New Milton Town ship four after resting players
Sydenhams Wessex Division One
New Milton Town FC 0
US Portsmouth 4
NEW Milton came into this match with one eye on their upcoming FA Vase fixture, and US Portsmouth capitalised to win 4-0 at the JMC Stadium on Tuesday.
Manager Paul Turner rested multiple first-team players while the visitors, who are also in FA Vase action at the weekend, fielded a strong side as they focus on the league.
US Portsmouth pushed from the start, and their first real chance saw Dec Seiden cut in from the wing, beating Eliot Jones, but New Milton’s Luke Dennison comfortably saved his near-post shot.
Moments later, Joe Kimber flew into a challenge resulting in a yellow card and a free-kick. The reward for his endeavours was an injury which forced the player off, with Callum Parnell replacing him.
US Portsmouth were in firm control, and they got the goal they deserved in the 27th minute when Tom Cain scored an easy tap-in from a corner. Minutes later they rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike.
New Milton were looking shaky at set-pieces, and Tom Cain benefitted to score his second. Confusion between goalkeeper and defender gifted the another simple goal following a free-kick.
New Milton’s best chance fell to Morgan Turner whose speculative effort was tipped over the crossbar by Tom Price.
US Portsmouth started the second half as they did the first, putting constant pressure on the New Milton defence. They were rewarded by a third goal in the 48th minute when James Franklyn lifted the ball over Dennison leaving the keeper stranded, making it 3-0.
New Milton’s hopes of battling back evaporated when substitute Parnell received a straight red in the 64th minute for a challenge which probably warranted only a yellow.
US Portsmouth wrapped up the win when Frankie Paige’s volleyed effort flew into the bottom-left corner.
New Milton resume their FA Vase campaign on Saturday away against Somerset’s Clevedon Town, who play a step higher in the Western League Premier.
New Milton: L. Dennison, E. Eavis, E. Jones, L. MacArthur, J. Kimber, A. Scott, G. Richardson, M. Gane, M. Turner, A. Drodge, C. Long. Subs: T. Sampson, H. McKirdy, A. Booker, C. Parnell, S. White.
