Image: Dave Wagner

Match Report: Mark Coleman.

Portland United Reserves 2-2 Wimborne Town Reserves

Camp & Satherley Stadium (2:00pm)

Portland United Reserves staged an impressive comeback at the Camp & Satherley Stadium as they fought back from two goals down to earn a well-deserved 2–2 draw against Wimborne Town.

With five changes from their previous outing, Portland took time to settle, and Wimborne took full advantage of their slow start. The visitors began brightly, controlling the early play and showing good energy in forward areas.

Their pressure paid off after 15 minutes when they opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Just five minutes later, Wimborne struck again, doubling their lead in the 20th minute and leaving Portland with work to do.

The home side gradually found their rhythm as the half wore on, improving their possession and attacking combinations. However, despite their late pressure, Portland went into the break trailing 2–0.

Whatever was said at half-time had an immediate effect. Portland came out with greater intensity and purpose, pushing Wimborne back and creating early chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 50th minute when a spell of pressure led to a penalty. Preston Hepburn stepped up confidently and fired home, halving the deficit.

The match grew increasingly open, with both sides trading chances in a thrilling end‑to‑end contest. Then came the defining moment, one destined to live long in the memories of Portland supporters. In the 82nd minute, goalkeeper Harry Foden stepped up to take a free kick from the halfway line. As the ball sailed forward, the low evening sun deceived the Wimborne keeper, and it carried over him before dropping neatly into the back of the net. It was the kind of extraordinary strike you’d expect to see replayed on Match of the Day.

The final minutes saw chances at both ends, with the game flowing from one attack to the other. In the end, a draw felt like a fair reflection of a competitive and entertaining encounter.