Portishead Town 1 Hartpury 3
Match Report by Matt Gillett / 14th February
Southern League Division One South
Defeat for Portishead Town as they went down to an in-form Hartpury, a last minute goal sealed a 3-1 win for the visitors.
Hartpury threatened in the 2nd minute, Portishead keeper Jakob Glover diving at a forward’s feet with Jamie Adams clearing. Ollie Woodhouse was also on hand to make an important early interception. For Posset Ethan Feltham offered the outlet, showing and battling for the ball. Feltham’s 7th minute shot was held low by Hartpury keeper Seth Locke after Tom Llewellyn had won the initial tackle.
Centre-back Callum Eastwood needed to make a vital 10th minute tackle on the edge of his area and a 6-yard box clearance a couple of minutes later. In the 16th minute though Hartpury went in front: after a good build-up Nathan Jenkins sent the ball soaring into the top corner.
Portishead responded, Jack Thorne in evidence out wide running at defenders and getting balls into the Hartpury box. On 28 minutes Adams found Thorne, he crossed to Mitch Osmond but Locke held his header. Posset levelled after 39 minutes, Osmond to Jay Murray left of the area; after making space he laid off to Feltham whose chipped cross was expertly glanced in by Aron Robbins. All square at the break as Portishead finished the half strongly.
Woodhouse made two good clearances, and Glover punched away under pressure, as Hartpury opened the second period well. Posset also came close; from Thorne’s pass Murray curled just over then Robbins 54th minute strike glanced the post after Murray crossed. A slick 62nd minute Portishead attack ended with Murray releasing Thorne but Locke rushed out to save. Shortly after Hartpury came close after stealing possession before Posset introduced Lucas Vowles for new signing Matt Britton.
At times Hartpury’s movement proved hard to quell. With the match heading into the final quarter Eastwood blocked a shot and then made another crucial tackle in the 6-yard box. At the other end Thorne headed over from Osmond’s free-kick. But in the 75th minute Hartpury broke and, although the initial cross was blocked, Jess Aldridge curled in for the visitors.
Portishead went in search of the equaliser. On 87 minutes Vowles was fouled near the Hartpury area, Osmond fired in a low free-kick that Locke tipped past the post. A minute later Locke held Vowles header after Adams long throw. Hartpury broke immediately and Glover saved well. However, from the corner Josh Roney headed powerfully in. From almost equalising to 1-3 down. Fine margins indeed.
No further scoring in 6 added minutes so just a third home league defeat for Portishead. They remain 3rd in the table with a dozen games to go in this inaugural season at this level.
Thank you to match day sponsor Freddy B Posset Gin & Spirit.
Darren Vowles