Andover Town 0–5 United Services Portsmouth

U.S. Portsmouth maintained their unbeaten start to the league campaign with a comprehensive victory over Andover Town at the Portway Stadium. Buoyed by the availability of their naval servicemen, the visitors have started the season in a purposeful manner, only dropping points in two games whilst Andover entered the game on the back of a victory against Verwood the previous weekend. David Jerrard made his home debut whilst Connor Cullingford made his first appearance after signing from Bashley. Márcio Neves and Isaac Muirhead made the squad after recently signing.

In front of a decent crowd on a sunny day, Andover were hopeful of being competitive but that was undone with a terrible start that, not only saw the away side go one up after less than a minute but followed this up with a second goal a few minutes later. Four minutes gone and Andover were already two down. The visitors were sharper and ensured that, at no point, did their lead look in danger. Midway in the first 45 minutes and Portsmouth put the game to bed with a third.

Half time - Andover Town 0-3 U.S. Portsmouth

Fortunately, despite the score line suggesting otherwise, Andover continued to battle and, whilst there was a clear difference in quality on the day, the score line flattered Portsmouth. After the second half started slowly, Portsmouth grabbed a fourth and fifth. At that point, with the home side chasing, they left themselves open to being hit on the break and the visitors duly obliged.

Much food for thought after this setback which emphasised that despite improvements, there is still some way to go to build on the potential that exists in the squad.