Borough earn deserved Portchester friendly success

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH FC continued their pre-season campaign as they played local side AFC Portchester for their fourth friendly on Saturday afternoon (July 18); eventually earning a deserved three-one success against the Royals following a closely-tested and entertaining ninety minutes enjoyed by the big crowd at a dry sun-bathed AEI Stadium.

The home team made a promising start with slicker possession and opened the scoring after twelve minutes through Adam Liddle; who fired a chip shot over the keeper from forty yards into the corner for one-nil. The lead was doubled moments later as Liddle’s cross was deflected into the reach of Frank Keita and he easily tucked into this bottom left.

Portchester did well to settle proceedings and could have reduced the deficits on twenty-two minutes when Lee Wort sliced an attempt harmlessly wide, whilst Alfie Stanley dragged across the face of goal. Down the other end Borough had a chance when some fast football released Wayne Robinson whose shot was blocked at source before half time.

Both sides saw substitutions upon this second half restart and this led to a cagey period of play seeing little changes, although there was no drop in effort with the defences dominating two boxes of the pitch. This was until the sixty-fifth minute when Portchester pulled one back; the attacker smashing home a deep pass at close range from the left side.

But all ambitions of a brilliant comeback for Portchester were killed when Dan Wooden’s driving cross was met by the returning Rafa Ramos, who swivelled past the defenders and finished brilliantly on seventy-two minutes for three-one. And this was the last notable chance of the afternoon as this game appeared to drift towards an inevitable conclusion.

This encounter proved a great workout for both teams as they prepare for their new season, which is due to begin on August 8 with their fixtures announced earlier this week to excitement amongst their fanbases. Borough will now face Moneyfields in their next pre-season tie on Tuesday evening, whilst Portchester face rivals Fareham Town on July 24.

PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: Players of both teams contest a midfield ball as dugout watches action.