Royals maintain title charge with narrow success
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER maintained their superb dominance of the Wessex League Premier as they played Brockenhurst on Saturday afternoon (January 25); narrowly beating their struggling opponents two-one after a close fought and feisty encounter contested under “gloriously winter skies” watched by over three hundred fans at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The hosts started quickly with some good passing and they earnt a set-piece after four minutes; which was nodded just wide by Jack Lea following a kindly bounce. They were punished shortly afterwards as the Badgers opened the scoring after a deep pass reached the path of Dylan Walker; the winger running inside and slicing into the far corner for one-nil.
In response Portchester worked themselves into control and had Ryan Pennery fire straight at the Brockenhurst keeper Jordi Valero, who further denied an attempt from Connor Duffin who saw a curler tipped away at full stretch. Jack Clack then rocketed a drive harmlessly over the bar on 26 minutes; whilst Ryan Wilkins flashed across goal after a pacey run.
This half hour passed without a further incident as the hosts were dominating possession although they appeared to be struggling against a finely-drilled defensive rearguard. But they were still having notable chances as Marley Ridge went close with a header that was parried and Pennery had a good shot off the line; Brockenhurst holding on until this break.
Duffin saw a goal disallowed within moments of the restart as Portchester were undeterred in their efforts; getting a big reward when they earnt a penalty that was dispatched calmly by this attacker inside the bottom corner. Down the other end Luke Gray ran through the middle and saw this low drive saved, whilst Harry Bunce was shown yellow for a niggle.
Brockenhurst were dealt a blow after sixty-four minutes when Bunce went in for a tackle and was given a “red card” for two bookings; which left them with 10 men as they made tactical tweaks to reduce immediate damage. They proved to be initially successful, despite James Cowan’s ambitious attempt looping narrowly wide and a shot for Duffin off target.
Substitutions and an away sin-bin meant that Portchester were strong favourites for the final fifteen with some massive chances missed / blocked; Cowan, Archie Wilcox, and Pennery going close in quick succession. But they needn’t have worried about dropped points as they netted a winner on 86 minutes through Pennery who easily converted a rebound.
Their victory means that Gav Spurway’s side are now eleven points clear at the league summit and look like the ‘clear’ favourites for the title with one third of this season to play; although second place Stoneham have games in hand. The Royals are now scheduled to travel along the coast for a game versus Hythe & Dibden next weekend, before a cup tie.
PICTURED BY NATHAN LIPSHAM: Connor Duffin nets second half spot-kick to level up score from the spot after foul.