Christchurch FC's FA Vase run comes to an end after US Portsmouth shock
FA Vase Fourth Round
United Services Portsmouth FC 1
Christchurch FC 1
US Portsmouth won 4-1 on penalties
CHRISTCHURCH'S FA Vase run came to an end in the Fourth Round after US Portsmouth sprung an upset, scoring all four penalties after an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Christchurch, who typically play a league higher than US Portsmouth, levelled the match just after the hour mark through Ben Satterley after James Franklyn gave the hosts the lead.
The result was arguably justice after the referee denied USP what appeared to be a stonewall penalty in the last minute when Andy Todd was bundled over in the box by Kieron Douglas.
The Sydenhams Wessex Division One side took the lead with a superbly taken 22nd-minute goal after midfield playmaker Franklyn collected the ball before beating goalkeeper Lewis Gunstone-Gray with an ice-cool finish.
The hosts showed their defensive qualities as Christchurch pressed for an equaliser, but keeper Tom Price twice beat out efforts after teammate Josh Hazel had made a last-ditch tackle to preserve the lead.
The sustained pressure eventually paid off for Christchurch when Satterley rifled home an emphatic shot from around 18 yards into the roof of the net just after the hour mark.
With no extra time, when the final whistle came, it signalled Christchurch’s involvement in a sixth penalty shootout this season. Despite their familiarity, the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division visitors failed to convert their first two spot-kicks. Ash Pope sent his high and wide, and Billy Walker’s effort well saved.
US Portsmouth slotted all four, with former-Christchurch defender Tom Jeffes scoring the tie-clinching fourth kick.
Christchurch co-manager Wayne Smith said: “That’s football. If you don’t take your chances, you are always risking the lottery of penalties.
“Penalties have given us joy this year, but unfortunately not today. It’s been a great season again with some unbelievable memories with a great bunch of lads.”
