By Matt Gillett / 21st September
Disappointment for Portishead Town exiting the FA Trophy to an impressive Hartpury side, ultimately finding themselves on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline.
Portishead started Jack Thorne and Freddie King up front with Fin Croft coming in as keeper. Good early ball movement was rewarded with the lead after just 4 minutes. Slick passing ended with a pinpoint through ball releasing Jay Murray who calmly rounded Hartpury’s keeper Smallwood to score from a tight angle. Posset almost added a second on 11 minutes, Thorne robbed a defender before closing on goal but Smallwood saved well. Aminute later Murray’s shot was blocked with Portishead enjoyingthe best of the early exchanges, Kyle Egan’s starting position in front of his back four allowing the skipper to dictate play.
Hartpury though are a strong outfit, especially at home, so no surprise Portishead had their share of defending. Hamish Hurst made a deep covering tackle before Croft showed strength to comethrough a crowd scene, punching clear a dangerous corner. Ollie Woodhouse demonstrated his excellent reading of the game with a number of clearances and timely interceptions.
Even so Hartpury levelled after 23 minutes when Silva headed in a right wing cross. An absorbing contest between two sides keen to play on the deck with further chances at both ends, but it remained 1-1 at the turnaround.
A flurry of Hartbury corners at the start of the second half saw Mitch Osmond and Egan make important clearances. But from a 50th minute corner Aldridge put Hartpury ahead. And only 4 minutes later it was 3-1, Hartpury’s captain Osborn collecting a long clearance before firing into the corner.
Portishead introduced Lucas Vowles in attack as they pressed to pull a goal back. Hartpury were closing well and, after winning possession, broke forward on 65 minutes. Croft saved well from the initial effort but was powerless to stop Coates’ follow up header making it 4-1.
If the game appeared gone Portishead’s commitment certainly wasn’t as they battled tigerishly for the ball. Jamie Adams was winning a number of tackles, his determination allowing Murray to get in a shot to force a corner. Throwing on Dean Griffiths up front Posset mounted a number of attacks in the last 20 minutes. On 91 minutes Griffiths finished a good passing move, concluding the scoring. 6 minutes earlier the Portishead fans had given a great reception to 16 year old Rio Fitton as he made his first team debut from the bench.
On this evidence, plenty of teams will leave Hartpury empty handed this season. But Portishead have shown they have what it takes to compete at this tough, unforgiving level. Back to the league and Sporting Club Inkberrow on 30th October – bring it on.
Darren Vowles
Ollie Riddoch Photography