Portland United 3 Andover 1

Andover can be excused if they had the cup match with Aldershot on their minds as they made the long journey to Portland last Saturday.

However, there was no excuse if their attention was elsewhere once the game started, but apart from a 20-minute spell in the first half the Lions were never at their best. They were still adjusting to the unique Grove Park Stadium conditions when they went behind after five minutes.

Portland were forced to defend in numbers as the Lions began to push forward, and Sam Rea was desperately unlucky not to get a quick equaliser. Justin Bennett proved a real handful for the home side and twice only the goalframe kept him out.

Gavin Richards continued the pressure, but it was Dean Cole who came up with the goods. With 20 minutes gone he used his pace to good effect, and his low shot from just inside the box gave the keeper no chance.

Despite the pressure a second goal did not materialise, and Portland worked their way back into the game with a soft goal. Paul George, with time to spare, mistimed a clearance, and the opportunity was snapped up, giving Portland an interval lead they did not really deserve.

With the wind in their favour in the second half the Lions were expected to swing the game their way. However, they could not find the means to open up Portland. They tried to play football, but the nearest they came to a second goal was when Danny Sullivan broke through, only to fire his effort over the bar.

Despite Portland's kick-and-rush tactics, halfway through the half they gained a rare corner. The kick was met with a firm header at the near post and as the ball flew into the net questions were being asked of the Lions' marking.

The Lions have an early chance to confirm this was a bad day at the office when Portland visit the Portway for the return fixture next Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).