Match Report: Dave Ring

Portland United Reserves pushed Bournemouth Electric all the way in a competitive Dorset Premier League encounter but were left frustrated as the hosts edged a narrow 2–1 victory.

The Reserves started well and matched Bournemouth Electric across the pitch, with skipper Ash Smith leading by example and good organisation at the back from Greg Taylor and Josh Grace. In midfield, Harvey Davies and Ash Warwick worked tirelessly to keep Portland competitive, while Sonny Cleeton provided energy and drive going forward.

Against the run of play, Bournemouth Electric took the lead shortly before half-time, scoring in the 44th minute to give themselves a slender advantage at the break.

Portland responded in exactly the right manner after the restart. The Blues increased the tempo and were rewarded on 54 minutes when Igor Da Costa showed great composure to find the net and level the scores, fully deserved after a strong spell of pressure.

Substitutes Billy Hathaway, Haydn Payne, and George Ross-Mackenzie were introduced to maintain momentum, and Portland continued to push for a second goal. However, despite their efforts, Bournemouth Electric struck again later in the half to regain the lead. Portland threw everything forward in the closing stages, but the equaliser wouldn’t come. While the result didn’t go their way, the performance was full of commitment, spirit, and encouragement, with plenty of positives to take into the next fixture.

FT: Bournemouth Electric 2-1 Portland United Reserves