Portishead Town 0 Swindon Supermarine 0
Match Report by Matt Gillett / 17th January
Southern League Division One South
It was always likely to be hard for Portishead Town to follow Tuesday’s astonishing comeback victory against Taunton Town, with the huge physical and emotional exertion that must have been required. So, with clear cut chances at a premium and defences largely on top, was no great surprise this encounter with Swindon Supermarine ended goalless.
After crucial midweek contributions as substitutes, both Callum Eastwood and Jordan Williams earned starting places. Jakob Glover, on loan from Weston-Super-Mare, was in goal and looked assured all game. Ethan Feltham and Mitch Osmond recovered from injury to take their place on the bench.
In chilly sunshine the game took some time to settle, it wasn’t until the 15th minute that there was an effort of note on goal. Lucas Vowles curled an effort over the bar after making space well in the box. Hamish Hurst’s long throws into the Supermarine area again offered a potential route to goal, and from one in the 25th minute Williams’ volley was blocked.
Tom Llewellyn was much in evidence for Portishead and brought a 33rd minute save from Supermarine keeper Luke Purnell after good build-up play. A minute later man of the match Ollie Woodhouse won the ball well, found Vowles who played in Jay Murray for a shot just wide. A shuddering tackle from Hurst on 37 minutes found Jaden Neale, his shot from a tight angle was parried by Purnell. No goals at the break.
Osmond and Feltham were on for the second-half but it was Supermarine who threatened first. A rare mix-up in the Posset defence saw the visitors hit the side netting. With his trademark midfield drive Osmond pushed his team forward as Posset sought to find their rhythm. In truth though the pattern of the match – no real flow and frequent stoppages – suited Supermarine much more. Starting the day in the relegation zone they battled for everything, defended in numbers but also had players comfortable looking after the ball.
The increasingly influential Murray had a 62nd minute shot blocked after Vowles and Feltham combined. Llewellyn made a powerful 66th minute run and found Aron Robbins, his shot was held by Purnell. Jack Thorne was added to Portishead’s attack, at the other end Supermarine fired over in the 75th minute after a good build-up.
In stoppage time Hurst was dismissed for a second yellow. Posset forced a 94th minute corner but there was no breaking the deadlock. Just a third draw, and only three defeats, in the last twenty league games. Forty-five points collected during that run is a far from shabby and it keeps Portishead 2nd in the table.
Jack Davidson