Royals cause cupset with tight Taunton success
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER guaranteed themselves progress for the FA Trophy First Round as they hosted Taunton Town in this latest cup game on Saturday afternoon (October 4); eventually clinching a big two-one success versus their higher league opposition following a hard-working performance in front of the windswept crowd at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The visitors started well in the stormy conditions and won a corner that was sadly blown out of play within four minutes; the high winds causing multiple misplaced passes before Kane Simpson lashed his shot wide. In response Portchester had a spell of possession and saw their first opportunity after eleven minutes; James Cowan hitting over via a distance.
Home supporters were then celebrating as the Royals scored moments later when a whipping cross was played inside the area and fell into the feet of Connor Duffin, who slammed inside the corner under pressure. It could have been two-nil on 23 minutes as a free-kick reached Alfie Stanley and the striker curled his attempt wide through a crowd of bodies.
Taunton did overcome the scare and began to settle down proceedings with a dominant midfield period that helped win them a series of corners, which were ultimately cleared by all of the home defence. Their best chance came when Aflie Moulden was fouled just outside the area but Rice’s free kick was struck straight at Steven Mowthorpe before half time.
This second period started with gustier winds and Taunton were seemingly adapting quicker as they levelled in the fifty-first minute; Matt Carson’s curling cross being turned inside the corner by the tracking defender in an own goal. But the Peacocks again showed their defensive issues when Stanley was able to punish a poor header and firing home for 2-1.
Proceedings reached the hour mark with Portchester looking the ‘likelier’ to score again as Stanley’s drive was blocked before good contact was made; whilst Duffin’s header looped over the crossbar from a brilliant delivery. These chances prompted both teams to make their full allocation of substitutions in a bid to match the varying ambitions in later stages.
It was the visitors who benefited from tactical tweaks as they pushed for their deserved leveller in the final five minutes; first being denied a penalty for handball before Jake Hodgson volleyed wide from twelve yards out. Stoppage time saw Joe Hatch’s quick feet create space but his finish lacked real conviction and was saved; meaning the hosts got the win.
Gav Spurway’s team must wait until Monday to find out their opponents in the First Round Proper and this fixture is set to take place in three weeks time (October 25); meaning their league clash versus Egham Town will be postponed. But there is plenty of league games in the meantime with Portchester set to host Hartley Wintney on Tuesday night (07/10).
PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: Connor Duffin celebrates this first half opener in this Royals’ cup victory.
