Match Report: Dave Ring

Colden Common 2-1 Portland United
Velocity Wessex League Cup – Thursday 25th September

Portland United made the trip to The Charters Community Stadium on Thursday evening for a Velocity Wessex League Cup tie that turned into a hard-fought and dramatic contest against Colden Common.

The Blues started the brighter of the two sides, moving the ball well and asking early questions of the Commoners’ back line. However, the breakthrough came at the other end on 32 minutes when Colden Common’s full-back Ollie Ridell rose highest at the far post to power home a header, leaving the United goalkeeper rooted. The goal gave the hosts the advantage, and despite Portland’s efforts to respond before the interval, the half closed with the Commoners 1–0 up.

United came out for the second half with real intensity, pushing forward with pace and purpose in search of an equaliser. Managerial changes looked to inject further energy into the side, with Borthwick replacing Nixon, Corbridge coming on for Stuttle, and Jamie Cleaver entering the fray in place of Tom Peach.

Just minutes later, however, the visitors were dealt a major setback. A heated scuffle broke out, and Cleaver was shown a straight red card, while the Colden Common player involved received only a yellow – a decision that sparked clear frustration on the Portland bench and among the travelling support.

Despite being down to ten men, the Blues refused to roll over. Their perseverance paid off in the 89th minute when league top scorer Greg Borthwick stepped up to drag Portland level, calmly finding the net and giving his side a glimmer of hope of taking the tie to penalties.

That hope, however, was short-lived. With the game deep into stoppage time, Commoners substitute Jimmy Walters pounced to restore the hosts’ advantage, his goal breaking Portland hearts just moments after they had forced their way back into contention.

The Blues fought until the final whistle but were unable to find another response. Colden Common advance to the next round of the Velocity Wessex League Cup, while Portland United are left to reflect on what might have been – a spirited performance undermined by key moments that ultimately proved costly. Final score: Colden Common 2 Portland United 1.

Portland United: Henry Foden, Jack Coombs, Tom Peach, Harry Scott, George Stuttle, Sam Gadsby, Alex Woolford, James Williams (C), Remus Nixon, Josh Camp, Patrick Jenkins.
Substitutes: Charlie Corbridge, Oliver James, Ben Moss, Jamie Cleaver, Greg Borthwick.

Colden Common: Egeland-Jensen, Sims, Riddel, Middleton, Erding, Ross, Archer, Adams, Sunley, Henderson, Vine

Substututes: Gardiner, Driver, Walters, Primus, Lethbridge.