First Team

Result: Badshot Lea Ladies 0–3 AFC Portchester Ladies

AFC Portchester Ladies returned to away action with a strong performance against Badshot Lea in the Southern Region Premier League. Known for their defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat, Badshot Lea made life difficult, but Portchester rose to the occasion.

The first half was a physical battle, with Portchester edging possession and creating 14 chances, though neither side could break the deadlock. After a halftime reset focused on patience and composure, Portchester resumed their pressure.

On the 50-minute mark, a head injury forced a substitution, with Lauren Aitken replacing Charmaine True. Aitken made an instant impact, scoring with her first touch to give Portchester the lead.

Momentum continued to build, and Portchester’s fluid play overwhelmed the hosts. Gemma Hillier doubled the lead, pouncing on a spilled shot from the Badshot keeper. The result was sealed in the 74th minute when Aitken netted her second, finishing off a slick move and a precise pass from Amelia Riley.

🌟 Players’ Player: Lauren Aitken – Sponsored by Key Production Equipment Ltd
🌟 Manager’s Player: Betty Barron-Clark – Sponsored by RR Brickwork Ltd

Reserves

Result: AFC Portchester Reserves 4–0 Mudeford

The Reserves kicked off their season in emphatic fashion at their new home ground, King George Playing Fields. From the first whistle, Portchester looked sharp and organised, taking control of the game early on.

A disciplined first half saw them take a 2–0 lead, combining clinical finishing with solid defensive shape. Mudeford showed flashes of quality, particularly in possession, but Portchester’s energy and tactical discipline made it difficult for them to break through.

In the second half, Portchester continued to dominate. Charlotte Keenan led the line superbly, scoring twice and constantly threatening the Mudeford defence. Crewe-Way added a third with a composed finish, and Niven rounded off the scoring with a coolly taken penalty.

It was a confident and cohesive team performance, with strong contributions across the pitch and a clear statement of intent for the season ahead.

🌟 Players’ Player: Charlotte Keenan
🌟 Manager’s Player: Jenna Sutton

Development Team

Result: Farnborough Dev 4–2 AFC Portchester Dev

The Development Team faced a tough opening fixture in a new division, having jumped up two tiers this season. Unfortunately, a disrupted pre-season—caused by four opponents forfeiting due to lack of players—meant limited match preparation heading into their clash with Farnborough.

Farnborough made the most of the conditions, scoring three long-range goals with the wind behind them before Portchester could settle into the game. Despite the early setback, Portchester showed real promise once they found their rhythm.

New signings Amelia Barrow and Rosie Cleeve impressed with their work rate and impact on the game, while Shania Moore opened her account with a well-taken goal from a Chantelle Williams corner. The second goal was straight from the training ground—a switch of play from Sophie Burrows found Ash Levett, who struck fiercely to close the gap.

Rosie Cleeve was named Player of the Match for her outstanding debut performance, showing composure, energy, and determination throughout.

While the result was a tough one on paper, there were plenty of encouraging signs that this squad has the talent and spirit to compete well in their new division.

🌟 Player of the Match: Rosie Cleeve – Sponsored by Cross Kitchen