Image: Michelle Carr

Match Report: Dave Ring

Malmesbury Victoria 1–2 Portland United
Saturday 18th October – Flying Monk Ground

Portland United produced a storming second-half comeback to book their place in the Second Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Vase, matching the club’s best ever run in the competition with a gutsy 2–1 victory away at Malmesbury Victoria.

On a blustery Wiltshire afternoon at the Flying Monk Ground, the tie had all the ingredients of a true Vase classic, goals, drama, controversy and a fiery edge that never once allowed the contest to settle. Malmesbury struck first in the 41st minute when Bexon-Shaw steered home from close range, punishing a rare lapse in the Portland back line.

The game then boiled over before the interval, with both teams seeing red in a tempestuous spell that left each side a player down. Ten versus ten, backs up, voices raised, the stage was set for a real cup scrap.

And scrap Portland did.

After the restart, The Blues emerged transformed: sharper, braver and utterly determined. Their reward came on 52 minutes, and in spectacular fashion. Archie Woolford picked up possession 25 yards from goal and unleashed a thunderous strike that tore into the top corner, silencing the home crowd and igniting the travelling support.

With momentum now fully behind them, Portland pressed relentlessly, sensing Malmesbury were rocking. The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute. A defensive mistake gifted an opening, and Pat Jenkins pounced like a predator, slotting home the winner to spark jubilant scenes in blue.

The closing stages were a test of nerve and discipline, but Portland stood firm, organised, rugged and utterly unbreakable, until the final whistle confirmed a famous Vase victory.

The Blues now march on to the Second Round Proper, their dreams still alive, their resilience proven, and their belief soaring.

Next up: Portland return to league action on Tuesday night, welcoming Laverstock & Ford to the Camp & Satherley Stadium in the Wessex Premier League (7.45pm KO).