Image courtesy Hamworthy United Veo.

Match Report Dave Ring.

Tuesday 8th July – County Ground, Hamworthy – 8:00pm Kick-Off

Portland United Reserves put in a spirited performance on Tuesday night, but were ultimately edged out 3-1 by Hamworthy United in a pre-season fixture at the County Ground.

The match began brightly with both sides playing open, attacking football. It was Portland who struck first on 20 minutes, when Jamie Cleaver finished smartly to put the visitors ahead. The lead didn’t last to the break, however, as Hamworthy levelled on 43 minutes to send the teams in at half-time all square at 1-1.

Portland made five changes at the interval, introducing a number of players from their Under-18s squad. Despite the inexperience, the young Blues side defended well and stayed in the contest. But on the hour mark, Hamworthy found a way through and took the lead. With time running out and Portland pushing for an equaliser, Hamworthy added a third just before the final whistle to seal the win.

Speaking after the match, Portland United’s Director of Football, Gary Bailey, said:
“It was a really encouraging performance from a very youthful Reserves side. We played some very good football. In the second half we were extremely young and held our own against a very experienced Hamworthy side.”

Full Time: Hamworthy United 3 – 1 Portland United Reserves