Image: Michelle Carr
Match Report: Dave Ring.
New Milton Town v Portland United
Saturday 18th April 2026 3:00pm
M.A. Hart Stadium
Attendance ?
Portland United signed off their Wessex League Premier Division campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a 3, 0 victory away at New Milton Town to consolidate a superb third-place finish on 78 points.
With momentum and confidence clearly building ahead of Wednesday’s playoff semi-final, the Blues produced a professional, disciplined display, with all three goals coming from set pieces.
The opening stages offered little in the way of clear chances, though Portland looked the more assured of the two sides. That early control soon paid off. From a corner, a defensive mix up inside the New Milton box allowed Jenkins to react quickest, firing home to give the visitors the lead.
Portland wasted no time in doubling their advantage. Just minutes later, another delivery into the area caused problems, and Corbridge was on hand to finish, putting the Blues firmly in control before the midway point of the first half.
With a two goal cushion, Portland managed the remainder of the half effectively, restricting the hosts to very little and heading into the break in a strong position.
The second half saw a series of changes from both sides, with Portland utilising their squad to keep things fresh. Crit Clark and Josh Camp were introduced at the interval, while further changes followed as the half progressed, including the introduction of Jamie Cleaver just after the hour mark.
Despite the hosts attempting to respond, Portland remained organised and largely untroubled. New Milton’s frustration began to show, but clear chances remained at a premium.
The decisive third goal arrived late on and fittingly came from another set piece. A well delivered corner was met by super sub Jamie Cleaver, who powered a header home to seal the win and cap off a dominant afternoon for the visitors.
The closing stages saw Portland comfortably see out the result, ensuring a clean sheet and a deserved three points on the road.
Attention now quickly turns to Wednesday night, where the Blues return to the Camp and Satherley for a crucial playoff semi-final against Andover New Street, carrying both form and belief from an outstanding league campaign.
FT: New Milton Town 0 Portland United 3
Portland United: Steiner-Reid, Andrews, Peach, Scott, Gadsby, Corbridge, Woolford, Joyce, Nixon, Delves, Jenkins,
Substitutes: Camp, Cleaver, Clarke, Symes, Morris
New Milton Town: Thomas, Pearce-Eavis, Franklin, C. Smith, Lowes, H. Smith, Coat, Thompson, Mckeown, Carswell, Burns,
Substitutes: Thornton, Neagu, Swager, Cousens, Kay
