Image: Michelle Carr

Match report: Dave Ring

Bournemouth Electric 1-4 Portland United Reserves
Dorset premier League
Saturday 26th September – 3:00pm
Broadway Park.

Portland United Reserves produced an excellent performance at Broadway Park, beating Bournemouth Electric 4–1 to claim a deserved three points in the Dorset Premier Football League.

Electric came into the game looking to bounce back from their 10–1 defeat in the DPL Cup, away at Cobham Sports last time out, but it was Portland who finished the afternoon with all the smiles, producing a strong second-half display to secure a convincing victory.

Electric started brightly and asked early questions of the Portland defence, but Karl Wall was equal to the challenge, making two important saves during the opening exchanges and giving the Reserves a solid platform to build from.

Portland then took the lead in controversial circumstances. A driven effort struck an Electric defender at close range and, after the referee judged the contact to be handball, a penalty was awarded. Mike Powell stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to put Portland 1–0 ahead.

Electric responded positively and eventually found an equaliser through Dillon King, who finished well following a sharp attacking move to make it 1–1.

The home side almost turned the game around before half-time when Kyle Clements rose to meet a cross and thundered a header against the post, but Portland survived the scare and the sides went into the interval level.

Whatever was said in the Portland dressing room at half-time certainly had the desired effect.

The Reserves came out with renewed purpose after the restart and began to take control. They regained the lead when Jaydon Biss rose highest from a corner and powered his header into the net to make it 2–1.

Electric pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but their attacking efforts left gaps at the back and Portland were more than happy to exploit them.

Josh Tennant was becoming increasingly influential and soon got his reward. The Portland forward raced through into space before keeping his composure to finish and put the Reserves 3–1 ahead.

Electric goalkeeper Deakin then produced several excellent saves to keep his side in the contest, but Portland continued to threaten and the pressure eventually told again.

Tennant struck for a second time late on to complete an outstanding individual performance and make it 4–1, effectively putting the result beyond any doubt.

Portland then managed the closing stages professionally, with Ellis Moles, Aiden Milnes, Jude Wash and Preston Hepburn all introduced from the bench as the Reserves saw out another impressive league victory.

It was a thoroughly deserved win for Portland, who showed character after Electric’s equaliser and then produced a superb second-half performance to take the game away from their opponents.

Four goals, another strong all-round display and two for Tennant made it a very satisfying afternoon for the Portland United Reserves.

FT: Bournemouth Electric 1 Portland United Reserves 4

Portland United Reserves: Karl Wall, Harley Brook, Harrison Moss, Jaydon Biss, Tyler Butcher, Harvey Davies (c), Conner Bent, Adam Rodgers, Josh Tennant, Mike Powell, Joe Waring.

Subs: Ellis Moles, Tom Butcher, Aiden Milnes, Jude Wash, Preston Hepburn.

Substitutions: Ellis Moles for Harley Brook, Aiden Milnes for Conner Bent, Jude Wash for Harvey Davies, Preston Hepburn for Joe Waring.

Goals: Mike Powell (pen), Jaydon Biss, Josh Tennant 2.

Cautions: None.