AFC Portchester quick off the mark in opening Wessex Premier win against Fleet Town

Highly-fancied AFC Portchester opened up with a comfortable 3-1 Wessex Premier win against Fleet Town at the Crest Finance Stadium.
Steve Ramsey scored AFC Portchester's third goal in their opening Wessex League win against Fleet Town. Picture: Chris MoorhouseSteve Ramsey scored AFC Portchester's third goal in their opening Wessex League win against Fleet Town. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Steve Ramsey scored AFC Portchester's third goal in their opening Wessex League win against Fleet Town. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The Royals’ only disappointment was the dismissal of Pete Castle 10 minutes into the second half after picking up two yellow cards.

Boss Mick Catlin is delighted with the start made to the season, following up their 4-0 midweek FA Cup win against Sandhurst with three points.

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'All the damage was done in the opening 15 minutes when we scored three goals,' said Catlin.

'It all felt very comfortable after that.

'We even had further chances and could easily have increased our tally before the break.

'Pete Castle was unfortunate to get sent off because I felt both his bookings were harsh.

'After going down to ten men we went one up top and sat in.

'Though we didn't create much after that, all Fleet could manage was a late consolation.'

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Liam Hibberd created the first goal with a fantastic through ball that split the Fleet defence.

Debut-making Joe Johnson went one-on-one with the keeper and calmly placed his shot into the bottom corner.

'Joe scored in the cup game (against Sandhurst) after going on as a substitute,' said Catlin.

'He has only just turned 20, having come out of our under 23 side, and looks a real prospect.'

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Soon afterwards Lee Wort got the wrong side of his defender and rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the net.

The returning Steve Ramsey notched the third goal with a half-volley from inside the area.

AFC Portchester: Snelling, Hibberd, Dempsey, Castle, Cripps, Chamberlain, Evans, Ramsey, Johnson (Hardy 55), Harding (Molyneaux 75), Wort (Searle 85).

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