Image: Courtesy Ben Smith Photography.

Match Report: Dave Ring.

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Senior Trophy
Blandford United 5–0 Portland United Reserves
6th December – Blandford Recreation Ground (1:30pm KO)

Portland United Reserves battled through a foul, wind-lashed afternoon at Blandford Recreation Ground as the Senior Trophy tie went ahead while many other matches across the county were wiped out. Unfortunately, the tough conditions didn’t favour Portland, and Blandford United took full advantage, running out 5–0 winners.

Blandford struck early and kept the pressure on, forcing Portland onto the back foot and establishing a 3–0 lead by half-time. Despite the scoreline, Portland’s younger players, several drafted up from the Under-18s, showed real grit against a strong, well-organised home side.

The Reserves tried to inject fresh energy after the break. Igor Da Costa was introduced on 50 minutes, followed shortly after by Josh Hanger on 55 minutes. Rhys Middlewick came on for the final 20 to bolster the midfield, and both George Ross-Mackenzie and Mihai Bobora-David entered the action in the closing stages as Portland pushed to find a breakthrough. The effort was there, but Blandford remained clinical and added two more late goals to seal the tie.

Despite the result, the experience will serve Portland’s young players well, with several stepping up admirably in difficult conditions.

Portland United Reserves: Sam Gregg, Haydon Payne, Ellis Moles, Ash Smith, Tyler Butcher, Josh Grace, Sonny Cleaton, Adam Rodgers, Ash Warwick, Callum Norman, Preston Hepburn.
Substitutes: Josh Hanger, Mihai Bobora-David, Rhys Middlewick, George Ross-Mackenzie, Igor Da Costa.