Grassroots football returns after lockdown restrictions are eased – and AFC Trades are quickly back on the goal trail!

AFC Trades returned to action after lockdown doing exactly what they had been doing prior to the national shutdown - scoring goals.
By Simon Carter
Published 30th Mar 2021, 10:43 BST
Updated 30th Mar 2021, 10:49 BST
Action from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur RahmanAction from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Action from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Before grassroots football was suspended in mid-December, Trades - in their first season as a City of Portsmouth Sunday League club - had won all 10 of their league and cup fixtures.

They had belted 62 goals in that time, with a 13-4 cup drubbing of Portsville Park their last action over three months ago - prior to last night’s 6-2 friendly win over sister club Fratton Trades.

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The game, at Langstone Harbour, was the first grassroots game to take place in Portsmouth since the easing of lockdown restrictions had allowed outdoor team sports to resume.

Action from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur RahmanAction from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Action from the first grassroots game in Portsmouth after lockdown restrictions were eased - AFC Trades (pink) v Fratton Trades at the Langstone Harbour ground on Eastern Road. Picture: Habibur Rahman

And News photographer Habibur Rahman was present to capture the action, and two (socially distanced) team pictures prior to the eagerly-awaited return.

Charlie Smith and Adam Puckett both scored twice for AFC with Albie Holden and Sonny Smith also on target.

Farai Madondo twice replied for a Fratton Trades squad comprising players from their three Sunday League teams.

Related topics:Sunday League