City of Portsmouth,looking to carry the momentum from last years 'B' league triumph, were hoping to a make an impression upon the 'A' league against a strong Farnborough side.

We started shakily with captain Steve Spratt being caught out of position far too often. A barrage of attacks soon wore down the defence and won the away team a short corner. Despite the strike being scuffed the ball still managed to find its way past Chris Batchelor and John Beswick and onto the backboard due to a communication breakdown.

After this the level picked up, with Matt Harper playing much better at right back then centre back. From his runs we penetrated their 25 and City were unlucky not to convert chances late in the first half.

The second half was a different story to the first. We started well and put the traveling team under pressure but just could not find the back of the net.

Farnborough won a penalty flick towards the end which was put away and was closely followed up by another goal.

Debutant Rob "New Superstar" Mitchell was unlucky not to open his scoring account when he lost control at the top of the 'D' with just the keeper to beat.

A well fought battle but the team will be looking to improve results as the season continues.

Team: Beswick, Over, Batchelor, Harper, Boyland, Smith, Seager, Spratt, Green, Mitchell, Knight, Laly

Man-of-the-Match - Chris Batchelor - played the game of his life making many crucial tackles to keep city in the game. The communication breakdown leading to the first goal being his only mistake but he more then made up for it in his overall performance.

Wally-of-the-Match - Phil Clare - well its just tradition now isn't it!
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