Royals earn big cup progress with Badgers comeback
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER advanced into the next round of the ‘Velocity Wessex League Cup’ and completed their seventh straight victory as they hosted Brockenhurst on Tuesday evening; eventually clinching a four-two success against their rivals despite being two goals behind in this attack-minded tie watched by a small crowd at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The Badgers began brightly with some inventive play and should have scored within three minutes when Tiago Moreno fired harmlessly over the crossbar from a crossfield ball. But the visitors were not to be stopped as another quick move saw the pass released into the feet of Jake Adams, who cut inside and easily fired a shot inside the right corner for 1-0.
An ‘outstanding’ intervention from Rhys Taylor was needed to stop a surging sprint by Ryan Pennery and Marley Ridge placed an attempt just over as Portchester tried to respond before the half hour. Their best chance however came after thirty-one minutes when Ridge wiggled past the defender and blasted a drive at goal; this deflection cleared off the line.
Brockenhurst soon doubled the advantage in the thirty-eighth minute when Harry Bunce fed Lyle Simpson free and the winger’s cross caused chaos in the area; a touch from Charlie Williamson sadly diverting the ball for the own goal. The hosts then made it two-one before the interval as a corner hit the far stick and fell to Connor Duffin, who bundled home.
Home momentum continued into the second period as Portchester dominated the early exchange and got a big reward after 51 minutes; Pennery’s shot being saved by Jordi Valero and bouncing off the defender for another own goal. This made it two-all as the hosts continued to push either side of the hour mark; both Josh Taylor and Bunce ending threats.
The Royals were now in ultimate control and they did get a third goal after a lengthy lull in proceedings; which saw fine pressing get the ball and Williamson placed home through the crowd in the seventy-ninth minute under some pressure. Substitutions then followed before Pennery’s fierce drive whistled past the post, and Ridge drove over the bar at range.
Brockenhurst thought they were about to equalise in the 88th minute when they earnt a corner and this caused a great scramble, which ended with two headers on their goalline and the ball being hacked away from danger. There was one late chance for Portchester though and they made it four-two in stoppage time; Ridge dragging home in stoppage time.
Success means that the Royals step into the next round of the competition and will now await news of their opponents, which will be decided once fellow games have been concluded. Meanwhile, their focuses will now turn to a massive tie on Saturday afternoon as they face rivals Fareham in their ‘El-Creekio Derby’ with the Creeksiders second in this table.
PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: Home winger controls the ball despite attentions from the away defence.
