(Wessex League Division 1)

Portchester started much the more impressive side, and Simon Woods and Zack Macgregor created good early chances only to be thwarted by saves from keeper Mark Appleby, a fine block by player-manager Neil Baker and a headed goal-line clearance from Tom Chillery.  Spurs had a few goal attempts, and began to play better football just before half-time, but were fortunate to turn round with the game scoreless.

The second half opened with play finely balanced, until Sam Knowles picked up a Chillery through ball, outpaced the home defence and left keeper Karl Watson helpless with an accurate finish into the bottom corner.  Dale Clark then had a great opportunity to equalise, but shot wide when clear through on goal.  However, he made no mistake a few minutes later when he headed in from close range after Mark Appleby had parried a powerful drive.  Spurs then began to take control of the game with skipper Ben Edwards pressing forward more and more but being unable to finish.   However, Adam Crittenden then raced on to a through ball from Dan Sleet and gave Watson no chance with a low drive.  Portchester were not yet done, striker Woods soon having a great chance to even matters, but Appleby kept Spurs’ lead intact with a fine save.  The keeper again had to be alert as he tipped over a goalbound header from skipper Phil Turrell.  Spurs came back and Edwards had a shot that beat the keeper only to be headed off the line.  However he put the result beyond doubt with a powerful low drive after a great run by Crittenden.  The jubilation of the Spurs players showed the importance of this result to the club.

After the match manager Baker said “This result showed what we’re capable of.  We need to push on and consolidate our position in the table.”

Spurs extended their unbeaten run to twelve games, including ten victories, and now stand 6th in the league.  They entertain Whitchurch United at Southwood in their next game on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45) and then have a long trip to the land of Dvorak and Hovis bread to meet Shaftesbury Town on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).

In the Aldershot League divisional cups, Spurs Reserves lost 1-2 whilst the As went down 1-6 to Lower Froyle Rec.  However, the Vets beat Lindford A 6-2.