Winchester City Flyers v. AFC Portchester 

First Round Proper 

Charters Community Stadium, Winchester 

Sunday 3rd November 2024

It was never the intention for this journey to be mostly in Hampshire but by happy coincidence for the fourth game on the the trot, I am in my home county.

Not a new stadium for me, but the first time I have visited since they installed their new artificial surface. Meaning no pitch worries and Winch is only a few train stops down the line.

Both sides are from step 5 and compete in the Southern Region Premier Division with Flyers in 7th and Portchy 3rd going into this game.

Added bit of spice, it's a Southampton postcode v. Portsmouth postcode - "Elle Classicoast" ?

For the home side it's their first foray into the "proper" stages of the WFAC. Whilst the visitors went out at this stage last season.

The ancient capital of England made for a cultural pre-match walk, not many places you can visit a cathedral before a big cup game.

Little bit of light drizzle in the early stages of the match helped the ball zip around the immaculate new surface.

Early strike from Libby Wilkinson for Winch on 4 minutes, quickly equalled on 8 minutes - Sam Jennings heading home from a corner.

The visitors went ahead on 17 minutes, quick thinking from Gemma Hillier striking from the edge of the box.

A closely fought first half ended 1-2 at the break.

The light-drizzle continued during the second half, but it didn't stop these two technically well performing sides having a proper contest.

It was good to see both keepers kicking the ball "old school" long rather than the usual patient build up.

A third Portchy goal came on 59 minutes, Gemma Hillier picking a defender's pocket before rounding the keeper to finish.

The visitors added a fourth on 70 minutes after some good pressing work and a fine finish by Eilidh Currie  (below).

Credit to the home side , with a number of changes in the second half they never looked out of the contest. 

A special word for Flyers Emily McDonough who never gave up chasing the whole game and really was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions.

The home side never gave up but after a thoroughly entertaining match it ended with victory for Portchester.

I would thoroughly recommend a visit to Winchester City a lovely family atmosphere with dogs and babies galore!

FT: Winchester City Flyers 1 AFC Portchester 4