SAFFA SCORCHER SEALS WIN FOR THE O'S

Saffa's goal, his first for the club, sealed all three points for the O's who defended well during the ninety minutes, leeping their first clean sheet since September in the process.

With Josh Dempsey absent, it was joint manager David Stone that took the team to a Portishead side lying just three points off the top six. Stone selected himself for the bench with Saffa coming in for his first start. Jordan Richards and Lewis Parker were unavailable through work, with Sam Hippisley and Jason Side deputising.

The first half was devoid of chances and what opportunities there were fell to the hosts. Tyler Davies threatened early on with an effort that fizzed wide and top scorer Oli Trevarthen twice shot wide from the edge of the box. Shaun Semmens in the Oldland goal produced a fantastic save to deny Will Cook as the half closed.

Oldland came out after the break a lot more lively and Ashley Bernard almost bundled a Ryan Dunn free kick in at the far post on fifty minutes. But the travelling O's were celebrating three minutes later when their side scored the only goal of the game. After a corner was partially cleared to Owen McCallum, his shot from distance fell to the feet of Saffa who turned and hit a beauty high into the net for his first goal in Oldland colours.

Portishead came back at Oldland looking for an equaliser but finding the defence solid and keeper Semmens looking impressive behind them. Chances were restricted to just a couple of clear opportunities with James Hughes going closest. At the other end, Ollie Woodhouse almost headed past his own keeper as he attempted to put the ball behind for a corner, the ball coming off the post and away.

Sam Hippisley headed wide with twelve minutes left and shortly after, Semmens made his second top save of the night, tipping a Trevarthen free kick over for a corner. His net remained untouched for the rest of the night as O's completed their third win in their last six away games. Next up is Chard Town on Saturday, kick off at Castle Road at 3.00pm.