BEMERTON Heath Harlequins got their first win of 2018 following a fine performance away at reigning Wessex League Premier Division champions Portland United.

Portland settled quickest in to the game and enjoyed the majority of possession early on without breaking through the visiting defence. Bemerton did though show a few early glimpses that they were going to be dangerous on the counter attack especially with their pace in wide areas.

After the first 15 minutes Bemerton settled and started to move the ball well through the midfield.

Robbie Matthews was a constant threat for Bemerton and held the ball well.

Bemerton scored the only goal of the game shortly before half time, when fine play in the midfield ended with the ball played in to Matthews who cushioned the ball in to Lightfoot’s path who finished with a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

The second half was an even affair in terms of possession but Portland just could not carve open any good opportunities as the Bemerton defence were organised and disciplined all afternoon.

Matthews should have added a second goal, but his header went just wide of the left hand post.

With the wind picking up, Portland threw lots of players forward and did put Bemerton under a lot of pressure for the final 10 minutes, but Robert Crossley in goal and his defence stood firm to guarantee the win.

Manager Rae Hughes said: "It was a good valuable three points. This was the first time here for me as a manager, and the wind plays a massive part in the game.

"As a team today though we were very organised and disciplined, which is extremely pleasing for me. With the quality we have going forward we will always create chances. We have a tough run of games coming up, but now we have the confident to kick on."

This Saturday, Bemerton are at home to Hamble Club.