PORTLAND UTD 5 STURMINSTER N 1

PORTLAND United returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Magna Dorset Premier League whipping boys Sturminster Newton.

The table-topping Blues had to remain patient at Grove Corner but once Ashley Smith opened the scoring 10 minutes before the break, the islanders never looked back.

And they added four more in the second period thanks to double strikes from Adam Linaker and substitute Liam Beades.

Having fallen to their first defeat of the season the previous week – a 2-0 loss at Merley Cobham Sports – boss Stuart Heath was delighted to see his charges respond at the first time of asking.

He said: “It was a good win and a good response from the players.

“They reacted well to last week’s setback in training during the week and, for the most part, played some great stuff on Saturday.

“It was a potential banana skin for us and we knew they would come here with nothing to lose.

“But we started well and what pleased me most was that although we created and missed some good chances in the first half hour, the players didn’t panic. They kept playing their own game and didn’t allow a twitchy opening 30 minutes to get to them.

“It was a similar opening half hour to that at Merley and you were thinking it’s going to be one of those games again.

“But we showed great patience and the players got their reward.

“It was pleasing to bounce back straight away and that shows me that we have players with good character.

“We gave away a sloppy goal with the last kick of the game, which was a little bit disappointing, but all we asked of the players was to bounce back as quick as possible and they did that.

“I really wanted us to improve on our quality in possession and this time it was much better, even in a strong wind.”

Next up for the Blues is a trip to lowly Cranborne this Satur-day.

Blues: Gifford, Churchill, Wells, Cranny, Carter, Pattison (Beades 65), Coggins, Godfrey (Miles 65), Smith, Linaker (Etherington 65), Marshallsay.

Attendance: 118