PORTLAND Town’s first and reserve teams both took part in their first pre-season friendlies of the new campaign, in a double header away at Poole Borough’s first and reserve sides

The reserves kicked off in extremely hot conditions and, with a new look side, dominated the early possession against their counterparts.

George Dukes found the opener after 10 minutes with a delightful chest and left-foot volley from a throw in, taken by debutant Richard Johnson.

Town could have doubled their lead but Dukes this time was miles offside as he tapped in an effort from Colin Upfold.

And the visitors were made to pay just 60 seconds later when a rare attack from the hosts left keeper Steve Reid facing three Borough players. With the open net begging Poole made no mistake in making it 1-1 at the break.

The second half started well for the islanders as a long ball from Reid found Teejay Smith-McFarlane in on goal and he finished well to make it 2-1 and Town held on for the victory.

The club’s first team, sporting their new kit, began their game off the pace and found it difficult against their Senior League opposition.

The visitors were helpless as Poole bagged three goals in 20 first half mins, the third coming on the stroke of half-time.

The second half saw Poole score a fourth before fluffing their lines from the penalty spot.

And despite chances falling to the away side in the final half hour, they succumbed to a

4-0 reverse.

Portland Town’s first team manager, John Chester, said: “We started too slow and gifted them three goals.

“Considering they are a senior league outfit I have to be happy with how the rest of the game went.

“I think we can be successful this season and push on from the decent end we had last season.”