Match Report - Basingstoke MVF (H) - 22 Sep 2024

In a match marked by depleted squads, Portsmouth edged out Basingstoke 1-0 in a tense and injury-stricken encounter.

Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities in the early stages, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Basingstoke struggled in particular as their striker spent the whole game roadside having broke down on the A303.

The breakthrough moment came in the 42nd minute when Basingstoke’s goalkeeper, Richard Curtis, collided with Portsmouth’s Manny Ferreira at the edge of the box, resulting in a penalty for Portsmouth and a yellow for Curtis. Ferreira was forced to leave the field with a serious shin injury.

Arron Moule stepped up to take the penalty but saw his effort saved low by Curtis. The first half ended on another blow for Basingstoke, as Curtis, also injured in the earlier collision, had to be substituted.

The second half offered little in terms of goal-scoring chances with Basingstoke resolute in their defending until the 88th minute, when the Basingstoke stand-in goalkeeper, Rob Lang, brought down Gary Walker, leading to a second penalty for Portsmouth.

Moule, undeterred by his earlier miss, calmly converted from the spot, securing a narrow 1-0 victory for Portsmouth.

A hard fought game by both sides with the familiar tight result we’ve come to expect from these teams.