TWO blockbuster long-range goals helped Portland United claim an encouraging 2-0 pre-season win over higher-league Hamworthy United at a blustery Camp & Satherley Stadium.
Dan Cann’s Hammers play one division above Kyle Critchell’s Portland after winning the Wessex League Premier Division in 2022.
However, the Blues were no respecters of reputation as thunderbolts from Jack Delves and Josh Williams gave them an impressive victory.
Playing their third game in five days, the Blues could have been forgiven for feeling lethargic.
Yet their display was anything but as Luke Sheehy, set to agree dual terms, hit the post after Brin Doyle’s free-kick was saved.
Liam Sayers twice went close for Portland in two minutes, pulling a shot across the face of goal before slamming his second effort against the post.
Portland would be ahead one minute later, though, as Delves stepped up to power in a free-kick into the top-left corner.
And it took just five minutes of the second half for Portland to double their lead, Williams picking up possession 30 yards from goal and blasting home the hosts’ second.
Hamworthy countered with two big chances, home goalkeeper Harrison Bruton tipping clear a cross before the Hammers rattled the bar with a header.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here