Match Report: Ryan Harvey.

MATCH REPORT: Portland Reserves 0–1 Dorchester Sports

Portland Reserves fell to a heartbreaking late defeat at home as promotion-chasing Dorchester Sports snatched all three points in the dying seconds of added time.

Despite facing one of the league’s in-form sides, the young and energetic Portland side, boosted by the experience of Ash Smith and Alex Halloran, produced a battling performance that defied their recent run of results.

Sports, featuring former Portland first-team manager and player Shaun Bessant, arrived sitting second in the table and unbeaten since the opening day, while the Blues were third from bottom and on a four-game losing streak. The expectation around the ground was for a comfortable away win, but the hosts had other ideas.

From the first whistle, Portland came out with energy and intent, pressing high and unsettling Dorchester Sports early on. Their organisation and work rate were impressive, and as the half went on, the Blues settled into a strong defensive shape that frustrated the visitors.

A goalless first half was a reward for Portland’s discipline and effort, and though Sports began the second half with renewed pressure, they were continually repelled by a resilient home defence and some excellent midfield tracking.

As the game wore on, Dorchester made several attacking changes in search of a breakthrough, but Portland continued to stand firm. In fact, as the visitors committed bodies forward, the Blues began to carve out chances of their own.

Billy Hathaway, who worked tirelessly throughout, almost snatched a famous goal after driving forward on the counterattack, only to see his effort held by goalkeeper Sam Duncalf. Moments later, Callum Clark broke down the right and came agonisingly close, a heavy final touch denying what could have been a decisive finish.

With seven minutes of added time indicated, the tension was palpable. Dorchester threw everything forward, and just as it seemed Portland would earn a well-deserved point, heartbreak struck. A long ball into the box found its way to Sports’ winger, whose cross met Alex Godfrey in the middle. His initial effort was saved by Alfie, but the rebound was bundled home as the final whistle sounded.

There were strong appeals for offside, many around the ground convinced Godfrey was beyond the last defender, but the flag stayed down, and Dorchester celebrated a last-gasp victory.

For Portland Reserves, it was a cruel end to a superb display full of commitment, organisation, and belief. Despite the result, the performance offered plenty of positives and showed a spirit that will no doubt serve them well in the battles ahead.

Full-Time: Portland Reserves 0–1 Dorchester Sports