Match report: Dave Ring

FA Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Portland United U18s 3 – 1 Yeovil Town U18s
Camp & Satherley Stadium, 30 September 2025 – 7:45pm

The young Blues produced a spirited second-half comeback under the lights at the Camp & Satherley Stadium, booking their place in the FA Youth Cup 3rd Qualifying Round with a 3–1 victory over Yeovil Town U18s.

On a breezy but dry evening, both sides started brightly, probing for an opening in a cagey first ten minutes. It was the visitors, however, who struck first blood, a defensive lapse was ruthlessly punished as the young Glovers went 1–0 up. Despite Portland’s best efforts, they found the Yeovil backline difficult to break down and went in at half-time trailing.

Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly had an effect, as Portland came out for the second half with renewed purpose. Their persistence paid off on 59 minutes when Harvey Davies rifled home a fine equaliser to level the contest at 1–1.

Sensing momentum swinging their way, stand-in manager Mark Fisher made a double substitution, introducing Joe Waring and Matt James to inject fresh energy. The move paid off almost immediately. On 75 minutes, Tom Peach capped a spell of dominance by calmly slotting home to give the Blues a deserved 2–1 lead.

From there, Portland took control, pinning the visitors back. With the crowd urging them on, top scorer Corey Roy made sure of the result in the 82nd minute, firing past Yeovil goalkeeper Ryan Collins with a thunderous strike that sealed a memorable 3–1 win.

Late changes saw Anthony Smith and Syrus Ellis enter the fray as the Blues saw out the final minutes with maturity and composure. Yeovil pressed hard in the closing stages, but Portland’s back line held firm to secure a place in the hat for the next round.

It was a terrific cup tie played in excellent spirit, with both sides showcasing commitment and quality. Portland march on, while Yeovil can hold their heads high, having been a real credit to their club.

Portland United U18s: Jacob English, Ellson Ellis, Sebastian Bobora-David, Max Fisher, Tom Peach, Harvey Davies (c), Adam Rodgers, Cameron Squibb, Sonny Cleaton, Preston Hepburn, Corey Roy

Substitutes: Samuel Gregg, Matt James, Anthony Smith, Jack Bament, Syrus Ellis, Jack Ansell, Joe Waring.