Match report: Brockenhurst FC comeback to seal Wessex League Premier Division 2-1 win 2-1 against Portland United FC
Brockenhurst manager Danny Ackland was pleased but felt the Wessex League Premier Division win over Portland United should have “been more comfortable” on Saturday.
Portland United took the lead after just eight minutes, but two goals after the break from Ben Atiako-Hall and Dylan Walker secured the three points.
“I was pleased with the win on Saturday”, said Badgers manager Ackland. “Although it should have been more comfortable than what it was. We controlled possession, defended high and won the ball back early.
“Sam Steel made his first appearance since Bemerton in August, and that was a big positive, while Brandon Channel also came on again after a lengthy absence, so there were plenty of positives.”
Brockenhurst, who climbed a spot to 13th after Saturday’s win, take on 18th-placed Blackfield & Langley, who has been improving lately.
Ackland commented: “We know Blackfield well, as we have played them twice in cup games this year already. They have changed lately and seem to be improving all the time.
“We will need to maintain Saturday’s levels and try to be more clinical in the attacking half. Rhys Taylor is back from suspension, but unfortunately, we have lost Luke Gray for a game, so probably one-for-one in the midfield.”
Harry Bunce was excellent in the match against Portland United, with his drive and passion being a catalyst for the rest of the team.
Brockenhurst could have taken an early lead when Atiako-Hall aimed a shot at goal, but an excellent block arrived just in time to deny the effort.
Portland dusted themselves off and raced up the other end to take the lead with eight minutes played. A lucky bounce saw the ball fall to Stef Stavrianos, who lifted the ball nonchalantly over the onrushing defender before sliding the ball past Jordi Valero from 16 yards.
Brockenhurst responded determinedly, fashioning half-chance after half-chance. However, the final whistle came with scores still at 1-0 despite a tremendous effort from Jack Torniainen, who clattered off the corner of the Portland United woodwork.
With the second half 10 minutes old, Bunce wiggled free and delivered a cross to Atiako-Hall, whose driven header flew home despite an excellent effort to stop it from keeper Tom Jobe, whose wrist was not strong enough to deny the leveller.
Defender Tyler Wellman almost fired his side into the lead minutes later with a fierce effort from 25 yards, but Jobe did well to parry and collect the rebound.
Just as some began to think the winner would not come, the hosts found a way through in the 74th minute with a slice of good fortune helping them. Walker sliced his shot after Atiako-Hall’s cross, but the ball’s flight caught out the keeper, clipping the inside of the post before nestling in the net.
Brockenhurst: J. Valero, J. Webber, R. Drake, J. Tornainen, T. Wellman, S. Steel, D. Walker, L. Gray, B. Atiako-Hall, H. Bunce, J. Adams. Subs: L. Simpson, T. Moreno, J. Taylor, J. Taylor, C. Burns, B. Channel.
