Royals earn late point from pre-Christmas derby
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER cemented their leading league position as they were forced to settle for the solidary point versus Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday (21/12); eventually earning a two-all result after an enjoyable and closely-fought pre-Christmas local encounter that was enjoyed by a crowd of over four hundred supporters at the On-Site Group Stadium.
It was a slow start for both teams on a difficult pitch surface with Portchester having the first chance after nine minutes; Harrison Brook firing straight at Roux Hardcastle after good work alongside Ryan Wilkins. This was followed by a good attempt for Connor Duffin, who saw his ambitious overhead kick drop just wide as swirling wind and rain played its part.
Baffins were however attacking in some dangerous positions and crafted their opener in the twenty-fourth minute when Mitchell Aston ran onto a short corner; the delivery calmly converted into the net by a rising Ed Saunders. It could have been two-nil on the half hour when Harry Beckley found a pocket of space, but blasted over the bar from long distance.
Their missed opportunity was worsened by a leveller as the hosts won a corner and it was recycled twice before falling kindly into the feet of Duffin; the striker expertly placing home in the 37th minute for 1-1. Ryan Pennery also went close moments later as the match drifted into a cagey battle; which saw Lamin Jatta / James Cowan booked before half time.
The visitors came out quick for the second period and ultimately deserved to be ahead when Tyrhys Lukonyomoi made a yard of space to fire home past Mowthorpe; a fast goal that frustrated the hosts on 49 minutes. And they were dealt a further blow merely minutes later as Wilkins was given a second yellow card for a foul to reduce the Royals to 10 men.
Portchester almost earnt the immediate response as Brook’s skidding drive went over the bar and another attempt was deflected at source with the hour approaching; Baffins making their first changes as Jatta was substituted. And it nearly paid dividends as replacement Arthur Kerton lashed wide on 63 minutes; which was followed by 2 efforts from Pennery.
Further substitutions followed across both benches as the home side dominated this play and were threatening despite having one player less; Spencer Spurway and Pennery forcing saves from Hardcastle. But they were not to be stopped for longer as Pennery won and converted the penalty on 88 minutes; thus ensuring that they got a late point for a draw.
Other results mean that Portchester are four points clear of second place Hamble Club after twenty games; although 3 fellow chasers have played less fixtures (weather and other commitments). The Royals are to travel to United Services Portsmouth on December 28 for their last game of 2024, before visiting Hamble Club seven days later to start off 2025.
PICTURED BY BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS MEDIA: Players contest ball in the air during hard-fought festive derby tie.
