Image: Dave Wagner
Match Report: Dave Ring
Moneyfields 0–2 Portland United
Emirates FA Cup
Saturday 22ndAugust 2026 – 3:00pm
John Jenkins Stadium
Attendance: 149
Portland United produced an excellent away performance to beat Moneyfields 2–0 at the John Jenkins Stadium and book their place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Blues made a flying start and took the lead after just six minutes. A corner was delivered into the Moneyfields penalty area and George Stuttle rose highest to head the ball firmly beyond the goalkeeper and put Portland 1–0 ahead.
The early goal settled Portland, and they continued to press their hosts high up the pitch, making it difficult for Moneyfields to settle into their possession-based style of football. Portland’s organisation and intensity without the ball caused problems for the home side, while the Blues also looked dangerous when they regained possession.
Portland continued to create opportunities and were unfortunate not to extend their advantage before half-time.
They did, however, get the second goal their first-half performance deserved right on the stroke of half-time.
A superb cross was delivered into the area, and Sam Gadsby rose to meet it with a powerful header, giving the Moneyfields goalkeeper no chance and sending Portland into the interval with a 2–0 lead.
It had been an impressive first-half display from the visitors, with Portland working tirelessly both with and without the ball. Manager Kyle Critchell later described it as one of the best first-half performances he had seen since taking charge of the club.
Moneyfields came out strongly after the restart and the second half proved a much tougher test for Portland.
The home side enjoyed more possession and began to put the Blues under sustained pressure as they searched for a way back into the tie. Portland were unable to maintain the same intensity of pressing that had been so effective before the break, but they remained organised and disciplined.
The visitors were forced to defend for long periods but showed excellent resilience to protect their two-goal advantage. The back line stood firm and Portland goalkeeper remained relatively untroubled as the Blues continued to frustrate their opponents.
Portland made their first changes on 59 minutes, with George Stuttle replaced by Tom Peach. Archie Woolford also made way for Alex Borges, while Jacob Coombes was replaced by Harley Brook.
Further changes followed on 68 minutes, with Ben Morris replaced by Jack Devles and Remus Nixon making way for Greg Borthwick.
Moneyfields continued to look for an opening as the game entered its closing stages and came close on one occasion, but Portland held their shape and saw out the remainder of the match without conceding.
The final whistle confirmed a well-earned 2–0 victory and another impressive away clean sheet for the Blues.
It was a disciplined and mature performance from Portland, combining an outstanding first half with a determined second-half showing when they had to withstand considerable pressure.
With two goals scored, another clean sheet secured and a place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup confirmed against either Westbury United or Portchester away, it was another hugely positive afternoon for Portland United as their first season at Step 4 continues to gather pace.
