Image: Hattrick hero Remus Nixon.

Match Report: Dave Ring.

Portland United kicked off their pre-season campaign in style with a comprehensive 7–0 victory over Blandford United on Wednesday evening (2nd July) at the Blandford School 3G pitch.

The fixture, played in good spirit and under competitive conditions, saw the visitors race into a commanding 5–0 lead by half-time in the 7pm kick-off.

New signing Remus Nixon starred on the night, bagging a first-half hat-trick to get his Portland career off to a flying start. He was joined on the scoresheet by Jacob Coombs and Josh Camp, who each found the net before the interval to round off a dominant opening 45 minutes for the Blues.

Portland continued to control proceedings after the break, with further goals from Greg Borthwick and Tom Butcher sealing an impressive early performance for Kyle Critchell’s side.

At the other end, new goalkeeper Harry Foden enjoyed a quiet but assured debut, keeping a clean sheet to round off a perfect evening for the visitors.

With plenty of positives to take from the opening friendly, Portland will look to build momentum as preparations continue for the 2025/26 Wessex Premier League campaign.