Image: Michelle Carr

Match report: Dave Ring

Gillingham Town 1-2 Portland United Reserves
Dorset Premier League
Saturday 19th September
Woodwater Lane

Portland United Reserves produced a superb second half comeback at Woodwater Lane on Saturday afternoon, coming from behind to beat Gillingham Town 2–1 and return to Portland with all three points.

The Reserves started brightly enough but found themselves behind in the first half as Gillingham took advantage to move into the lead. Portland was forced to chase the game but remained in the contest and went into the interval with everything still to play for.

Portland came out after the break with renewed purpose and began to put the home side under increasing pressure. The equaliser duly arrived when Adam Rodgers found the net to bring the Reserves level and give them the momentum they needed.

With the scores level, the game became increasingly competitive as both sides looked for the decisive goal. Portland continued to work hard and refused to settle for a point, with Jude Wash, Joe Wareing, Harvey Davies and Rodgers all involved in the visitors’ attacking efforts.

Changes were made as Portland looked to maintain their intensity, with Tom Butcher, Darren Watts, Michael Powell and Conner Milnes all coming off the bench at various stages.

And it was substitute Tom Butcher who would have the final say.

With the game heading towards its conclusion, Butcher struck late on to complete the turnaround and send the Portland players and travelling support into celebrations. Having fallen behind in the first half, the Reserves had shown excellent character to fight their way back into the game and then go on to snatch the victory.

Gillingham pushed for a late response, but Portland held firm to see out the remaining minutes and secure a memorable 2–1 away win.

It was a thoroughly deserved reward for the Reserves’ persistence and determination, with the squad showing plenty of character to turn a losing position into three valuable Dorset Premier League points.