Image Courtesy: Dave Wagner

Match Report: Dave Ring

Portland United Reserves 2-0 Balti Sports
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Wednesday 25th February (2:00pm)

Portland United bounced back in style with a hard-earned 2–0 victory over an in-form Balti Sports, producing a performance packed with intensity, discipline and clinical finishing.

From the first whistle this was played at a relentless tempo. Balti started brightly and looked composed in possession, but Portland matched them stride for stride, snapping into tackles and breaking forward with purpose.

It took just two minutes for Remis Nixon to make his presence felt. Back after an injury-hit campaign, he tested the visiting goalkeeper with a crisp strike that drew a sharp save. It was an early warning.

Three minutes later, Nixon made it count. Finding space just outside the area on five minutes, he shifted the ball out of his feet and unleashed a confident drive that flew beyond the keeper to give Portland a dream start. 1–0.

Balti refused to wilt and the contest became an end-to-end affair, both sides carving out opportunities in an entertaining spell. Portland, though, looked dangerous whenever they surged forward.

The Blues doubled their advantage on 35 minutes with a goal crafted through determination in the air and composure on the deck. A dangerous delivery into the box was met by Kyle Critchell, who rose highest to win the header and guide it across goal. Haydon Scott reacted quickest, keeping his cool to drill a low finish home o make it 2–0.

Portland went into the break with a deserved two-goal cushion.

Balti emerged for the second half with renewed intent, throwing men forward and probing for a way back into the game. Portland’s back line, along with their goalkeeper, stood firm under sustained pressure, showing the resilience that had been demanded in recent weeks.

Having weathered the early storm, the Blues regained control around the hour mark. The tempo dipped slightly but the discipline remained. Portland managed the game intelligently, closing down spaces and restricting Balti to efforts from distance.

As the clock ticked down, the visitors’ urgency grew, yet clear-cut chances remained scarce. Portland’s organisation and work rate never wavered, ensuring the clean sheet stayed intact.

At the final whistle, it was a result built on sharp finishing, collective graft and defensive resolve, exactly the response required.