Image: Michelle Carr.
Match Report: Mark Coleman
Dorset Premier League
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Wednesday 19th August 2026 (7:45pm)
Portland United welcomed Dorchester Sports to the Camp & Satherley Stadium on Wednesday evening for the club’s first evening fixture, and the large home crowd was treated to an entertaining six-goal thriller as the two sides shared the points in a memorable 3–3 draw.
Portland made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes. Striker Josh Tennant produced a pinpoint pass to Preston Hepburn on the edge of the Dorchester box, and Hepburn kept his composure to calmly slot the ball home and give Portland an early 1–0 advantage.
The game then settled into an even contest, with both sides creating opportunities.
On 20 minutes, Dorchester won a corner which was delivered dangerously into the Portland penalty area. Goalkeeper Karl Wall was surrounded by players as he attempted to deal with the ball, which took a deflection and found its way into the net to bring Dorchester level.
Portland responded strongly and continued to work hard. On 35 minutes, Josh Tennant produced an outstanding individual effort, volleying the ball into the Dorchester net to restore Portland’s lead.
Portland were now in control and added a third before the interval, with Mike Powell finding the net to give the home side a deserved 3–1 lead at half-time.
Dorchester came out of the blocks quickly after the restart and immediately put Portland under pressure. Their efforts were rewarded in the 50th minute when they pulled a goal back to make it 3–2.
For the first time in the match, Portland looked slightly nervous and needed the following 15 minutes to regain their composure. Gradually, the home side settled back into their rhythm and began creating chances once again.
Josh Tennant continued to cause problems for the Dorchester defence and produced another excellent piece of play, sending a beautiful ball across the box for substitute Sonny Cleeton. With the goal at his mercy, Cleeton narrowly missed from just three yards.
That miss would prove costly.
With just ten minutes remaining, Dorchester found the equaliser in the 80th minute to make it 3–3 and set up a dramatic finish.
Neither side could find a winning goal in the closing stages, but both teams deserve huge credit for producing an excellent game of football.
Final Result: Portland United FC 3–3 Dorchester Sports
Goals: Preston Hepburn, Josh Tennant, Mike Powell
A memorable first evening fixture at the Camp & Satherley Stadium, with Portland showing plenty of attacking quality and character against a strong Dorchester Sports side. The large home crowd played their part in a fantastic atmosphere as both teams shared the spoils after an entertaining six-goal encounter.
