Image: Michelle Carr.
Match Report: Dave Ring.
Portland United 0–0 Sturminster Newton United (Cherries win 3–1 on penalties)
Isuzu FA Vase Round Two
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Saturday 8 November (3:00pm)
A bright but sharp afternoon on the Royal Manor set the stage for a tense FA Vase battle, with both sides knowing that a place in the Third Round Proper was within reach. Before a ball was kicked, the entire ground fell silent for two impeccably observed minutes, capped by a flawless rendition of the Last Post in honour of those who gave their lives in the great wars.
Once play began, the game quickly settled into a fierce, high-tempo contest. Both teams looked intent on stamping their authority early, and although half-chances came at either end, defences stayed disciplined and determined. The first half closed goalless, but there was no sense of a dull stalemate; this was a match simmering, waiting for its moment.
Portland emerged for the second half with real purpose, pushing the tempo and pinning their visitors back for long spells. The Blues enjoyed the bulk of possession, moved the ball well, and looked the likelier side to break the deadlock. But for all their pressure, Sturminster Newton United refused to buckle. Every block, every tackle, every clearance from the Cherries had the feel of a team fully committed to their plan.
As the tension rose and the clock ticked down, the game became a battle of will as much as skill. Portland, in red-hot form coming into the tie and operating a league above their visitors, threw everything forward. Yet Sturminster Newton held firm, dragging the match to the lottery of penalties.
What followed was the moment that defined the afternoon. The Cherries’ goalkeeper stepped into the spotlight, turning himself into the hero of the Royal Manor with two superb saves. Portland could only watch as Sturminster Newton United completed a composed 3–1 shootout win, sparking jubilation among the travelling support.
The Cherries came with a clear game plan and executed it to the letter. Portland were left to reflect on how a match they largely controlled slipped through their fingers, but they could have few complaints about the determination and discipline shown by their opponents.
A bruising result for the Blues, but a tie played in the right spirit. Portland United now turn their focus back to the league, while we wish Sturminster Newton United the very best in the next round.
Portland United: Harry Foden, Jacob Coombs, George Stuttle, Jamie Cleaver, Sam Gadsby, Callum Corbridge, Archie Woolford, Hayden Scott, Remus Nixon, Pat Jenkins, Josh Lamp [C].
Substitutes: Kai Kilcoyne, Tom Peach, Jamie Sykes, Callum Norman, Callum Smalley.
Sturminster Newton United: Theo Crane, George Coleman, Ben Cowley, Will Guppy, Ben Knight, Nick Hewlett, Elliot Bevis, Jack Atkins, Buddy O’Shea, Bill Bright, Aaron Cane Laney.
Substitutes: Ben Reed, Adam Hall, Ryan Schouten, Jamie Randris, Jensen Doerr.
