Portchester cruise into next round with Baffins victory
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER progressed into the next stage of the Portsmouth Senior Cup as they played rivals Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday evening (December 3); comfortably beating their local opponents three-nil after a ‘brilliant all-round’ attacking performance throughout this second round encounter enjoyed by a loud crowd at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The visitors started quicker on a bobbly surface and saw the first chance within eight minutes as Harvey Welham broke down the right; his cross finding Charlie Bell to blaze over the crossbar. This was followed by another great opening for Baffins when a good ball reached the feet of Tyrhys Lukonyomoi and the striker was denied well by Steven Mowthorpe.
Gav Spurway’s team however regained their composure as they weathered the early storm and had a settled period of possession that ended in a powerful effort by Oli Davis, who was further denied by the Baffins’ keeper Roux Hardcastle on 25 minutes. Down the other end an attempt for Tyrhys Lukonyomoi was blocked at source by a stubborn rear-guard.
Proceedings reached the half hour mark without any further incidents as Portchester began to have more chances; Lee Wort first being denied by Hardcastle’s leg and Connor Duffin seeing a low effort fumbled wide. But this pressure told in the last moments before the interval as a flashed drive fell kindly to Duffin, who placed home into the left bottom corner.
It was two nil within four minutes of the restart as fine high pressing from the home strikers caused issues in the Baffins defence and bounced into the path of Ash Howes; the defender easily rolling under the out-rushing away keeper. Davis then threatened to make it three with a free kick opportunity but it took a small touch and was further cleared out safely.
A huge third goal did arrive after sixty-four minutes as Baffins failed to clear the ball despite many opportunities to keep possession and were punished as a recycled attack found Wort rising up in the air; the striker guiding in the killer finish. Substitutions soon followed across both 2 sides with Wort and Howes going closest to making it four-nil in a good spell.
Adam Vincent almost pulled a goal back for Baffins as he curled narrowly wide off target following neat incisive play on the left; which was followed by Fin Bello’s effort tipped over by Mowthorpe. In response Marley Ridge may have netted a low shot that was parried in the 87th minute, whilst Davis was soon denied as the hosts settled for a three-nil margin.
Success means that Portchester advance into the third round and their next fixture will likely be played in the New Year against unknown opponents; the Royals also extending their winning streak to nine games in all competitions. They will be looking to continue this brilliant form as they travel to Millbrook this weekend, before hosting Hamworthy Recreation.
PICTURED BY BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS MEDIA (SIMON HILL): Great cross is headed away by an away defender.
