Match report by: Dave Ring

Portland United Reserves were dealt a tough lesson at the Camp & Satherley Stadium as they fell 5–1 to a slick Wimborne Town Reserves side on Saturday afternoon.

Wimborne looked sharp from the outset, dominating possession and putting Portland under sustained pressure with their fluent, attacking football. Portland dug in and held firm for the opening 25 minutes, but the resistance was broken when the visitors found the net with a well-taken opener.

Wimborne continued to push and doubled their lead on 40 minutes, before adding a third right on the stroke of half-time, leaving Portland with a mountain to climb at the break.

To their credit, Portland came out fighting in the second half, making tactical changes that brought more structure and urgency to their play. Their efforts paid off in the 70th minute when Matt Chambers showed great persistence to finish from close range after a pinpoint corner delivery from Sanchez Baker. The goal gave the Blues a glimmer of hope at 3–1.

However, any chance of a comeback was swiftly extinguished. Wimborne regained control, restored their rhythm, and added a fourth in the 78th minute before rounding off the scoring with a fifth in the 85th. Despite the result, the day carried special significance as it marked the final appearance for long-serving club stalwart Ryan McKechnie, who bows out after 15 years of dedicated service. A key figure in the Wessex Premier League-winning side under Gary Bailey, Ryan later became a dependable presence in the Reserves. His leadership, commitment, and quality will be missed on and off the pitch.