Image: Michelle Carr
Match Report: Dave Ring
Hamworthy Recreation v Portland United
Tuesday 19th August – 7:45pm
Velocity Wessex Premier League
Portland United made the short journey to the Meyson Properties Stadium on Tuesday evening to face Hamworthy Recreation in what was always going to be a stern test in the Velocity Wessex Premier League.
The Blues came into the game knowing history was against them, having been beaten both home and away by the Rec last season. The last time Portland got the better of their opponents was back in November 2022, in the Dorset Senior Cup, so the players were fully aware that nothing less than a strong performance would be required if they were to break that sequence.
From the very first whistle Portland looked up for the challenge. Crisp passing, plenty of energy, and a willingness to push forward saw them control long spells of the opening period. The Blues created the better chances, working the ball into good areas and asking real questions of the Hamworthy defence. The hosts had their moments on the break, but Portland’s back line stood firm, and as the half-time whistle blew it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous, despite the scoreline remaining 0-0.
The second half picked up where the first had left off, with Portland pressing forward and looking the more likely to find a breakthrough. But football can be ruthless, and just four minutes after the restart Hamworthy landed a sucker punch. A foul on number 10, Max Wilcock, handed the Rec a free-kick in a dangerous area, and Tom Blair stepped up to curl the ball expertly into the top corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Portland could have let heads drop, but instead they responded superbly. Just minutes later, in the 53rd minute, a sweeping move saw a perfectly delivered cross whipped into the box. Up rose Greg Borthwick, climbing highest to meet it with a thunderous header that rocketed into the back of the net. The equaliser sparked wild celebrations from the Portland bench and travelling supporters, and the Blues were deservedly back on level terms at 1-1.
Sensing momentum, manager Kyle Critchell made changes to freshen up his side. Borthwick was replaced by Pat Jenkins in the 68th minute, before Hayden Scott came on for Archie Woolford shortly after. The intention was clear – to keep the pressure on and look for a winner.
Just three minutes after Portland’s final substitution, the Blues were hit with another hammer blow. A lapse at the back gave Hamworthy the opening they were looking for, and they punished it ruthlessly. Tom Blair delivered a pinpoint ball onto the head of Max Wilcock, whose initial effort was brilliantly saved by Portland keeper Harry Foden, but Wilcock reacted quickest, tucking away the rebound to restore the hosts’ lead at 2-1.
Portland threw bodies forward in the closing stages, piling on the pressure in search of another equaliser. Deep into stoppage time they thought they’d found it, the ball bundled into the back of the net sparking wild celebrations — only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut them short. After a spell of confusion the goal was eventually ruled out for offside, a decision that felt harsh in the moment but probably balanced things out after the Rec had seen an earlier effort chalked off themselves.
It was a frustrating night for Portland, who will feel they did enough to earn something from the game. With the balance of play in their favour for long periods, the result will sting, but there were plenty of positives to take in terms of performance and spirit.
Next up for the Blues is another testing away fixture, this time at AFC Stoneham on Saturday. With lessons to be learned and confidence still growing, Portland will know they need to be at their very best to return home with the spoils.
Hamworthy Recreation
Shane Murphy, Tom Cooper (c), Tony Rolls, Sean Wright, Connor Cockun, Harvey Doe, Aaron Roberts, Josh Toop, Chris Long, Max Wilcock, Tom Blair.
Substitutes: Ash Pope, Ollie King, Eddie Hodge, Regan Mason, Josh Malpas.
Portland United
Harry Foden, Jacob Coombs, Connor Callow, Jamie Cleaver, Callum Corbridge, Sam Gadsby, Archie Woolford, Josh Williams (c), Greg Borthwick, Remus Nixon, Josh Camp.
Substitutes: Pat Jenkins, Jamie Symes, James Coat, Marcus Smith, Hayden Scott.
