AFC Portchester are preparing for one of the biggest afternoons in the club’s recent history as they travel to face Wimborne Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper.
The Royals have enjoyed a memorable run in this season’s competition – their first ever FA Trophy campaign – and they’ll be hoping to continue that journey when they make the trip to The Wyatt Homes Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Portchester’s progress through the early rounds has captured the imagination of supporters, with three impressive wins already recorded in the competition.
The run began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Flackwell Heath in the First Qualifying Round, before a dominant 3-0 triumph against Tavistock in the Second Qualifying Round saw them safely through.
The Third Qualifying Round then brought their biggest challenge yet, as Southern League Premier South high-flyers Taunton Town visited The OnSite Group Stadium.
But the Royals rose to the occasion magnificently, producing one of their best performances of the season to claim a deserved 2–1 victory and secure a place in the First Round Proper.
That win was another sign of the determination and progress being made under manager Gav Spurway, whose side are growing in confidence with every passing week.
Alongside their cup form, Portchester have shown encouraging signs in league action too, with recent performances reflecting a team finding its rhythm.
The midweek 2-1 victory over Hendon at The OnSite Group Stadium was another timely boost ahead of this important fixture, extending their run of positive results and building further momentum.
Key to that has been the form of Lee Wort, who continues to close in on the club’s all-time goalscoring record, and the creativity of Alfie Stanley, whose energy and link-up play have been vital in recent weeks.
At the back, the defensive partnership of Archie Willcox and Jack Lee has helped the Royals record several clean sheets in this competition, while goalkeeper Steven Mowthorpe has been a calm and commanding presence between the posts.
Saturday’s opponents Wimborne Town have enjoyed a strong run of results, coming into this game full of confidence after winning three of their last four matches.
The Magpies defeated Weymouth at home in the previous round and they secured a 2-0 win away at Dorchester Town in the league last Saturday.
Currently sitting in fourth spot in the Southern League Premier South table, Wimborne will provide a stern test on their home turf. However, Portchester have already shown their ability to rise to the occasion against higher-ranked sides, and they will travel with belief that another big performance could see them progress further.
Reaching the First Round Proper marks a significant milestone for the Royals, and with confidence high and the squad in good form, supporters making the trip will be hoping for another afternoon to remember.
Cup football always brings drama and opportunity and with a place in the Second Round Proper up for grabs, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in Portchester’s FA Trophy story.
PREVIEW BY DECLAN MURPHY
