Image: Michelle Carr.
Match Report: Dave Ring.
Christchurch v Portland United
Tuesday 7th April 2026 7:45pm
Hurn Bridge Sports Club
Attendance 147
On a balmy April evening at Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Portland United produced a ruthless, statement performance to all but secure their place in the play-offs, sweeping aside the Priory of Christchurch with a commanding six-goal display.
From the first whistle, Portland set the tone. Sharp in possession and relentless out of it, they pinned the hosts back and were rewarded early on 14 minutes. Pat Jenkins opened the scoring with a composed finish, capping off a slick attacking move that carved through the Christchurch defence.
There was a brief concern for the visitors soon after, as Greg Borthwick was forced off through injury after just 10 minutes, prompting an early reshuffle. However, it did little to disrupt Portland’s rhythm.
The visitors didn’t ease up. Their movement and tempo proved too much for the Priory to handle, and Jenkins struck again on 35 minutes, doubling both his tally and Portland’s advantage with another clinical effort.
With Christchurch struggling to gain a foothold, Portland added a third on the stroke of half time. Corbridge was the man on hand, finishing smartly to send the travelling side into the break firmly in control.
Half Time, Christchurch 0, Portland United 3
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Portland dictated proceedings, controlling possession and limiting Christchurch to very little in response. The Blues’ discipline and hunger ensured there was no way back for the hosts.
As the game wore on, the pressure told again. On 76 minutes, Nixon got in on the act, adding a fourth with a well-taken goal to further underline Portland’s dominance.
Managerial changes added fresh energy, and the substitutes made their mark. Josh Camp, introduced early in the first half, made sure his name was on the scoresheet, netting Portland’s fifth on 80 minutes with a lively contribution off the bench.
There was still time for one more. Deep into stoppage time, Hayden Scott rounded things off in style, firing home Portland’s sixth in the 90th minute to complete a comprehensive and emphatic victory.
It was a performance full of intent, quality, and control, exactly what was needed at this stage of the season. Every department clicked, and the result reflects just how sharp Portland were on the night.
The Blues now turn their attention to a stern test this weekend, as they welcome league winners and FA Vase finalists AFC Stoneham to the Camp & Satherley Stadium, a fixture that will provide a true measure of their play-off credentials.
Full Time, Christchurch 0, Portland United 6
Christchurch: James, Culshaw, Broadley, Hockton (C), MacArthur, Famurat, Jammeh, Miller, Fyffe, Anderton, Chipangura.
Substitutes: Fowler, J. Fu, T. Fu, Mckay, Adair-Charlton.
Portland United: Stainer-Reid, Coombs, Peach, Joyce, Gadsby, Corbridge, Jenkins, Williams (C), Borthwick, Delves, Nixon.
Substitutes: Camp, Scott, Ings, Woolford, Cleaver.
Portland United Substitutions:
Camp on for Borthwick, 10 mins
Scott on for Williams, 60 mins
Ings on for Coombs, 60 mins
Unused Substitutes:
Cleaver, Woolford
