Brockenhurst FC survive late penalty scare as points are shared with Portland United

Sydenhams Wessex Premier

Brockenhurst FC 1 Portland United 1

BROCKENHURST FC came back from a goal behind and saved a late penalty in an enthralling match last night (Tuesday) which ended all square at the Meadens Skoda Arena.

The first-half was a highly entertaining affair with both sides attacking. However, time and again their back lines stood firm. In the third minute, Brock had a decent chance to open the scoring, but Portland keeper Josh Lucas palmed the ball away for a corner.

With the half-time whistle moments away, Brockenhurst midfielder Ronan Moore produced an excellent header which looked destined to hit the back of the net. However, Lucas again came from nowhere to put the ball away for another Brock corner.

Brockenhurst’s missed chances came back to haunt them when Portland took the lead in the 65th minute. Adam Grange, who is on dual-terms with Portland and Poole Town FC, made it a debut to remember when he finished inside the right-hand post.

The visitors had a chance to put the game to bed in the 73rd minute when referee Martin Bloor blew for a penalty after a handball. Brockenhurst keeper James Mayo made up for his FA Cup mistake against Lymington Town last week with a fine save, diving low to his right to keep his side in the game.

Buoyed by the reprieve, Brock immediately went up the other end and forced Lucas into another heroic save. A minute later, captain Will Tickle curled in a superb effort from the right-hand corner of the 18-yard box to level the match.

With the match drawing to a close, both keepers made superb saves and Portland hit the post, but neither found the breakthrough.

Brockenhurst FC: J. Mayo, R. Moore, G. King, P. Wilson, B. Magookin, W. Tickle, T. Bailey, J. Nwachukwu, J. Shorey, M. Vokes, F. Bullard. Used subs: H. White, S. White.