IMAGE: Nathan Lipsham.

TEN-MAN Portland United once more pushed AFC Portchester all the way before succumbing to the promotion-chasing Tangerines.

The Blues were not helped by an early Josh Benfield goal but were firmly in the contest, staying 1-0 down for 76 minutes despite a red card for Greg Borthwick.

Ryan Wilkins then settled the destiny of the three points to maintain the hosts’ position of fourth, while Portland stay ninth.

While this was another battling display against a play-off side, Portland’s record against clubs in the top five is poor.

Their 0-0 draw with Shaftesbury in August is the sole point taken in eight matches against the current top five this season, with only two goals scored.

Portland struggled with Portchester’s 4-2-4 setup early on and were reprieved in the sixth minute when ex-Weymouth striker Brett Williams headed home, only for the offside flag to go up….Read More