Image: Dave Wagner

Match Report: Dave Ring

Slimbridge AFC 1-0 Portland United
Southern League Division One South
Wednesday 7th October 2026 – 7:45pm
Thornhill Park

Portland United endured a frustrating midweek trip to Gloucestershire on Wednesday evening, returning from Slimbridge empty handed after a narrow 1–0 defeat in the Southern League, despite a second half packed with chances for the visitors.

With a lengthy journey to contend with, the Blues knew they faced a difficult assignment, but they showed plenty of determination throughout a contest that ultimately turned on a single goal and a series of missed opportunities.

Portland worked hard to establish themselves in the game, but it was Slimbridge who struck the decisive blow just before the interval. With only two minutes remaining of the first half, Joseph Stokes found the net in the 43rd minute to put the hosts ahead and leave the visitors with a mountain to climb after the break.

The Blues emerged for the second half determined to get back on level terms, and what followed was a spell of sustained pressure as Portland pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Chance after chance came and went, with the visitors creating numerous opportunities to punish their opponents and restore parity.

However, for all their endeavour and attacking intent, the elusive goal simply would not come. Portland continued to press, refusing to accept defeat, but Slimbridge held firm as the minutes ticked away and the frustration grew for the travelling side.

The task became even more difficult five minutes from time when Sam Gadsby was shown a red card in the 85th minute, leaving Portland to see out the closing stages with ten men. It was a bitter blow at a crucial moment, just as the Blues were desperately searching for a way back into the contest.

Despite the setback, Portland continued to battle, but Slimbridge managed to protect their slender advantage until the final whistle.

For the Blues, it was a disappointing end to a long midweek journey, particularly after a second half in which they created enough opportunities to take something from the game. Ultimately, though, chances must be converted, and Slimbridge’s first half strike proved the difference on a frustrating evening for Portland United.

Full Time: Slimbridge 1–0 Portland United

Slimbridge: Callum Godfrey, Jack Holmes, Charlie Mathews, Theodore Lynden, Haydn Evans, Ryan Ponting, Casey Collins, Joseph Stokes, Oliver Sully, Jack Smith, Levi Francis.
Substitutes: Jacob Rodgers, Alexander Bell, Gennaro Bifulco, Kian Kang, Theodore Browne.

Portland United: Callum Smalley, Jacob Coombs, Jake Streams, Jamie Cleaver, Callum Corbridge, Sam Gadsby, Harley Brook, Josh Williams (C), Remus Nixon, Jack Delves, Archie Woolford.
Substitutes: Josh Camp, Euan Joyce, Patrick Jenkins, Tom Peach, Hayden Scott.