Match Report: Dave Ring

Portland United U18s secured their place in the next round of the County FA Youth Cup with a dominant display against Shaftesbury on Sunday. Despite a very late consolation for the hosts, a clinical hat-trick from Powell ensured the result was never in doubt.

The visitors wasted no time asserting their authority. Cleeton opened the scoring early in the first half, finishing smartly following an incisive assist from Wareing. The early breakthrough allowed Portland to settle into their rhythm, even as tactical changes saw James and Roy replaced by Ross-Mackenzie and Watts after just 14 minutes.

The pressure told again just before the interval. In the 45th minute, Portland were awarded a penalty, which Powell stepped up to convert with ease, giving the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break.

The second half was defined by Powell’s clinical edge. In the 63rd minute, he grabbed his second of the afternoon after being played in by Watts. Five minutes later, the rout was completed. Roy, who had returned to the pitch in a series of rolling substitutions, provided the delivery for Powell to claim his hat-trick and Portland’s fourth.

With the game entering its final stages, Portland looked set for a clean sheet. However, Shaftesbury refused to give up and managed to find the net deep into stoppage time to make the final score 1-4.

Though the late goal denied the visitors a shutout, the afternoon belonged to Powell, who had a standout performance that leaves Portland looking like serious contenders in this year’s competition.