With a chance for two teams to play a final at Wembley, there is always an air of excitement and hope for such a game as this. This second round FA Vase tie proved to be an exciting contest between Warminster Town and Wessex Premier League side, AFC Portchester. The home side has progressed to round 3 with a 3 – 1 victory. 

For the first 20 minutes, Warminster were mostly under pressure from the visitors who threatened to score on several occasions. The first goal came in the 22nd minute and put the home side ahead. Jack Miluk from deep inside Warminster’s half sent a long ball down the right. Francois Allan chased down the ball, rounded the advancing keeper and fired the ball home for the first goal. 

Warminster’s second came 20 minutes later (42), an ideal time to score just before halftime. Once again, Allan and Miluk were in action. This time Allan was the provider. He picked up a loose ball inside the visitors half, advancing on goal and upon reaching the right edge of the penalty area crossed into the box and found the advancing Miluk who’s shot hit the back of the net. 2 – 0. 

The second half kicked off and AFC Portchester forced Nathan Ball into a fine save in the 4th minute and later in the game he was also called into action making a really good save to keep the contenders from scoring more. Ten minutes into this half (55), Eben Mortimer-Taylor made a run down the right and crossed the ball into Allan who didn’t seem to get enough power to score as he slid to meet the ball but it still found its way between keeper and his left-hand post.

Miluk went really close 3 minutes later when his shot went agonisingly past the left-hand post. There were other opportunities too for the home side which went close, including one from Allan who almost got his hat-trick.

Portchester’s goal came in the 67th minute, a long ball from the left, not too far inside Warminster’s half found the head of Dan Wooden who’s looping header caught Nathan Ball on the backfoot and it dropped just under the crossbar. With 5 minutes of normal time remaining, Portchester almost doubled their goal tally as the ball slowly hit Nathan Ball’s right-hand post allowing him time to get across and collect it. 

222 watched this game and created a real cup-tie atmosphere and both sides contributed to an entertaining game of football. Warminster can now look forward to playing in round 3. 

 

Team: Ball, McFerran, Jeffery, Graham, De-Silva, Churchyard*, Miluk, Mortimer-Taylor,  Allen, Butler*, Shanley* 

Subs (*used) Lisowski*, Johnson*, Barnes, Fletcher*