POOLE Town opened their pre-season friendly campaign with a 6-3 defeat at the hands of League One Portsmouth – despite racing to an early two-goal lead.

Dolphins split their team into two, playing 45 minutes each, and some of the squad had been playing for the under-18s last season, while Portsmouth played a side packed with Football League experience.

Poole started well with two goals in the opening seven minutes courtesy of Ollie Balmer and Luke Burbidge.

By half-time, it was 2-2 as Nicke Kabamba and Ben Close had both got on the scoresheet.

Portsmouth's Curtis Main drew first blood in the second half with a neat turn and shot after some quick passing from Close and Gary Roberts.

Luke Roberts levelled minutes later following a brilliant solo run, which ended with him putting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Portsmouth took control as the game entered the final 25 minutes and Close, Main and Kabamba all completed doubles.

  • Dorset Premier League Swanage Town & Herston host Southern League West Wimborne Town in a pre-season friendly tonight (7.45pm).

The Day’s Park showdown is the first warm-up match for the two Dorset clubs.
Matt Holmes’s Magpies are three leagues higher than Tim Brown’s Swans 
Christchurch manager Ollie Cherrett takes his Priory squad to former club Merley Cobham Sports (6.30pm).