Royals clinch another trophy in Charity Cup success
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER added another piece of silverware to their ‘growing’ trophy cabinet as they hosted Hamble Club in their 2025 Velocity Wessex League Charity Cup encounter on Saturday afternoon (July 26); beating their rival lower league opponents two-nil following a close-fought and clinical display under warm skies at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The home team began with some great possession during the early exchanges and created the first chance in the first five minutes as an angled attempt flew off-target, whilst Lee Wort’s scuffed shot was gathered by the keeper. Luckily it didn’t take long for the striker to open the scoring as he collected a pass and fired into the left with a comfortable finish.
Hamble did respond with a couple of half chances as their striker slotted narrowly wide after a good passing move and another shot was blocked at source moments later, whilst the home side defended some dangerous balls into the area. And Portchester doubled the lead before this break as Oli Davies fired home a crisp second past this away goalkeeper.
Home momentum continued into the second period as Davies nearly made it three-nil but a header dropped wide from a deep pass and this Hamble keeper blocked a low drive with his leg. The away striker further had an attempt that was deflected safely into the gloves of the Portchester shotstopper who appeared keen to protect his deserved clean sheet.
Portchester were in control and made a series of substitutions that heavily disrupted the flow of proceedings; the team appearing to switch things tactically with the game already won and a new campaign starting in just two weeks. A later chance for the Royals saw their winger cut inside and drag harmlessly off target as they settled for the two-nil success.
Victory secured a fifth trophy in just four months for Portchester and marks a ‘winning return’ to their home ground, but there was a smaller crowd in comparison to recent attendances. But with all the funds raised for Young Minds, the real winner was charity as the match brought attention to mental health and all support for young people across the region.
PICTURED BY VELOCITY WESSEX LEAGUE: Charity Cup is presented to the Royals’ Captain after their two-nil win.
