Mens 2nd team battle with local rivals

Portsmouth looked for the first away win of the season in what proved to be a hard fought and physical game against United Services 1’s.

The game started quickly, with Portsmouth caught out early in the first half by a quick counter from US to take the lead. Portsmouth looked to bounce back and after some good passing, levelled with a shot from Dan Brettell ending in the net.

US came back hard, and despite some good saves from Ed Smyth in goal, scored 2 further goals from penalty corners. A good period of play from Portsmouth was rewarded when a quick pass into the D allowed Dan Brettell to score his second of the match. However a good move from US before the end of the half resulted in another goal and left US leading at halftime 4-2.

Portsmouth looked to press forward from the start of the second half and their efforts were soon rewarded with a great individual goal from Harry Hellyer but this was ruled out. Portsmouth continued to press seeing a weakness in the Services defence. An aerial ball forward to Harry Hellyer and a subsequent foul from US saw Portsmouth awarded a penalty flick which was swiftly put away by Dan Brettell for his 3rd goal.

Unfortunately Portsmouth were unable to capitalise on US going down to 9 men with both sides soaking up pressure throughout the end of the 2nd half. However US were able to capitalise on their success with penalty corners, scoring a further two goals from penalties in the last 5 minutes with the final score ending 6-3 to United Services.

Despite the loss, Portsmouth showed great effort and determination to fight back throughout the game and work for each other, with many positives to take forward to next weeks game. Man of the match was awarded to Ben Lawford.

PHC 3 - 6 US Portsmouth