REIGNING Sydenhams Premier champions Portland United were left stunned as Horndean staged a remarkable second-half fightback to win 4-3 at Grove Corner on Saturday.

Leading by a Lee Sharpe double and a tap-in by dual-registered Eastleigh youngster Tom Bearwish at half-time, the Islanders looked well placed to register only their fifth home win of the season.

Bearwish had also missed an open goal in a comfortable opening 45 minutes for Portland.

So imagine their dismay as the Deans dramatically turned the game on its head after the break with a Josh Maloney double and singles from Benny Read and Tyler Moret.

“Three-nil up at half-time and losing 4-3, it’s difficult to paint a particularly good picture, but the first-half performance was great,” said Portland boss Simon Browne.

“But second-half we had the wind in our faces and I don’t know whether teams take confidence from having the wind behind them.

“Horndean, to be fair to them, had a rollicking and came out a completely different side. They gave it a right good go and unfortunately we capitulated.

“I’ve been on the right end of a 3-0 down at half-time and 4-3 win, but I’ve never been on the wrong end. It's tough to take.”

Wily Horndean boss Michael Birmingham deserves much of the credit for a triple half-time substitution that turned the match around on a foggy afternoon in Dorset.

The arrival of Maloney, Josh Mound and Liam Kimber was just what the doctor ordered for the eight-placed visitors.

Horndean have a big task ahead of them at league leaders Andover Town tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

*LYMINGTON Town dropped a place to sixth in the Sydenhams Premier after a stormy 1-0 defeat at AFC Portchester.

Dale Mason’s first-half strike proved the difference between the sides in a game that ended nine-versus-ten at the Blanchard Wells Stadium.

Portchester had Jake Morgan and Andy Todd sent off, along with a Lymington player, in the final 15 minutes.

The Royals are now just two points behind Lymo in seventh with four games in hand over the New Forest outfit.

"We defended well to keep a clean sheet and it keeps our forward momentum going," said Portchester co-boss Mick Catlin.

Tomorrow (7.45pm), the Royals host Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the league, while Lymington entertain Netley Central Sports playing for a semi-final against Saints under-23s in the Southampton Senior Cup.