‘As good as it gets’ – US Portsmouth return to Wessex League action in style

Tom Cain, right, struck twice for US Portsmouth. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Tom Cain's first-half double and efforts after the restart from top scorer James Franklyn and Frankie Paige fired USP to an emphatic 4-0 triumph at lowly New Milton last night.It was their third fixture back since the 'non-elite' football suspension was lifted earlier this month - and all have been in different competitions.This was the first time USP have played in the league since an impressive victory at Bemerton Heath on October 27.Although pleased his side have progressed in the FA Vase and Wessex League Cup this term, Turnbull has made it clear the league is the priority this season.And the USP boss was relieved to see his side climb up to fourth last night against a side who have also reached the last 64 of the FA Vase.‘It was (nice to be back in league action),' said Turnbull.‘To win the game, keep a clean sheet and no injuries into the weekend - it’s all good really.‘We were comfortable with 4-0.‘It worked well as we rested Sweeney (Andy Todd) and Jeffers (Tom Jeffes) tonight.‘Once we got the goals we needed we took Dec (Seiden) off and Franko (Franklyn) so it was good from that part of it. It was as good as it could have been.‘We’ve been very clear to everybody, including the lads, that this (the league) is the bread and butter and this is what we’re in it for.’Cain, pictured, struck twice in a Wessex game for the first time in his career, both from set-pieces.First he tapped home at the far post from a corner and then, after Tyler Moret had hit the bar, he struck again from a Josh Hazell free-kick.Franklyn took his seasonal tally to 15 – a sublime lob over the keeper after receiving a Paige pass.Paige's volley, after good work from subs Jordan Pile and Dan Sibley, completed the scoring.New Milton ended with 10 men after sub Callum Parnell was sent off for a foul.USP's focus now turns to Saturday and an historic FA Vase third round tie at home to Devonians Millbrook.n Fareham’s home Wessex Premier game with Cowes last night was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.