Wimborne Town continued pre-season preparations with a spirited 1–1 draw away at Fareham on Tuesday evening, in a contest that at times strayed from the usual friendly pre-season tone.

The Magpies made a lively start under the lights at Cams Alders stadium, dominating possession and applying sustained pressure during the opening 15 minutes. Every outfield player was a part in some beautiful flowing build-up play, with chances falling to Cam Munn and Joe Smith in particular, but the breakthrough remained elusive early on.

The first half became increasingly fiery as the tackles flew in; Fareham picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Josh McQuoid in midfield, who himself was also booked for his reaction. Defender Billy Walker joined him in the referee’s book during the same flashpoint, as tensions briefly threatened to boil over.

The turning point of the first half came when Fareham were awarded a penalty, after goalkeeper Tom Thorne was judged to have tripped a forward in a one-on-one situation. However, Thorne made amends in spectacular fashion, diving low to his left to deny the well-struck spot-kick with an outstanding save.

Despite Wimborne’s attacking threat and the drama of the penalty, the two sides went into the break locked at 0–0.

The visitors made the breakthrough shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Josh Carmichael delivered a perfectly flighted free kick to the far post, where Sam Jackson nodded it back across goal. Joe Smith was alert and on hand to guide the ball home past a scrambling defender and the outstretched keeper, giving Wimborne a deserved lead.

The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Fareham capitalised on a lapse in concentration at the back to grab an equaliser, catching the Wimborne defence flat-footed with a swift counter-attack.

As the game wore on, more changes were made, including a notable moment for young goalkeeper Billy Barton, who came on for the final 15 minutes to make his senior debut and he looked composed under pressure.

While the match ended 1–1, there were plenty of positives for Wimborne to take, particularly in the attacking phases and the decent link-up play throughout the team. However, the physical nature of the game – including several crunching challenges – at times felt out of place for a pre-season match.

Attention now turns to the next fixture as preparations begin for Saturdays home game against Bognor Regis.

Starting team: Tom Thorne, Drew Eccott-Young, Owen Roundell, Billy Wallker, Trialist, Joe Ryan, Josh Carmichael, Josh McQuoid, Cam Munn, Lewis Williams, Joe Smith

Subs used: Max Bustamante, Sam Roberts, Sam Jackson, Ben Scorey, Will Fletcher, Billy Barton, Seung-Woo Yang

Att: 119

By Mike Lynton