EASTLEIGH youngster Tom Bearwish struck twice for Portland United as they swept past lowly Cowes Sports 4-0 in the Sydenhams Premier Division on Saturday.

Ryan McKechnie and Sean Zima were also on target at the Weyline Stadium, lifting the reigning league champions into 12th spot.

McKechnie netted first and, five minutes later, dual-signed Spitfire Bearwish strode through the Islanders’ defence before firing home from the edge of the penalty area.

Bearwish then crossed for Zima to make it 3-0 after 38 minutes before personally completing the first-half rout by volleying home Billy Mitchell’s delivery.

Cowes had the wind with them in the second half, but their pressure rarely translated into efforts on goal.

The best chance of the half fell to that man Bearwish who broke through one-on-one but was outwitted by Yachtsmen’s goalkeeper Ed Hatt.

Portland boss Gary Bailey was delighted to oversee a first clean sheet since returning to the Island club on an interim basis as a replacement for Simon Browne.

“I am delighted, the lads played really well. We played excellently, we could have had more than four,” he smiled.

“We defended against the wind in the second-half and we were really solid.

“The attitude of the players was terrific.”

Portland are next in action at Fareham Town on Saturday. Before that, Fareham travel to Lymington Town tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).