Exmouth Town 2 Portishead Town 3

By Matt Gillett / 14th August

Portishead Town snatched the spoils in a late, late show with a pulsating 3-2 win at last season’s playoff contenders Exmouth Town. If the nerves were shredded in this first ever Southern League away game it was all worth it to see Posset make it maximum points from 2 games.

Exmouth play fast and direct with long balls over the top to turn defences with their pace. Although Portishead came close early on, for long periods in the first half they had to defend – lesser teams might have succumbed under the pressure. But Posset stood firm with Sean Keet and Jason Quick getting in several vital challenges with fullbacks Mason Winter and Aaron Robbins working tirelessly to close down the flanks. Jamie Adams tidied up in front of his back four with Mitch Osmond also biting into challenges. Keeper Ryan Thacker, outstanding already this campaign, dealt well with a number of tricky crosses and twice spread himself to save low. As I heard one of the Posset players call, ‘Ride it, get through it.’

And get through it they did, wrestling back the initiative as the half closed. Lucas Vowles, receiving Osmond’s pass, turned smartly to bring a good save. Then Jack Thorne fired just over after more good build up. Portishead remained on the front foot into the second period with Jay Murray and Thorne causing problems with their trickery out wide. Kyle Egan orchestrated from midfield, Posset won the ball up high and it was Exmouth’s turn to dig in.

Never afraid to go long the home team remained a threat and it took a superb Thacker fingertip save to deny Luke Steer in the 68th minute. But on 71 minutes the deadlock was broken, Ben Griffith getting on the end of a flick on to fire past Thacker – 1-0 to Exmouth. A typically strong response from Portishead saw them level just 5 minutes later. Substitute Dean Griffiths used his strength to get in a shot which was deflected wide. Egan, not for the first time, curled his corner directly into the net, 1-1. However, on 84 minutes Exmouth had their noses in front again as Ethan Slater volleyed well past Thacker.

Back again came Posset with another perfectly delivered Egan corner and Vowles, who had won the kick, nodded home – 87 minutes gone, 2-2. Settle for a truly, hard earned away point? Not a bit of it. Whilst adding the insurance of Toby Lawrence at the back, and with 6 additional minutes, if the chance arose Portishead were still greedy for the win. In the 95th minute they got it – a good ball out of defence put Griffiths away down the left. He broke forward and curled a glorious effort into the top corner.

This team! The large away following headed home safe in the knowledge that not only do Posset have ability in abundance but an incredible spirit.