Rare off-day for US Portsmouth defence in losing start to Wessex League campaign

James Franklyn scored after only 23 seconds of the new Wessex League season - but US Portsmouth still lost at Laverstock & Ford. Picture Keith Woodland

Only 23 seconds had elapsed when James Franklyn fired US into the lead in their Division 1 curtain-raiser at Laverstock & Ford.

George Root struck a post a few minutes later, before sloppy defending allowed the hosts to take the lead.

Dec Seiden converted a penalty, awarded for a foul on Josh Hazell, before Laverstock retook the lead.

US were level again, through Frankie Paige, but conceded a fourth in unlucky circumstances.

Tom Jeffes’ clearance struck the back of John Cass and fell nicely for a home player to complete the scoring.

US had only ever conceded four goals in a league game once before in Turnbull’s time in charge, and he said: ‘They were four sloppy goals, it was unlike us. It was an off-day at the office - everyone has them.

‘Hopefully it was the wake-up call that we needed.’

US Portsmouth’s under-18s take centre stage this Wednesday when they take part in the club’s first ever FA Youth Cup tie.

They hosts Bournemouth Poppies at the Victory Stadium (7.30pm).

US’ next Wessex fixture is home to Totton & Eling on Saturday. T & E postponed their opening game against Bemerton at the weekend after one of their players recorded a positive covid test two days earlier.