ASSISTANT manager Chris Farrell marvelled at Blackfield & Langley’s 2-1 FA Vase win at Portland United on Saturday, admitting: “Under the circumstances, it was astounding!”

The Watersiders – who now travel to South West Peninsula League outfit Exmouth Town in the third round – were under the cosh for the entire first half and had new dual-signing Sam Wilson sent off, harshly in their view, for a second yellow card on the brink of half-time.

Yet somehow they returned to the dressing room goalless and even when Alex Halloran scored for Portland in the 65th minute, the ten men came back fighting.

They levelled when Holloran was dispossessed by Ryan Murray who ran three-quarters of the length of the pitch before sub Tim Sills played in Carl Preston who was brought down for a penalty.

Preston scored from the spot and, just three minutes from time, Portland were hit by a hammer blow when Sills won a header, playing in fellow ex-Weymouth man Luke Winsper to slot home.

There was still time for the Blues to rescue the tie, but Blackfield keeper Brad Snelling denied Halloran with an outstanding stop.

“A corner was headed out and their player must have thrashed the ball through about 16 players. How Brad saved it down by his right-hand post I shall never know,” said Farrell.

“He probably made ten incredible saves during the game.

“We had 13 outfield players with Ash Howes suspended, Liam Robinson getting married and Charlie Knight unable to get a train south from London and Portland absolutely battered us in the first half. At half-time I couldn’t see how we were going to get a result.

“But the players were magnificent in the second half and ran themselves to a standstill. Brad Snelling was outstanding and (defender) Joe Byrne had his best game of the season.

“In five years at Blackfield, I’ve never seen two such contrasting halves of football.”

Team Solent, the only other Sydenhams Wessex side definitely through to the third round, also face South West Peninsula League opposition.

James Taylor’s men will entertain Bodmin Town at Test Park on Saturday, December 3.

Having won four consecutive away ties at Hythe & Dibden, Hallen, Helston and Shaftesbury, Taylor is just pleased to be on familiar turf.

“It’s amazing news. I wasn’t expecting it!” he smiled. “Every team’s going to be good at this stage. I’m just pleased to get a home draw.”

Taylor, who had to step in as an emergency goalkeeper in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Shaftesbury, hopes to have No1 Bradley Banda back after illness in the Sydenhams Premier at Newport IoW tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.30). Matt Sheedy and Mike Lamb are unavailable.

Blackfield travel to AFC Stoneham tomorrow evening in the Southampton Senior Cup.