Former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp re-opens AFC Portchester’s OnSite Group Stadium after £1.2m redevelopment
AFC Portchester secured a 2-0 win on their return to the OnSite Group Stadium on Saturday.
Former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was in attendance as AFC Portchester returned to The OnSite Group Stadium in style on Saturday.
Wet and windy conditions weren’t enough to stop the celebrations, with the Royals securing a 2-0 success over Bedfont Sports in the Isthmian League South Central Division.
Goals from Archie Willcox and Ryan Pennery were enough to give Gav Spurway’s side a crucial win in a day of excitement for the club.
Portchester made their return to The OnSite Group Stadium after six months away following the completion of their £1.2m redevelopment of the playing surface and new-look facilities.
A state-of-the-art 3G pitch was installed as part of a multi-million pound project through a collaborative funding package involving the Club and football funding bodies.
Former Pompey, Spurs, Southampton and West Ham boss Redknapp was the special guest and was on hand to lead the re-opening of the Royals’ home as he cut-the-ribbon before kick-off.
After the pre-match celebrations, Spurway’s side came close to opening the scores just five minutes in, when Pennery hit the post having been played through in the box.
That was as good as it got in the first half before the hosts raised the momentum after the break, with Alfie Stanley, Pennery and captain Jason Prior all having chances.
Portchester were handed the opportunity to take the lead, though, in the 68th minute when Prior was brought down in the box.
However, Pennery was unable to convert from 12 yards as keeper Tyler Tobin guessed right and saved the spot kick.
Spurway’s men were able to find a breakthrough 15 minutes later, with Willcox rising highest from a corner.
And that lead was then doubled on the 86th minute as Pennery made amends for his penalty miss after a brilliant build-up play from the hosts.
Brandon Haunstrup and Destiny Ojo linked up before Pompey loanee was able to put the forward through and fired into the far corner.
Portchester were able to hold on to the points and made a winning return to the OnSite Group Stadium on a day of celebration.