Match report: Brockenhurst FC battered in 5-0 Wessex League Premier Division loss at the hands of champions-elect AFC Portchester

Brockenhurst came up against champions-elect AFC Portchester, who were in no mood to show mercy en route to a resounding 5-0 victory at the Meadens Skoda Arena on Saturday.

Ryan Pennery was the primary thorn in the Badgers’ side, with the number 10 finishing with a hat-trick, with Jack Lee and Ryan Wilkins scoring the other two.

It only took seven minutes for the opening goal to arrive, but their early dominance had been so complete that they fully deserved to be in the lead. After winning a free-kick, an unmarked Lee met the ball powerfully, heading home.

The visitors should have added a second, but the effort flew wide. However, two minutes later, Pennery swept home Duffin’s cross to grab his first of the afternoon before Ryan Wilkins rolled the ball home at the near post to make it 3-0 after 16 minutes.

The half’s final goal came in the 28th minute when Wilkins chased down what appeared to be a lost cause. Badgers keeper Jordi Valero rushed out to claim the ball, but Wilkins got their first and squared to Pennery, who tapped home into an empty net.

As the half came to a close, Ben Atiako-Hall managed to work a bit of space. The Brockenhurst attacker fought to stay on his feet after appearing to be tripped in the area. What with being off balance, his subsequent shot was tame, and many felt he should have had a penalty.

Manager Danny Ackland made some changes at the break, introducing U18 Harley Legg, with Jack Torniainen coming off, and he did himself proud.

The Badgers’ best chance came in the 66th minute. Jake Adams, playing in a more advanced position after the restart, made an excellent run in behind before lifting the ball over Steve Mowthorpe. The ball looked destined for the back of the net, but it took an odd bounce on a firm pitch and bounced over the frame.

Pennery added a fifth goal, completing his hat-trick with a calm finish, sealing a deserved win for a Porchester side who are now guaranteed a top-two finish, but the title win looks most likely.

Brockenhurst plays at home on Saturday against local rivals Blackfield & Langley.

Brockenhurst: J. Valero, J. Tornaianen, J. Webber, B. Channell, R. Drake, S. Steel, J. Burgess, L. Gray, B. Atiako-Hall, J. Adams, D. Walker. Subs: J. Pelletier, Z. Komaromi, H. Legg, K. Nugent.