Image: Dave Ring
Match Report: Dave Ring
Wincanton Town 1–4 Portland United
Velocity Wessex League Premier Division
Tuesday 5th August – 7:45pm kick-off
Portland United kicked off their league campaign in emphatic style with a dominant 4–1 away victory over Wincanton Town under the lights on Tuesday night.
The game got off to a lightning start, with both sides trading blows in an end-to-end opening spell. It was a competitive and evenly balanced contest, but the Blues edged the early exchanges in terms of possession.
The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Jacob Coombs threaded a perfectly timed through ball into the path of the tireless Greg Borthwick, who coolly slotted home to give Portland the lead.
Wincanton responded just before the break, levelling the score in the 45th minute when Joe Beckey whipped a low cross across the face of goal, allowing the onrushing Louis Irwin to tap home from close range. But Portland hit back almost immediately, just two minutes later, on the stroke of half-time, Pat Jenkins unleashed a thunderous strike to restore the Blues’ advantage.
Half-time: Wincanton Town 1–2 Portland United
The Blues came out for the second half full of purpose, and their dominance paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Jamie Irwin’s handball in the box. Up stepped Remus Nixon, who buried the spot-kick with confidence to make it 1–3.
With Portland firmly in control, they extended their lead as Borthwick grabbed his second of the night, powering home a header from a pinpoint cross by the composed Archie Woolford to make it 1–4, beating Beard with authority.
Managerial changes followed, with Callum Corbridge replacing the ever-reliable Jamie Symes, and Josh Camp coming on for the impressive Borthwick on 65 minutes. The fresh legs only added to Portland’s grip on the game.
Further substitutions on 75 minutes saw Freddy Beale enter the fray for the technically gifted Woolford, while the hard-working Hayden Scott made way for Marcus Smith. Portland made their final switch on 80 minutes, with James Coat replacing Connor Callow.
Despite a few late chances for both sides, Portland saw the game out professionally to secure all three points in a performance that was in sharp contrast to their FA Cup defeat just days earlier.
The result gives the Blues an ideal start to the league season and sets them up nicely for their next fixture at home against a strong Hamble Club side at the Camp & Satherley Stadium on Saturday.
⚽️ Wincanton Town Line-up:
Zak Beard, Ryan Pike, Tom Jarvis, Dave O’Hare, Jamie Irwin, Louis Irwin, Dan Wise (C), Joe Aikhuele, Joe Beckey, Josh Andel, Sam Hodges, Spencer Hanslip, Kaleb Andrews, Ben Hix, Callum Thompson, Darren McAllistair
⚽️ Portland United Line-up:
Harry Foden, Jacob Coombs, Connor Callow, Hayden Scott, Sam Gadsby, Archie Woolford, Josh Williams (C), Greg Borthwick, Remus Nixon, Patrick Jenkins, Jamie Symes, Callum Corbridge, James Coat, Marcus Smith, Freddie Beale, Josh Camp
