chances.

Reggie Carter, Portland United assistant-manager, was glad to get the win which keeps the spirits high and thinks they deserved the victory.

Carter said: “Yeah obviously we are towards the end of the season. There is not much for Bashley or ourselves to play for, apart from us we are trying to get into a rhythm now for the cup final (Sydenhams League Cup against Baffins Milton Rovers).

“Overall I think we deserved the win.

“It was a decent result the win, it keeps our spirits high.”

Portland United host league champions Sholing today (3pm).

Portland United: Edgar, Bastick, Clarke, S Buckler (Rowe 46), Whyton, Doidge, Halloran, M Buckler (E Roche 75), Symes, McKechnie, Beasley (S Roche 68)

Bashley: Plain, Dathan, Farrugia, Norris, Thompson, Rolls, Smith, Strickland, Munday, O’Sullivan (Webber 65), Beard. Subs not used: Bull, Cook

Match sponsors: The Tribute Boys

Match ball sponsors: Clive and Edna Saunders

Programme sponsor: Regency Dentist, Swanage

Attendance: 131

Portland ‘Men’ of the Match were chosen by The Tribute Boys and went to Jamie Beasley and Ryan McKechnie.

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