Image: Dave Wagner.
Match Report: Dave Ring
Andover New Street v Portland United
Saturday 28th March 2026, 3:00pm
DH Property Services Stadium
Attendance 212
On a bright, sunny afternoon at the DH Property Services Stadium, with a cold breeze sweeping across the pitch, Portland United were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Andover New Street in a competitive encounter.
The game began at a lively tempo, with both sides looking to take control early on. It was the hosts who struck first on 11 minutes, as Dotse converted their first effort on target to give Andover a 1–0 lead.
Portland responded well and gradually worked their way into the match. A moment of concern came on 19 minutes when Williams was involved in a clash of heads, but he was able to continue after treatment.
The visitors began to threaten, and Jenkins went close on 23 minutes with a header that was comfortably gathered. Just a few minutes later, Portland found their reward.
On 26 minutes, Borthwick showed great awareness to lay the ball into the path of Jenkins, who rifled a superb effort into the top corner from around 12 yards to bring the scores level at 1–1.
Both sides pushed forward in an entertaining first half, with Kokoszka seeing an effort blocked and Roocroft’s persistence causing problems, but the teams went in all square at the break.
The decisive moment came just after half-time. Andover New Street regained the lead early in the second half, capitalising on their opportunity to make it 2–1.
From there, the game became a tight and hard-fought contest. Portland battled to find another equaliser, but the hosts remained resolute, limiting clear-cut chances and seeing the game out.
Despite Portland’s efforts and their first-half response, the early second-half goal proved decisive, as Andover New Street held on to secure the victory.
FT: Andover New Street 2-1 Portland United
Andover New Street: Bartram, Kaba, Bowden, Bennett, Thatcher, Dotse, Roocroft, Lock, Rawkins, Higgins, Kokoszka
Substitutes: Erdinc, Peel, Beckley, Clancy, Hine
Portland United: Stainer-Reid, Coombs, Scott, Symes, Gadsby, Cleaver, Morris, Williams (C), Borthwick, Nixon, Jenkins
Substitutes: Camp, Joyce, Woolford, Radivojsa
