WHITCHURCH UNITED 1

Girdler, 69

PORTALND UNITED 0

Whitchurch stunned Portland with a 1-0 win in the FA Vase despite Kyle Critchell's side creating plenty of chances.

The Blues lacked the finishing touch on an afternoon that resulted in Whitchurch moving into the next round ending hopes of a cup run for the Portland-based side. 

Kieran Girdler's 69th minute strike was the difference with Portland unable to find a way through the home side's defence in 94 minutes of football in Hampshire.

Shaun Bessant returned to the starting line up after a recovering from a rib injury and took the captain's armband with skipper Josh Williams starting on the bench.

Critchell's side started on the front foot as in form striker Greg Borthwick looked to get on the end of a ball from Lewis Toms.

Jack Delves came close but was met by a great save from Aaron Bufton who collided with the post as he denied the forwards strike.

With 20 minutes played the Blues had created plenty of chances but lacked an end product with josh Camp the latest to put an effort wide of the post.

Some lovely one touch football between Beale, Woolford and Camp  saw the ball turned behind for a corner.

From the resulting corner Bessant came close but his header skimmed agonisingly over the bar.

Just before the half time whistle Harrison Bruton brilliantly  denied the home side from taking the lead saving well from a Whitchurch forward close range shot.

After the break it was much of the same with the Blues creating plenty of chances but unable to register on the scoresheet.

 

A long throw by George Stuttle fell to Sam Gadsby in the box but the defender fired over from a tight angle.

Borthwick did well to get a shot in from close range after bringing the ball down on the wing but was denied by the Whitchurch 'keeper

Substitute Pat  Jenkins fed Camp who saw his effort well saved from the on rushing Bufton in the Whitchurch goal.

With 20 minutes to go, and against the run of play, The Jam Boys would find the next through Girdler as he slotted passed Bruton after a long ball was played over the top.

Portland huffed and puffed but were unable to find an equaliser and the home side held firm to grab the win and stun the Blues.

 

Starting XI: Bruton; Bessant; Beale; Toms; Stuttle (90); Gadsby; Woolford (46); Coombs (55); Borthwick (72); Camp; Delves (55)

SUBS: Clarke (72); Husher (90); Scott(55); Williams (46); Jenkins (55)