Image: Michelle Carr.
Match Report: Rian Harvey.
Portland United Reserves 0 – 0 Verwood Town
Saturday 11th October 2025, 3:00pm – Camp & Satherley Stadium
Portland Reserves were held to an entertaining yet frustrating 0–0 draw against newly managed Verwood on Saturday at The Camp and Satherley, a rare scoreline at this level of football. The result left the home side proud of their performance but ruing missed chances, while the visitors were understandably jubilant after withstanding long spells of pressure.
It took only three minutes for Portland to show their attacking intent. Kai found space inside the box and unleashed a powerful strike, forcing the Verwood keeper into an excellent early save. That set the tone for a lively opening period, with both sides showing attacking ambition.
Verwood, however, began to find their rhythm on the counter-attack. Their game plan was clear, soak up pressure and break quickly, and it nearly paid off on several occasions. The Portland keeper had to be sharp, producing a series of fine, point-blank saves to keep the scores level during a lively first quarter of the game.
As the half progressed, Portland started to dominate possession, pressing higher up the pitch and pinning Verwood back. The best chance of the half came when Jenkins was brought down clearly inside the area, earning the hosts a penalty. He stepped up confidently, but his effort was well saved, and the rebound was quickly gathered by the visiting keeper. Far from being discouraged, Jenkins responded with another fierce strike just before the interval, which was again stopped impressively.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Portland continuing to dictate play and Verwood relying on their defensive discipline and quick transitions. The Blues tightened their grip in midfield, moving the ball well and creating several half-chances, but Verwood’s back line stood firm and cleared their lines with determination.
As the game entered its final stages, the home supporters urged their team forward, sensing a breakthrough might finally come. Crosses flashed across the box, corners were forced, and shots tested the keeper, but the visitors’ resilience could not be broken.
When the final whistle blew, Portland were left to reflect on a performance full of effort, control, and creativity, just without the finishing touch it deserved. Verwood, meanwhile, could take great credit for their organisation and defensive display, earning a valuable point away from home.
Portland United Reserves:
Callam Smalley, Ash Warwick, Ellis Moles, Ashley Smith (capt), Sam Gadsby, Haydon Scott, Preston Hepburn, Callam Norman, Kia Kilcoyne, Freddie Whitehead, Pat Jenkins
Substitutes: Josh Hanger, Cameron Squibb, Billy Hathway, Mihai Bobora-David, Tyler Butcher
