Portchy late show denies Farnham
Farnham Town 1 AFC Portchester 1
Two of the early leaders in the Southern Region League Premier Division battled out a 1-
With both teams fielding an array of talent with higher tier experience, this was a thrilling contest where every challenge was full blooded and chances were at a premium. A very late Kim Fuller goal for the Hampshire visitors rescued a deserved point for AFC Portchester after Ashlee Hincks had opened the scoring for the hosts just before the hour.
Portchy were marginally the more dangerous side in a tight first half where strong defences on both sides made sure that any advantage would be hard gained. Emilie Miller made a fine interception to prevent Becki Bath from finishing a good Portchester move and a free kick from distance drifted on to the roof of the net whilst a snap shot at the other end tested Leya Burchett's reactions.
Rose Kite in the home goal had her first difficult save on 55 minutes, reacting well at her near post to parry a close range drive. Kite's next contribution was an assist for the 59th minute opener via a lofted kick from hands perfectly read by Hincks as it bounced and the striker acrobatically nudged the ball past the advancing Burchett.
Portchester put some pressure on the Farnham goal but in truth were well marshalled by a strong home defence right up until six additional minutes were signalled. As time ran out, both sides had chances but it took a special finish from Fuller to balance the score. Stretching as she ran on to a pass on the left edge of the area, Fuller clipped an instant low shot wide of the diving Kite and just inside the far post.
A draw reflected the balance of play and leaves both clubs level in the early season table prior to exciting Women's FA Cup fixtures against FAWNL opposition next week.
Farnham Town: Rose Kite, Libby Doyle, Emilie Miller, Isabelle Rowden, Rebecca Price, Leanne Bell, Kelly-
AFC Portchester: Leya Burchett, Jess Smith, Grace Jarrett, Maisy Smith, Sarah Butterworth, Betty Barron-
