Match report by Dave Ring.

A lively encounter under the lights at the Camp & Satherley Stadium saw Portland United Reserves and Blandford United share the points in an entertaining 2–2 draw on Wednesday evening.

The visitors, Blandford United (The Royals), started the stronger of the two sides, dominating early possession and asking questions of the Portland backline. However, it was the home side who struck first against the run of play. On 25 minutes, a superb delivery from Chambers was met by Sanchez, who rose highest to power home a precise header, giving the Blues a 1–0 lead.

That advantage was short-lived. Ten minutes later, the Royals responded with a well-worked move. Stanley, wearing the number 14 shirt, showed good composure to find Whetton on the edge of the area, and he made no mistake, drilling a low shot past the keeper to level the score at 1–1.

The remainder of the first half was a balanced affair, with both sides enjoying spells of possession. Blandford looked the more threatening as the interval approached, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

The second half began with renewed energy from both teams, and it was the visitors who struck first after the restart. Just three minutes in, McCarthy pounced on a loose ball and delivered a superb half-volley into the bottom corner to put Blandford 2–1 ahead.

Portland responded with determination, gradually gaining the upper hand as the half progressed. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when McKechnie produced the moment of the match—an unstoppable 25-yard strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Despite both teams pushing for a winner in the closing stages, defences held firm and the spoils were shared in what was a well-contested and entertaining match.

Final Score: Portland United Reserves 2–2 Blandford United