Image: Michelle Carr
Match Report: Dave Ring
Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 8th August 2026 | 3:00pm
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Attendance: 290
Portland United made a winning start to their Emirates FA Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon, securing a deserved 2–0 victory over Sturminster Newton United at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.
After a summer of change and the excitement of stepping up to the Southern League, the Blues were back in competitive action with a place in the next round of the FA Cup at stake. And while Sturminster Newton proved stubborn opponents, Portland ultimately had enough quality to get the job done.
The opening ten minutes were an entertaining, end-to-end affair, although neither side was able to create a clear-cut opportunity.
Portland soon began to take control, with the Blues’ long-throw threat causing problems for the visitors. In the 11th minute, Williams did well to keep Stuttle’s lofted ball alive before finding Coombs, who cut inside and fired narrowly wide of the far post.
Just a minute later, Portland registered the first shot on target. Another dangerous Stuttle long throw found Gadsby, whose effort was comfortably gathered by the visiting goalkeeper.
The Blues continued to apply pressure, with Sturminster Newton increasingly forced to defend deep as Portland looked for a way through.
By the 25-minute mark, it was all Blues, with Portland dominating the majority of the first half. Despite their pressure, however, the visitors remained resolute and the deadlock remained intact at the interval.
Portland didn’t have to wait long after the restart.
Just three minutes into the second half, the Blues finally found the breakthrough. The ball broke from a Sturminster Newton attack and fell into the path of Greg Borthwick inside the Portland half.
Borthwick showed excellent awareness to pick out the run of Ben Morris, who still had plenty to do after receiving the pass.
Morris kept his composure brilliantly, advancing on goal before calmly slotting the ball beyond the visiting goalkeeper to put the Blues 1–0 ahead.
It was a superb transition from defence into attack and exactly the kind of ruthless finishing Portland needed.
The goal settled the Blues and gave them something to protect, although they continued to look dangerous as Sturminster Newton were forced to commit players forward in search of an equaliser.
The visitors battled hard and refused to give up, but Portland’s defence stood firm and the Blues continued to look the more likely side to add to the scoreline.
And with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Portland finally put the tie beyond doubt.
It was another excellent team move. Remus Nixon produced some quick feet to create the opening before setting Pat Jenkins through on goal.
Jenkins kept his composure and steered the ball home at the near post on 88 minutes, sparking celebrations around the Camp & Satherley Stadium and making it 2–0.
The late goal put the result beyond doubt and ensured there would be no nervous finish for the Blues.
When the final whistle sounded, Portland had secured a thoroughly deserved victory and a place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup.
It was a mature and professional performance from the Blues. They had to be patient against a determined Sturminster Newton United side, but continued to press, defended well when required and ultimately produced two moments of quality to settle the tie.
The victory means Portland now progress to the Preliminary Round, where they will face Moneyfields away from home on Saturday 22nd August.
After last season’s promotion to the Southern League, the Blues’ first Emirates FA Cup outing at Step 4 has ended exactly as they would have wanted, with a win, a clean sheet and another cup tie to look forward to.
Portland United 2–0 Sturminster Newton United
⚽ Ben Morris 48′
⚽ Pat Jenkins 88′
Attendance: 290
Portland United progress to the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round.
Next Round: Moneyfields v Portland United
Saturday 22nd August 2026
