Image: Michelle Carr
Match Report: Dave Ring
Portland United v Andover New Street
Wednesday 22nd April 2026 7:45pm
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Velocity Wessex premier League Play-Off Semi Final
Attendance 580
Portland United produced a composed and clinical performance at the Camp & Satherley to secure their place in the play-off final, seeing off Andover New Street with a deserved 2–0 victory on a night full of belief, discipline and big moments.
The visitors showed early intent, carving out a chance inside the opening minutes, but it was comfortably dealt with as the Blues settled into the contest. Portland’s first sight of goal arrived shortly after, a header on target that hinted at what was to come, even if it didn’t trouble the scoreboard.
The breakthrough came on 15 minutes, and it was worth the wait. Jack Delves produced a moment of real quality, finding the net with a superb strike that lifted the home crowd and set the tone for the evening. From that point, Portland looked sharp, organised and fully in control of the occasion.
Andover threatened to respond, but a crucial last-ditch intervention from Sam Gadsby on 19 minutes preserved the advantage, a defensive moment just as important as any goal. It proved even more vital moments later when the Blues doubled their lead.
On 25 minutes, a dangerous, whipped-in corner caused chaos in the box, and Callum Corbridge was on hand to apply the simplest of finishes, tapping home to make it 2–0 and give Portland a firm grip on the semi-final.
The remainder of the first half saw Portland manage the game intelligently, while Andover’s best opportunity before the break drifted narrowly over the crossbar, summing up a frustrating night for the visitors.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Portland remained disciplined and organised, limiting Andover’s chances while making smart use of the ball when in possession. The visitors turned to their bench in search of a way back, making a series of substitutions, but the Blues back line stood firm throughout.
As the game moved into its closing stages, Portland freshened things up with changes of their own. Remus Nixon, Jack Delves and Pat Jenkins all made way to well-earned applause, replaced by Greg Borthwick, Hayden Scott and Ben Morris as the Blues saw the game out professionally.
There was no late drama, no way back for Andover, and at the final whistle it was Portland United who could celebrate a thoroughly deserved victory.
After a brilliant season and another outstanding performance under pressure, the Blues now stand just one game away from promotion to the Southern League.
Standing in their way on Saturday 25th April are Laverstock & Ford, in what promises to be a huge occasion back at the Camp & Satherley.
One more step remains.
FT: Portland United 2 Andover New Street 0
Portland United: Toby Steiner Reid, Jacob Coombs, Tom Peach, Jamie Cleaver, Sam Gadsby, Callum Corbridge, Patrick Jenkins, Josh Williams (c), Remus Nixon, Jack Delves, Archie Woolford
Substitutes: Ben Morris, Josh Camp, Euan Joyce, Hayden Scott, Greg Borthwick
Andover New Street: Jonathon Hill, Issiaga Kaba, Harry Bowden, Cameron Thatcher, George Higgins, Jacob Rawkins, Shane Lock, Alec Kokoszka, Oliver Erding, Malachi Dotse, Harry Berkley
Substitutes: Ben Ashfield, Claudio Herbert, Ronan Clancy, Dyllan Roocroft, Sean O’Brien
