On a pleasant summer evening at Potterne Park, Wimborne Town turned on the style in their second pre-season outing, cruising to a convincing 5–1 victory over Verwood Town. Goals from Fletch, Lewis Williams (2), Joe Smith, and Joe Ryan capped off a dominant display, with the match offering manager Tim Sills plenty to smile about as new faces and old heads combined in impressive fashion.

The Magpies took an early lead after just eight minutes when Max Bustamante’s low cross earned a corner. From the resulting set piece, a Verwood defender clipped a Wimborne attacker inside the area, and Fletch coolly slotted the penalty down the middle as the keeper dived to his right.

Wimborne doubled their lead six minutes later through Lewis Williams, who latched onto a loose ball and calmly tucked it under the onrushing goalkeeper. Williams added his second five minutes later after a sublime move: Josh Carmichael lofted a long ball from the middle of the pitch, which Lewis met with an audacious backheel to control, before finding the far corner with a composed finish.

The first-half closed with Verwood rallying briefly, but the Wimborne back line, marshalled by Scorey and Robbo, held firm. Fletcher came close to adding a fourth before the break, narrowly missing the target.

The second half saw no let-up in intensity. Joe Smith made it 4–0 on 52 minutes with a composed finish when one-on-one with the keeper, following clever build-up play involving Seuny and Jacko.

Six minutes later came the goal of the night—and a contender for goal of the season—from Joe Ryan. Picking up the ball around 30 yards out, he unleashed a rocket into the top right corner, leaving the keeper with no chance and the crowd wildly applauding the spectacular shot.

Verwood grabbed a late consolation on 78 minutes with a well-struck shot that went in off the post. But it was Wimborne who nearly had the last word, with Seuny striking the post and Joe Ryan forcing a superb save from the home keeper with the follow-up effort.

Standout Performances:

• Lewis Williams was electric in the first half, tormenting defenders with his pace and footwork. His brace was richly deserved, and his link-up play with Jacko on the left was a constant threat.
• Joe Ryan lit up the second half with his thunderous strike and a lively all-around display that kept Verwood pinned back.
• Josh McQuoid dictated play from midfield, using his experience to spread the ball and keep Wimborne ticking.
• Joe Smith worked tirelessly up front, harrying defenders and taking his goal with real composure.
• Max Bustamante delivered a steady stream of dangerous crosses from the right, showing promise in combination with Drew.
• Trialist A (wearing number 12) impressed with his silky footwork and driving runs, coming close to scoring himself.

With so many positive performances across the pitch—including strong showings from Academy prospects and trialists — Tim Sills will be pleased with the selection headache as we edge closer to closer to the season ahead.

The Steve Moore trophy was presented post-match to Wimborne captain Jacko, marking a perfect end to another encouraging pre-season outing for The Magpies.

By Mike Lynton