Vets have a tough afternoon against Newbury

On a windy gloomy afternoon Portsmouth Vets battled with a decent Newbury side at home. With man of the match Will Knott returning back to the team for his season debut we were back to almost full strength but knew a hard afternoon lay ahead.

Early in the first half, Newbury scored a goal which the scorer suggested should not have counted but his team mates suggested claiming anyway. This led to a quick 2nd goal before Portsmouth started to get some width and crosses going. Late pressure in the first half saw a goal from who else but John Pratt with a tap in from close to goal. Other chances followed but none were converted. Equally other chances fell to Newbury with a hard working goalkeeper, defence and midfield doing their best to keep them out.

Going into the 2nd half 2-1 down, Portsmouth held their own until Newbury got their 3rd. Andy Arnell featuring in the 2nd half team in defence lasted just a few minutes before a chat with the umpire leading to his dismissal for a few minutes.

With a few tired legs and despite trying hard it was not to be and Newbury wrapped up the game with another goal leading to a defeat 4-1.

PHC 4 - 1 Newbury and Thatcham