MATT White scored all four goals as Portland cruised to a 4-1 victory against a young Dorchester Town side.

The predatory striker grabbed a first-half hat-trick before netting again with a penalty late on while Matt Spicer scored Dorchester’s consolation, also from the spot.

The Portland hitman missed a large chunk of last season with a broken ankle and Blues’ manager Stuart Heath remained humble about his striker’s return to form in pre-season.

He said: “Matt is using pre-season to get back to full fitness after his injury last season but he still has some way to go before he reaches that. Scoring will give him a bit of confidence though.”

Heath was looking for a reaction from his players following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Poole Borough in the Dorset Premier League Charity Shield, and the island boss was pleased with his side’s overall performance against what was predominantly Dorchester’s Under-18 squad.

He added: “A lot of things came out on Saturday. We didn’t have the right shape or balance from the team and that came down to the team that I picked.

“It was about trying to improve the shape and balance of the team for the opening league game against Blandford on Saturday.

“Dorchester gave us a good workout. They are a good side and they have got some tidy players and will have a good season at their level.

“It gave us a good opportunity to get a few errors sorted and try some new things and it worked really well – but we are certainly not the finished article.”

Magpies’ boss Phil Basford meanwhile, believes there were plenty of positives to take out of the game.

He said: “Portland were just physically stronger than us.

“We gave them too much respect in the first half but once the lads settled their nerves they started to play some nice passing football and we created a few chances.

“We were 3-1 down at half-time but in the second half I thought we contained them well until they scored a late penalty.”

n Dorchester Town Under-18s will hold their Patrons’ Draw during half-time of the first-team’s home match with Newport County on Tuesday.

Anyone wishing to enter, and be in with a chance of becoming the young Magpies’ new shirt sponsor, should contact Basford via 01305 269711.