POSSET PRODUCE UPSET TO PROGRESS IN FA CUP

Portishead Town v Larkhall Athletic, FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay,

Tuesday 25th August 

Report by Matt Gillett

In an FA Cup replay that barely paused for breath, Portishead Town deservedly overcame Larkhall Athletic 1-0. This was a contest that kept the 450 bumper crowd enthralled throughout.

The teams picked up where they left off in Saturday’s 2-2 draw, and Hamish Hurst reacted sharply to clear the danger in the 5th minute. Immediately, Jamie Adams, Owen Humphries and Jack Thorne were involved as Kyle Egan brought a good save from Larkhall keeper Liam Armstrong. But a minute later, after good build-up on the left, Armstrong could only get fingertips to Egan’s inswinger and Ethan Feltham pounced for the early lead. 

As Posset’s pace rattled Larkhall, Armstrong put Matt Britton’s long ball behind under pressure from Thorne. On 11 minutes, Harvey Tierney and Humphries linked before Armstrong gathered Feltham’s header. At the other end a 14thminute free-kick was curled just wide, then Hurst and Britton got in important blocks as Larkhall threatened. 

With Feltham’s driving right-side runs a feature Portishead continued to fashion chances. Britton went close twice before Humphries 30th minute burst ended with Armstrong saving at his near post. After 35 minutes, Posset keeper James Walker tipped away a looping header destined for the corner of the net. Then in the 40th minute Jamie Adams, who with Mitch Osmond got through a huge midfield workload, was millimetres wide from Thorne’s perfect pass. In added time Egan’s corner curled against the far post with Thorne’s follow-up blocked.

Calum Townsend replaced Britton at the break; Adams moved to centre-back and Egan dropped deeper in the reshuffle. Larkhall opened the half brightly, Tierney – another fine display – got in an interception before Walker held well on 52 minutes. The excellent Rio Fitton was also quick into challenges as well as making energetic forays up field. Walker made a well-timed rush from his box to clear, getting clattered for his troubles. 

Having stood firm, Posset came roaring back. Thorne brought a 54th minute stretching save from Armstrong, Egan pulled the rebound back and Feltham’s header struck the bar. A minute later a Feltham goal was chalked off by a very debatable offside flag. Thorne’s run won a 65th minute corner, Feltham’s header from Egan’s kick shook the woodwork again. After Tierney stole possession and slalomed forward, he almost put Thorne in.

Osmond, Humphries, Egan and Fitton all made contributions defending their box, Walker again won a crucial 73rd minute fifty-fifty on the edge of his area. Jaden Neale and Dan Dodimead provided fresh legs. Hurst headed just over, Thorne and Neale brought more saves as Portishead looked to settle matters. Dean Griffiths added experience up front, then far into added time Townsend’s driving run forward, won a corner to relieve pressure. 

These sides produced a terrific match with Posset thoroughly earning their crack at Southern League Premier Wimborne Town in the next round.