Royals poised for promotion after Laverstock win
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER remain poised for promotion into the ‘Southern League Division One’ as they completed another brilliant home success against Laverstock & Ford on Saturday afternoon (April 5); thrashing their ‘struggling’ opponents six-one following the entertaining and clinical performance enjoyed by a loud crowd at a sunny On-Site Group Stadium.
The home team started in glorious style and took an early lead within eighty seconds when a pass found Marley Ridge, who rifled this effort past Laverstock keeper Zac Roberts inside the right corner. And it was two-nil in the fifth minute as dangerman Ryan Pennery collected a ball before tucking home with a fine finish despite the big attempt of the defence.
Laverstock went close after seventeen minutes through Cam Roach’s floated drive before Portchester made it three-nil on the twenty minute mark; Lee Wort getting himself onto the score-sheet with a composed hit. They could have added to their advantage with openings for James Cowan and Josh Clack but these were ultimately off target on the half hour.
Home pressures yielded a fourth goal in the thirty-second minute when Harrison Brook received a cross-field pass and slotted easily across Roberts; which allowed them an arguably unassailable lead. But they craved more goals and saw Wort blast wide from Ryan Wilkins’ cut-back, whilst Brook forced a good parry by Roberts to finish a dominant first half.
A slower start to the second period awaited with Laverstock doing well to repel pressure and they had two corners that were cleared very comfortably, whilst a neat header was gathered by Steven Mowthorpe. Visiting resistance was sadly broken however on 55 minutes as Pennery got through the middle and fired powerfully home to make it five-nil in style.
It was six-nil minutes after the hour when precise passing interplay released Clack into a space and this attacker made little mistakes in converting past the despairing dive of Roberts; who further had to deny Pennery his hat trick moments later. Substitutions also followed for both teams and this signalled a lengthy lull in play with the game over as a contest.
To their credit Laverstock never gave up despite the score and did deserve their consolation goal that finally arrived on seventy-eight minutes; Archie Lovegrove bundling home inside the goal from close range. In response Portchester had a good opening when Charlie Williamson’s powerful attempt deflected just wide as the referee ended this tie soon after.
Other results mean that Portchester are eight points clear of Stoneham with three matches to play; which confirms that one more success will get their league title and then automatic promotion up this pyramid. This could arrive as early as Tuesday evening when they make a long journey for Cowes Sports, or can be clinched next weekend against Portland.
PICTURED BY NATHAN LIPSHAM: Portchester player has a shot on target in previous league meeting of these sides.
