Royals overcome Fleetlands in opening friendly tie

By Connor Steel

AFC PORTCHESTER started the initial preparations for this upcoming 2026-27 campaign as they visited Fleetlands FC in a friendly encounter on Saturday afternoon (July 4); comfortably earning a four-one success versus their local neighbours following a hard-working performance in very warm sunny temperatures at the Powder Monkey Stadium.

It was an even start for both teams in the first action since late April with chances for the Fleetlands striker on twelve minutes and away debutant Jason Prior shortly afterwards. However the visitors dominated possession and took the lead in the thirty-first minute when Alfie Stanley was passed through before easily going past the keeper to fire home.

Portchester doubled this advantage moments later as Calvin Davies threaded the ball behind the home defenders to Ryan Pennery who latched onto the pass and lifted the shot over the keeper. And it was three-nil before the half time break when Charlie Williamson got down the far side and played a delivery into Prior; the striker nodding into the net.

Temperatures of over twenty-six degrees welcomed the players for the second half and it had a major impact for any momentum as its earlier intensity naturally slowed; which was perfectly understandable for this opening friendly. The hour mark passed without incident, before the Royals made it four-nil on sixty-five minutes via Gerrard Cooke’s drive.

To their credit Fleetlands had not given up and had matched the ‘higher quality’ opponents for large periods of the tie with some good chances coming after a quick drinks break. And they were able to get a great reward on seventy-two minutes when their striker went down in the area for a penalty, which was calmly converted in this final notable action.

The two teams appeared pleased with their efforts throughout the afternoon and many lessons will be learnt for future preparations throughout this match, before their season officially begins in early August. Portchester will next travel to Havant & Waterlooville and Gosport Borough in a fortnight, whilst Fleetlands will be playing Locks Heath this Tuesday.

PICTURED BY NATHAN LIPSHAM: Players from both teams contest a ball in midfield during Portchester friendly win.