HARTPURY FC saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end as Portland United secured a 2-0 victory in Southern League Division One South on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Harley Brook and Gregory Borthwick proved decisive at the Camp & Satherley Stadium, despite the Acorns creating several opportunities throughout an entertaining contest.

Hartpury made one change from their victory over Shaftesbury, with Rory Preston replacing the injured Billy Osborn.

Both sides threatened early on, with Hartpury goalkeeper Seth Locke producing an important save to deny Connor Dunesby-Bent inside the opening minute.

Preston then tested Portland goalkeeper Toby Stainer-Reid before Louis Manning curled an effort narrowly wide.

Nathan Jenkins came closest to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half, forcing Stainer-Reid into an impressive diving save from 20 yards.

Portland responded through Patrick Jenkins, who missed a one-on-one opportunity, while Archie Woolford struck the post shortly before the interval.

Hartpury emerged strongly after the restart, with Jesse Aldridge firing over and Nathan Jenkins seeing another promising opportunity denied.

However, the hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Brook reacted quickest to a deflected effort striking the woodwork, turning home the rebound.

Hartpury nearly found an equaliser nine minutes later as Nathan Jenkins drove forward from halfway and unleashed a low shot which Stainer-Reid initially spilled before recovering.

Portland punished that missed opportunity in the 73rd minute when substitute Borthwick, introduced less than a minute earlier, produced a superb finish into the top corner from 18 yards.

The visitors continued pushing forward but were unable to find a breakthrough as Portland comfortably protected their two-goal advantage.

The defeat ended Hartpury's encouraging run of results, with the Acorns looking to respond when they welcome Bishops Cleeve to the 4ED Hartpury Stadium on Tuesday evening.