Image: Dave Wagner.
Match Report: Dave Ring.
Portland United 3, Hamworthy Recreation 0
Velocity Wessex Premier League
Tuesday 16th December, 7:45pm
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Portland United welcomed close neighbours Hamworthy Recreation to the Royal Manor on Tuesday evening, and it was the Blues who set the tone from the outset with a sharp, front-foot performance.
The home side started brightly, moving the ball well and enjoying the lion’s share of possession throughout the first half. Hamworthy worked hard to stay in the contest, but Portland’s dominance was finally rewarded three minutes before the interval when Jason Coombs found space in the box and fired decisively into the net to give the Blues a deserved 1–0 lead at the break.
Portland picked up exactly where they left off after half-time, with George Stuttle introduced in place of Callum Corbridge as the Blues continued to press. Manager Kyle was quick to freshen things up further, bringing on Korey Andrews for captain Josh Williams on 50 minutes, followed shortly after by Hayden Scott replacing the industrious Archie Woolford.
Those changes paid immediate dividends. Just two minutes later, Josh Camp capped a flowing move to double Portland’s advantage and put the Blues firmly in control at 2–0.
Further substitutions followed on 75 minutes, with Kai Kilcoyne and Euan Joyce entering the fray as Greg Borthwick and Josh Camp made way. Portland continued to push forward, probing for a third goal, and their persistence was rewarded late on when Jason Coombs struck again in the 87th minute to seal the points and cap an impressive individual display.
Hamworthy battled hard throughout, but Portland’s back line remained solid and well organised, limiting the visitors to very few clear opportunities.
Final Score: Portland United 3–0 Hamworthy Recreation
The victory lifts the Blues into the play-off places, sitting 4th in the league, and sets them up perfectly for Saturday’s away trip to Sherborne Town (2:00pm kick-off).
Portland United: Harry Foden, Jacob Coombs, Jamie Symes, Jamie Cleaver, Sam Gadsby, Callum Corbridge, Archie Woolford, Josh Williams (C), Greg Borthwick, Josh Camp, Jack Delves
Substitutes: Hayden Scott, Ewan Joyce, Korey Andrews, George Stuttle, Kai Kilcoyne
Hamworthy Recreation: Shane Murphy, Tom Cooper, Brad Hill, Sean Wright, Tony Rolls, Crit Clarke, Eddie Hodge, Will Lippiati, Chris Long, Max Wilcock, Ash Pope
Substitutes: Henry Barham, Elliott Pearce-Eavis, Brian Foulger, Sergii Smail
