Image: Michelle Carr.

Match Report: Dave Ring

Balti Sports 7-1 Portland United Reserves
Dorset Premier League – Saturday 22nd November, 2:00pm
Weymouth College

Portland United Reserves endured a torrid afternoon in Weymouth as they were soundly beaten 7–1 by Balti Sports, a stark contrast to their spirited 3–2 victory over the same opponents just a week earlier in the Dorset Senior Trophy.

With heavy rain saturating the Weymouth College pitch, conditions were difficult throughout, but it was Balti Sports who adapted better. They started with greater intensity and punished Portland’s defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.

The Reserves struggled to gain any foothold in the match, and by the 35th minute, manager Carl Much was forced into his first change, introducing Joe Warring for Kia Kilcoyne. At half-time, Harvey Davies replaced Adam Rodgers in an attempt to steady the midfield.

Despite the reshuffle, Balti continued to dominate, and further substitutions followed: Josh Hanger and Josh Grace came on for Tyler Butcher and Ellis Moles respectively in the 55th minute, while Haydon Payne replaced Max Fisher on 65 minutes.

Portland did manage to find the net, but the goal served only as a consolation on a day where little went right. The players left the pitch knowing they had fallen well short of the standards set in their previous outing.

A day to forget for the Reserves, who will now look to regroup and respond with a stronger, more disciplined performance in their next fixture at home to Wimborne Town Reserves next Saturday.

Final Score: Balti Sports 7–1 Portland United Reserves

Portland United Reserves: Alfie Watts, Ash Smith (C), Ellis Moles, Greg Taylor, Max Fisher, Tyler Butcher, Sonny Cleeton, Adam Rodgers, Kia Kilcoyne, Call Norman, Preston Hepburn
Substitutes: Haydon Payne, Josh Hanger, Harvey Davies, Josh Grace, Joe Warring