FAREHAM 0

PORTLAND 1

Borthwick, 5

Portland picked up three points with a hard-fought win over Fareham in the Wessex League Premier on Saturday (August 17).

Greg Borthwick continued his good form after opening the scoring just five minutes in.

The Blues defended well for the remainder of the game to keep Fareham at bay and secured their first league win of the new season following two draws.

Blues boss Kyle Critchell was forced to play himself in defence with six players out of the game against the Creeksiders.

Portland got to a flying start with Archie Woolford testing the home side's goalkeeper in the opening few minutes.

The winger's shot was palmed into the path of Josh Williams but the Blues skipper saw his effort hit the bar.

Moments later Borthwick grabbed his third goal of the season, having now netted in each of the Blues three league games this season. 

The striker latched onto a wonderful ball from George Stuttle and tucked the ball away neatly into the corner of the net. after five minutes.

Harrison Bruton was then called into action and made himself big to palm away a strike from one of Fareham's forwards.

Woolford was getting a lot of joy down the wing and put an effort just wide with over half an hour played.

Sam Gadsby then came close with a header which went narrowly wide of the far post from a corner.

Just before half time Fareham thought they had levelled things up when they put the ball in the back of the net, but the assistant's flag was raised meaning Portland took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Bruton made another good save from close range soon after the restart before the home side came close again with a header which flashed across the goal.

With just over an hour played, some good play by Jack Delves released Josh Camp in on goal but his effort was saved, the loose ball fell to Borthwick but the striker's shot was well saved.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, Fareham started applying a lot of pressure but Portland weathered the storm.

Bruton pulled off another save in stoppage to secure the Blues first win of the season and well deserved three points. 

The win leaves Portland in seventh place in the league table with five points from three games and remain unbeaten. 

Next up for Critchell's side is a trip to Whitchurch United in the FA Vase on Saturday, August 24 at 3pm.