Image: Chris King

Match Report: Dave Ring

Portland United U18 3-1 Lilliput Athletic U18
Dorset County FA Youth Cup U18 Semi Final
Camp & Satherley Stadium, 2:30pm

Portland United U18 produced an excellent performance at the Camp & Satherley Stadium to defeat Lilliput Athletic U18 3-1 and secure their place in the Dorset County FA Youth Cup U18 Final.

The young Blues started brightly and quickly showed their intent to take control of the semi final. With Gregg commanding from the back and Roy and James working hard across the defence, Portland settled well and began to create chances going forward.

The breakthrough eventually arrived when Hepburn finished well to give Portland the lead, rewarding the early pressure. The goal lifted the home side and they continued to move the ball confidently through midfield where Rodgers and Wash linked play effectively.

Portland doubled their advantage when Roy found the net, finishing off a well worked move to put the young Blues firmly in control of the tie. Lilliput responded before the break and managed to pull a goal back, keeping the contest alive heading into the second half.

After the interval Portland continued to press forward and maintained their attacking threat. Ellis was influential throughout and played a key role in driving the team forward, while Hepburn and Cleeton kept the Lilliput defence under constant pressure.

The decisive third goal arrived when Powell, introduced from the bench, calmly finished to restore Portland’s two goal advantage and effectively seal the victory.

Portland used their bench well during the second half, with Bament, Bobora-David, McCarthy and Lampard all entering the action as the young Blues managed the game confidently during the closing stages.

At the final whistle Portland celebrated a deserved 3-1 victory which books their place in the Dorset County FA Youth Cup U18 Final, where they will face Cobham Sports U18 on a date yet to be confirmed.

E. Ellis was named Player of the Match after an outstanding display in midfield, capping a strong all round team performance from the young Blues.

Portland United U18: Gregg, Roy, James, Hepburn, Moles, Rodgers, S. Ellis, E. Ellis, Cleeton, Walsh, Ross-Mackenzie.
Subs used: Bament, Bobora-David, Powell, McCarthy, Lampard.