Supermarine sunk by Gosport in big home return

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH celebrated their long awaited return to the AEI Stadium with a 0victory as they hosted Swindon Supermarine on Saturday afternoon; eventually completing a narrow three-two success after a highly ‘hard-fought’ and occasionally controversial league encounter watched by over eight hundred supporters under the glorious sunny skies.

The hosts matched the bright conditions and were sharp in possession during the opening exchanges as they took the lead within six minutes; Asher Yearwood calmly slotting home a deflected shot despite looking offside. Bradley Tarbuck further went close as he ran inside and fired towards goal but his shot was gathered by Daniel Brabham on 11 minutes.

Alfie Stanley was unfortunate to see a header cleared off the line before Supermarine began to push forward in attack; Harry Williams proving a true threat to the Borough defence. The winger had some lovely touches in the final third and saw his free kick fly just over the crossbar, whilst his whipped delivery was caught high by home keeper Ryan Gosney.

Supermarine were knocking on the door and had two blocked shots before they reaped rewards on 43 minutes; David Sims-Burgess running into the area and seemingly being tripped by Finley Walsh-Smith. The defender was booked by the referee despite loud frustration and Michael Ellias-Fernandes converted this penalty; making it one-all at the break.

Borough again made a quick start upon this second half restart and retook their early advantage through Dan Wooden on forty-nine minutes; the striker lashing it into the far corner after Stanley’s 1st attempt hit the opposite post. This was followed by long range efforts from Stanley, Danny Hollands and Harry Kavanagh as the keeper struggled with the sun.

A third goal was coming for Gosport and it finally came on sixty-six minutes as Supermarine tried to begin a fast break; Yearwood’s interception falling to Stanley and this attacker placed home a gorgeous curling finish into the bottom right. Brabham then had to deny an attempt from Samuel Faniyan before both teams made changes with fifteen minutes left.

However the home momentum was suddenly switched on 82 minutes when Alex Barsa picked up a nasty looking knee injury and was stretchered off the field; the away players all helping the 2 physios in this immediate aftermath. For their credit, Supermarine never gave up and saw Williams calmly tuck home in added time but Borough survived the climax.

The three points mean that Gosport move up this table with just 3 league wins so far and face the bottom team Marlow on Wednesday night; where they hope to build on a “great” run of performances. The team will then host Taunton Town in the FA Trophy next Saturday before a hectic month of league action in November begins with the short visit to Poole.

PICTURED BY SWINDON SUPERMARINE MEDIA: Away players celebrate netting their first half ‘equaliser’ from spot.