Royals succumb to Westfield loss despite comeback
By Connor Steel
AFC PORTCHESTER extended an early inconsistent streak within the Isthmian South Central Division as they played Westfield FC on Tuesday evening (October 14); the visitors eventually clinching a narrow three-two victory despite the spirited home comeback during a ‘topsy-turfy’ league encounter enjoyed by a big crowd at the On-Site Group Stadium.
The visitors began quickly under the floodlights and should have taken the lead within six minutes through Finn Evans; the winger seeing this effort drift narrowly off-target. But away supporters were soon celebrating as Aderi Dede robbed possession off the defender and placed into the net after rounding home keeper Steven Mowthorpe on twelve minutes.
Portchester almost forced a required response moments later when a set-piece was only partially cleared into the path of Harrison Brook, whose great attempt from 20-yards was brilliantly tipped away by Westfield’s Lewis Gallifent and its rebound fired over this bar. This was followed by chances from Alfie Stanley and Lee Wort that were cleared at source.
Their best opportunity duly arrived on thirty-one minutes with Charlie Williamson causing issues for the wing; the cross finding Brett Pitman to hit one inches over the bar. And the Royals were duly punished eight minutes later when Evans found enough space to find Caleb Wright at the far post; the latter converting into this corner making it 2-0 at the break.
A tactical change saw the Royals become better in all midfield areas and Spencer Spurway was looking dangerous as he ran through the middle before whistling his effort wide by the slightest of deflections. But the midfielder did not miss the second opportunity on fifty-three minutes as he danced around three defenders and scored a fine shot off the post.
Two home players were booked after very niggly fouls before the hour mark and there was substitutions for both sides which signalled a ‘lull’ in proceedings that was broken when James Cowan fired a shot over from range. And the hosts did level the scores on 67 minutes when Pitman held the ball in the box and fed Wort, who glided home his calm finish.
Westfield however weren’t finished as they scored their third in the seventy-eighth minute through Tom Dryer, who was quickest to react and fire home following the intense pinball in the penalty area to make it 3-2. And this is how it stayed as the visitors closed out any Portchester attack in the final minutes although Pitman went close to no avail with a shot.
The result is the sixth in nine league matches so far this campaign for Portchester and they have slipped to eighteenth place in the standings with three wins / no draws; where they are level on points with the relegation sides. They will be aiming to respond however when they play Ascot United this Saturday afternoon, before playing Hendon (October 21).
PICTURED BY WESTFIELD FC MEDIA: Away players celebrate one of their crucial two goals in their brilliant first half.
