Royals start 2026 with Moneyfields derby success
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER placed themselves into 2026 play-off contenders for the Isthmian League South Central Division as they made the short distance to Moneyfields this Saturday afternoon (January 3); comfortably sealing a three-nil win after this professional all-round display against their fierce rivals in front of 673 supporters at the John Jenkins Stadium.
The visitors started the faster in bitterly cold conditions and should have taken an early lead within five minutes through Spencer Spurway; the midfielder placing off-target from a recycled throw-in. He had another chance on eleven minutes when a ball was played into his feet by Zak Willett but the effort was blocked stubbornly and cleared away from danger.
Moneyfields did well to absorb this away pressure and were frustrated to see James Franklyn fouled in a good position by Jack Lee who was booked for the foul and their resulting set-piece was dealt with. Down the other end Willett broke down the far wing and ran inside to see a low drive gathered by goalkeeper Nicholas Jordan before this half hour mark.
Gav Spurway’s team resumed control after this opportunity and Josh Clack went close on thirty-eight minutes when he whipped just over following neat footwork, although Adam Payce got a corner to little avail in response. And the visitors opened this scoring in added time when Archie Wilcox tapped over the line as a fine ball was nodded into this direction.
A quieter approach started this second period and it was duly ended on fifty-one minutes as Willett was played through but saw a shot denied by the diving Jordan before a defender blocked his rebound. This was followed by Willett finding Ryan Pennery in a pocket of space, but the resulting bid for this goal was blocked by the defenders and away to safety.
Substitutions followed across both teams after the hour as Pennery again went closer against the former team whilst a promising attempt by Simba Mlambo went wide on sixty-four minutes. But it was actually Portchester who doubled this advantage as Charlie Williamson jinxed forward and put a cross into the box, which was tapped home for the own goal.
Spurway placed a shot narrowly wide on seventy-two minutes after incisive passing and substitute Lee Wort was close shortly afterwards with his angled attempt; the growing frustrations leading to quick bookings for both sides. There was still time for a final goal on eighty-nine minutes as Spurway fed Wort, whose effort beat the keeper to earn a big victory.
These three points mean that Portchester are sixth in the current standings after twenty-four matches and sit one point behind Hayes & Yeading, whose tie was postponed due to a frozen pitch. The Royals will hope to build on the fantastic start to this New Year in two weeks time when they travel to play Hendon, before they host Raynes Park Vale on 24/01.
PICTURED BY AFC PORTCHESTER MEDIA: Players from ‘rival’ teams contest ball in encounter held early in season.
