PORTLAND TOWN 1 WAREHAM 1

PORTLAND Town began the new campaign in the Veterans’ Western League against last season’s champions Wareham Rangers

Town gave debuts to a trio of new signings – Dan Pickering from Sunday side the Alex, Marc Dalley and Andy Wilson and all featured heavily in a game dominated by the home side

Town began the game with a 3-5-1 formation and, despite Wareham’s quality, it was the hosts who were the better side for long periods.

The midfield trio of Dave Adkins, Stu Spearing and Dave Eglon took full control of the game and created chance after chance for the strike pair of Alex Counter and Dalley.

It was Eglon’s effort on 10 minutes that saw the deadlock broken with Town taking a deserved lead when an effort from 20 yards through a crowded box gave the visiting keeper no chance.

The islanders continued to push forward with man of the match Lee Whisselle proving to be the outlet for his side.

His determined runs forward and crosses into the box were to perfection and Town were to rue the misses presented to them.

However, on 20 minutes, a corner from a rare Wareham attack was headed home for 1-1.

The second half was completely dominated by the hosts with Whisselle and John Chester on the other flank creating plenty of opportunities for their side to increase the lead.

Town were rarely troubled during the second half and keeper Nick Gregg and the back three of Pickering, Stu Wadner and Mal Birch were rarely called into action.

Island boss Andy Barber said: “We played Wareham off the park, if I’m honest.

“We just couldn’t put that one chance away. But yes I’m delighted.

“The new signings gelled right away and if we can keep up the performances in sure we will be challenging for honours come May next year.”