FootballSport

Royals dominate US Portsmouth in league opener

By Connor Steel

AFC PORTCHESTER began their competitive campaign in perfect fashion as they hosted United Services Portsmouth on Tuesday night; comfortably beating their ‘postcode’ rivals three-nil following a very dominant and professional home performance in a Wessex League encounter that was contested in dry humid conditions at the On-Site Group Stadium.

The Royals started quicker and took an early lead in just nine minutes; George Barler converting a powerful drive past the goalkeeper from the angle. It could have been two-nil moments later when Harrison Brook broke at pace down the right before feeding Ryan Pennery and Barker with precise interplay; the latter’s scuffed effort being cleared at source.

Pennery also had another low shot on target for Portchester after eighteen minutes as they dominated possession; the hosts further seeing Charlie Williamson’s cross nodded over by Connor Duffin. United Services Portsmouth responded with their only chance of the first half as Liam Kyle burst through the midfield and set up Josh Bailey, who blasted wide.

Another huge opportunity arrived for Portchester on thirty minutes as Duffin linked up brilliantly with Pennery and drove a shot towards goal, but the ball bounced off the post and was cleared away easily. Other opportunities included Brook firing and nodding wide with varying attempts before the half time whistle, that was blown after Duffin fired over the bar.

A slower tempo was evident upon the second half restart with both teams seeing spells of possession and corners that ulimately came to nothing; the next chance seeing Barker twist and turn before curling over on 56 minutes. It was soon followed by the injury stoppage for Bailey four minutes later, and this saw him replaced by Dylan Holgate off the bench.

But Portchester doubled their advantage after the hour mark through Duffin, who latched onto a great cross and calmly dispatched a shot inside the left post for two-nil. This acted as a signal for the managers to make changes and led to a slight lull in proceedings as the natural light faded; although it remained humid after the hot temperature during the day.

The hosts continued to probe against a well-drilled defence and did get their third goal on 83 minutes through Pennery, who drove home a fierce effort following quick footwork to outfox his marker. There were further chances to add further gloss to the score with Marley Ridge going close twice but this didn’t matter as 3 points and a clean sheet were gained.

These two teams will play each other yet again on Saturday afternoon for the “FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round” with a 3pm kick off at the On-Site Group Stadium; the winners due to move into the next stage on August 17. Two league ties are further planned over 2 weeks including a trip across to Bournemouth Poppies and home match with Cowes Sports.

PICTURED BY NATHAN LIPSHAM: Home players celebrate one of their three goals in a success over postcode rivals.