STRIKER Gerry De La Planque struck a late winner as Sports secured second spot in the Dorset Senior League with a 2-1 win at Stalbridge.

The powerhouse shot home from close-range after Stalbridge had wiped out Chris Evans' opener. All three goals came in the second half.

The Seasiders will now need local rivals Easton United to do them a favour this Saturday if they are to go one step better and capture the title.

The Portlanders host leaders Wincanton Town, who require just three points from their last three games to take the championship. Sports are due to visit the Somerset side for their final game of the season on April 14.

Speaking after his side's win at Stalbridge, manager Gary Bailey said: "Due to injuries, holidays and work commitments a number of our players were unavailable so a lot of credit must go to those who played even though not fully fit.

"The wind was a real leveller today and at times we made hard work of things. But we showed some good character after they scored and I am delighted we got the win that secures second place.

"At 0-0 you always wonder if the goal is going to come but little by little we got on top and even though we left it late I think we deserved the three points."

Sports faced a gale-force wind in the first half and at times both sides found it almost impossible to keep the ball on the pitch let alone play any attractive football.

To their credit it was the visitors who looked the more likely scorers with Chris Evans, Andy Mason and Tom Hastie all going close. The home side's only threat came from long balls forward which on the odd occasion cause confusion in Sports' defence.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Bailey's men began to turn up the heat and after squandering several good opportunities they finally opened the scoring on 70 minutes when Chris Evans drove the ball home from inside the box.

Sports suddenly looked comfortable but once again they failed to take some good chances and that allowed the hosts to hit back with an effort 10 minutes later.

Desperate to win the game, the away side put three up front in the latter stages and the gamble paid off. Some good work down the left flank by substitute Mickey Greeno found Nigel Evans on the edge of the box and his shot deflected at the feet of De La Planque, who made no mistake.

Sports: Carter, Wallis, N Evans (Wash), Alcock, Garbett (Greeno), Mason, Hastie, Malendino (Hillier), McGarrigal, De La Planque, C Evans.