Image: Dave Wagner

Match Report: Dave Ring

Melksham Town 6-0 Portland United
Southern League Division One South
Tuesday 20th October 2026 – 7:45pm
The Meads of Melksham Community Football Stadium

Portland United travelled to the Meads of Melksham Community Football Stadium on Tuesday evening hoping to continue their Southern League Division One South campaign with a positive result, but the Blues endured a challenging night under the lights as Melksham Town secured a 6–0 victory.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead after 11 minutes when Kitan Jaiyeoba found the net. Portland were unable to settle into their rhythm, and 18 minutes later Melksham doubled their advantage, Dawid Regula finishing from close range after good work from Jaiyeoba.

The early goals gave the home side confidence, and Portland faced an uphill task as Melksham continued to look dangerous going forward. The Blues made an early change, with Greg Borthwick replacing Remus Nixon in the 13th minute, but the hosts maintained their pressure and added a third in first-half stoppage time, Jaiyeoba completing his brace to give Melksham a 3–0 lead at the interval.

Portland needed a positive start to the second half, but Melksham struck again ten minutes after the restart. Jake Hicks produced a powerful effort from outside the penalty area to make it four, before Regula added his second of the evening just a minute later with a neat finish into the far corner.

The Blues responded with further changes, Tom Peach replacing Archie Woolford and Connor Dunesby-Bent coming on for captain Josh Williams. Portland continued to work hard, but Melksham remained in control of the contest and added a sixth goal in the 79th minute through Dylan Lewis.

Despite the difficult scoreline, Portland continued to compete until the final whistle, although they were unable to find a response against a Melksham side who took their chances well and produced an effective attacking display.

It was an evening to put behind them for the Blues, who will now look to regroup and turn their attention to the next fixture, home to Bishops Cleave on Saturday. Credit must go to Melksham, who made the most of their opportunities to record a convincing home victory.

Full-time: Melksham Town 6–0 Portland United

Melksham Town: Samuel Jepson, Leon Greenland, Jake Hicks, Alex Hallett, Mark Cooper (C), Dylan Lewis, Kitan Jaiyeoba, Harry Tucker, Dawid Regula, Joshua Terry, Samuel Francis.
Substitutes: Jaydon Biss, LJ Bexon-Shaw, David Thompson, Lewis Royston.

Portland United: Toby Stainer-Reid, Harley Brook, Jake Streams, Hayden Scott, Josh A Williams, Jamie Cleaver, Patrick Jenkins, Josh L Williams (C), Remus Nixon, Jack Delves, Archie Woolford.
Substitutes: Greg Borthwick, Joshua Camp, Connor Dunesby-Bent, Jacob Coombs, Tom Peach.