Image: Assistant PUFC Photographer Connor
Match Report: Dave Ring
Portland United 2–0 Andover New Street
Velocity Wessex League
Saturday 14th February 2026, 3pm
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Attendance, 170
On a bright, sun-drenched but bitterly cold afternoon at the Royal Manor, Portland United produced a performance full of intent, energy and control to claim a thoroughly deserved 2–0 victory over Andover New Street.
From the very first whistle, the Blues set the tempo. They were on the front foot immediately, sharp in possession and aggressive without the ball, pinning the visitors back and making it clear this was going to be their afternoon.
The breakthrough arrived almost instantly. With just two minutes on the clock, Greg Borthwick showed superb awareness and technique inside the area. Controlling the ball brilliantly, he flicked it up and, in one fluid motion, directed a composed header beyond the Andover keeper. It was a goal that oozed confidence and it gave Portland the perfect platform.
Buoyed by the early lead, the hosts dictated proceedings throughout the first half. The midfield worked tirelessly to win second balls, the back line remained organised and assured, and Andover New Street were largely restricted to speculative efforts. Portland’s intensity, both in and out of possession, ensured the visitors never truly settled.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Portland continued to press, probe and apply pressure, refusing to sit back on their advantage. The decisive second goal arrived in the 70th minute when Jacob Coombs finished confidently to double the lead, a reward for the Blues’ sustained dominance and attacking intent.
With the game entering its final stages, Portland managed proceedings with maturity. Tactical substitutions saw Remus Nixon, Josh Camp and Ben Morris introduced to maintain energy levels and discipline. The defensive unit remained resolute, communication was constant, and any late Andover threat was dealt with calmly and efficiently.
The final whistle confirmed not just three points, but a performance built on intensity, quality and collective commitment.
FT: Portland United 2–0 Andover New Street
MoM Sponsored by the Country Cafe, Avon Heath: Jamie Cleaver
Portland United: Smalley, Coombs, Stuttle, Cleaver, Gadsby, Corbridge, Jenkins, Williams (C), Borthwick, Delves, Woolford,
Substitutions: Camp, Scott, Joyce, Nixon, Morris.
Andover New Street: O’Brien, Kaba, Bowden, Erdine, Bennett, Thatcher, Lock (C), Ashfield, Dotse, Herbert, Kokoszka,
Substitutions: Zine, Laptas, Clancy, Rawkins, Roocroft.
Match Officials
Referee: Louis Stone
Assistant Referees: William Buchanan, Paul Kirby
