11 December 2019 — Dorset Intermediate Cup
Category: Football | Dorset League | Cup Competitions
PORTLAND TOWN 3 – WOOL UNITED 2
Portland Town booked their place in the semi-finals of the Dorset Intermediate Cup with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over fellow Division One side Wool United.
Despite a slow start, Portland took an early lead just nine minutes in. Greg Borthwick’s low cut-back found Colin Upfold, who calmly slotted past the Wool keeper to make it 1–0.
Only a minute later, Town doubled their advantage when Ross Pettitt’s dangerous cross was deflected into the net by a Wool defender — with Upfold lurking close behind, ready to claim his second.
Wool responded midway through the first half to reduce the deficit to 2–1, but Portland restored control before the break. Borthwick coolly converted a penalty to register his third goal in as many games, giving Town a 3–1 lead at half-time.
The visitors came out fighting after the restart, and their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when a long ball over the top was finished past Town goalkeeper Pete Cowne to make it 3–2.
Portland created several good chances late on but were unable to add to their tally. However, they held firm defensively to secure passage into the semi-finals.
After the match, manager Justin Faulkner reflected:
“We made hard work of that and it ended up closer than it should have been. We didn’t really get out of second gear — but we’ve scored three goals without being at our best and defended well overall. The sloppy moments in possession are what cost us the goals.”
Faulkner added:
“It’s always great to have a cup run and something to look forward to like a semi-final. Now, we need to focus on improving our league form and turning those games in hand into points.”
Portland Town squad: Cowne, Paul, Pettitt, Paice, Higgins, Townley, Upfold, Parsons, Borthwick, R. Zima, Jones.
Subs: Hearn, MacConnachie, Tennant. Unused: Dean Richards.