Royals mark home return with late Bedfont showing
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER celebrated their ‘home-coming’ with three points as they welcomed Bedfont Sports for another Isthmian League encounter this Saturday afternoon (October 24); eventually earning themselves a two-nil win after a professional performance in front of over six hundred supporters at the OnSite Group Stadium despite dire conditions.
The hosts started quickly on their brand new artificial pitch and should have scored within six minutes; Ryan Pennery hitting the far post from the tightest of angles after a pass was played into his path. Charlie Williamson soon played a cross into the corridor of uncertainty that was cleared away before Jack Lee saw his shot wide after fourteen minutes.
Bedfont absorbed this early pressure and dealt with a dangerous free-kick delivery shortly afterwards, which followed bookings to Dave Diedhiou and Guy Hollis within just sixty seconds. The visitors further saw a couple of runs forward through Soul Hale, but the home defence were quick to snuff out any danger and gave a protection for Keiran Magee.
It took a while for either keeper to make any saves and this was ended on thirty-one minutes as Tyler Tobin had to tip away a low effort from Alfie Stanley, who had fired goalwards from approximately fifteen yards out. However it proved the final notable chance for both sides in a goalless first half that was dominated by strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
Proceedings didn’t initially improve upon its second half restart and although Portchester had most of this possession Bedfont were brilliantly organised and limited them to speculative efforts, such as one hit by Spencer Spurway before the hour. Stanley also went close on sixty-two minutes as his fierce drive was parried and was gathered well by Tobin.
More chances fell to both Jason Prior and Pennery in rapid succession as play opened up slightly after the hour mark; the hosts earning a penalty on sixty seven minutes that was tipped away by Tobin for an outstanding save. This didn’t stop the Royals from attacking between several stoppages for substitutions, with Archie Wilcox and Prior going closer.
Destiny Ojo forced a rare error by Tobin before Portchester finally broke this deadlock on eighty-three minutes; Wilcox rising higher at a corner and nodding into the net to spark huge but relieved home celebrations. The three points were later secured through Pennery as he lashed into the corner on eighty-seven minutes, helping to ensure a calm ending.
Their success will give Portchester a confidence boost after two successive defeats and lifts the team to 10th position, although they have played in less matches than most sides around them. They are now scheduled to face two difficult away matches over the next week as they visit Jersey Bulls on Tuesday night, before travelling to Binfield (Halloween).
PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: Home attacker drives this ball forward towards edge of the Bedfont box.
