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BLANDFORD United manager Jamie Murray was gutted after leaders Portland United narrowly escaped Park Road with a 1-0 triumph on Saturday.

Royals made light of their 12th place in the Dorset Premier League standings and tore into the Islanders.

But Murray's men were stunned after a quarter-of-an-hour when John Litherland handed Portland the lead in the visitors' first attack.

The home side pushed forward earnestly in search of a much-deserved leveller.

It was not to be, though, and Murray was left to rue a huge opportunity missed to register one of the division's shocks of the season.

He said: "We played very well and gave a side, which is going to win the league or come second, a real run for its money.

"Portland were rattled - they were taking the ball into the corner during the last five minutes and trying to run the clock down.

"They were happy to get away with three points and I thought they were very lucky to do so.

"In theory, anything from this game would have been a bonus - but it's a bonus we should have claimed."

Elsewhere, Sturminster Marshall recorded their first win since December 22 with a 1-0 victory at home to Sturminster Newton.

David Hounsell found the net after half an hour to seal a result, which lifts the Churchill Close outfit up to ninth in the table.

In the battle of the bottom two, Cobham Sports reigned supreme after they triumphed 1-0 at Bridport.

Brad Asagba struck the winner just before half time.

This result lifts the visitors off the bottom and leaves Sports a point ahead of the basement Bees.

At Magna Road, Hamworthy Recreation claimed their second victory over Swanage Town and Herston inside a week.

Rec came from behind to win 2-1, despite Swans making a fast-paced start to the contest.

Aaron Corby put Derek Beale's team in front after just 12 minutes.

But the hosts found their stride and Ryan Lucas levelled on 25, before Ricky Walden netted the winner 10 minutes later.

Coming from behind was a trick Cranborne failed to replicate as they lost out 2-1 at home to Wincanton Town.

Despite keeping the Somerset side at bay in the opening 45 minutes, Chris Osmond fired Town ahead on 55.

Graham Boreham bagged an equaliser for the Cranes but Scott Smith sealed the points for Wincanton with a quarter of an hour left on the watch.

In the day's other game, Gillingham Town continued their relentless title push with a stunning 5-0 win at champions Westland Sports.

The Gills are now just three points behind Portland, although they have both played 19 matches and will need Islanders to drop points, if they are to catch them.

3:50pm Monday 3rd March 2008

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