Image: Michelle Carr

Match Report: Dave Ring.

Portland United 2–1 Baffins Milton Rovers
Velocity Wessex Premier League
Saturday 10th January – Kick-off 3:00pm
The Camp & Satherley Stadium

Portland United delighted the home supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Baffins Milton Rovers, showing character, quality, and real togetherness in an entertaining Wessex Premier League contest at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

The Blues started brightly, moving the ball with confidence and intent. With Josh Camp pulling the strings and good energy from Josh Williams and Archie Woolford, Portland quickly took control of proceedings. That dominance was deservedly rewarded on 25 minutes when a dangerous corner caused chaos in the Baffins penalty area and George Stuttle reacted sharply to fire home and put the hosts in front.

Portland continued to press for a second, with Patrick Jenkins leading the line superbly and Jack Delves causing problems out wide, but the visitors held firm and the half ended with Portland holding a narrow but deserved advantage.

Baffins responded after the break and drew level on 55 minutes through Jason Parish, but Portland’s response was exactly what the home crowd wanted to see. Rather than retreat, the Blues lifted the tempo and went back on the front foot.

The introduction of Ben Morris and Hayden Scott gave Portland fresh impetus, and the reception for Morris, back at the club after several successful seasons and a firm fans’ favourite, lifted the entire stadium. Portland’s pressure told on 70 minutes when Patrick Jenkins showed great composure inside the box to finish confidently and restore the lead.

From there, Portland managed the game well. The defence stood strong, with Callum Smalley commanding between the posts and the back line dealing calmly with everything Baffins could throw forward. The final whistle was met with a deserved round of applause as Portland secured three valuable points.

A committed team performance, two well-taken goals, and a welcome return for a popular face, an excellent afternoon for Portland United.

Portland United: Smalley; Coombs, Stuttle, Cleaver, Gadsby, Corbridge, Woolford, Williams, Jenkins, Camp, Delves.
Substitutes: Morris, Scott, Norman, Critchell, Foden.

Baffins: Kramer, Simm, Bailey, Ford, Sanders, Clark, Brook, Burroughs, Beale, Bell, Parish.
Substitutes: Vucaj, Britton, Thorpe, Smith-Alferez, and Vincent.