Mens 4 v Portsmouth Match report 25th Jan

The Winchester youth-development 4th XI (Academy) remain in the relegation battle in Hampshire Div 3 after another disappointing result against physically stronger adult opposition. Despite an encouraging early spell Winchester fell behind to a fast counter-attack and then conceded again at a short corner. Winchester scored twice at short corners through adults Luke Nolan & Richard Jones either side of half-time & but also the third goal for Portsmouth 2nd XI.

With Neil Souter as the only other regular adult this season, the young Academy side typically has less strength, experience & awareness than their opposition and keep coming close to holding their own but all-too-often fall behind by the end. Despite that pattern there is plenty of promise on show through the likes of Matt de Lara, Jo Jenkinson & Tom Talks. Will Crompton clearly applied pre-match coaching, drifting infield from sideline hits to give him a better range of passing under pressure & Blake Sanderson again made important saves. Max Wedderburn continues to show good movement & an eye for goal.

The side continues to miss the energy & enthusiasm of captain Steve Boyes and this weekend were without the skilful work of regular forward Alfie Marsh (unwell). There may be more of a problem going forwards if Luke Nolan cannot play following the injury that forced him off with 15 minutes remaining after which Winchester conceded the fourth goal.