The Galleon - Portsmouth's Official Student Newspaper

The football 2nds crashed out of the BUCS Cup in the last 16 as their attractive passing game hit a brick wall against visiting Kingston 1sts.

The 2nds have a confidence in their passing that flows through the whole team, playing a brand of football much like what Swansea are becoming known for in the Premier League. Even the defence is completely confident to make ten or so passes before threading the ball to midfield to launch an attack.

However, they were caught out for their coolness early early in the game, and Ade Oyenuga in goal was forced into saving what should have been the opening goal for Kingston.

Despite enjoying less of the possession, Kingston had the better of the early chances. They scored with an optimistic shot from about 30 yards which was cruising surely into Oyenuga’s hands but somehow alluded the Portsmouth goalie and dribbled in.

The goal gave the visitors confidence and they began wading in with heavy tackling. Midfielder Alex Disch was an unfortunate recipient of this and had to be substituted for playmaker Ed McCambridge.

Kingston doubled their lead with Portsmouth suffering with the bounce on an awkward pitch and a typically strong wind. The 2nds missed a number of chances to intercept and the ball found a Kingston striker in bags of space to place a left-footed shot in the corner.

Portsmouth came to life at the end of the first half, but Kingston were doing well at cutting out their attacks and little was happening for the 2nds from corners. One was placed nicely by David Templer on striker Ed Lee’s feet but he could not get enough swivel on his volley and it flew wide.

Meanwhile, the visitors continued their tough approach that had been effective in stifling anything the 2nds could create. The hard in tackles philosophy that saw Disch go off injured was again in use from the start of the second period as James Ireland looked hurt after a strong challenge. Left-winger Paris Downes also felt aggrieved when he very clearly had his legs swiped from beneath him.

The 2nds persisted. McCambridge put Ryan Baxter on goal with a through ball but the holding midfielder could not cap his fine run off with a finish. He came off minutes later for Mason Gardener.

Kingston’s two goal lead was a comfortable enough cushion to send them through, so they settled into soaking up the pressure and looking to attack on the counter.

On the other hand, Portsmouth’s play was not linking up and they began to grow frustrated at themselves and each other.

Manager Simon McManus removed captain Matt Parry and pushed David Templer up from right back to wide right as Pompey resorted to an attacking 3-5-2 formation in a bid to get back into the game.

However, Kingston came inches away from putting any Portsmouth hopes of a comeback to bed as they lobbed an effort onto the inside of the post with Ade Oyenuga stranded having rushed out of goal to intercept the initial cross.

Although staring cup exit in the face with time rapidly running out, the mood among the team was that Pompey were very capable of getting the two essential goals.

But it was Kingston who were having all the best chances. From a long throw into the box they rattled the crossbar with a powerful and well-directed header.

Portsmouth then had their best chance of the game when Ed Lee’s header flicked the ball on to Kiri Portou. The striker was able to steady himself but found his shot well saved by the feet of the Kingston keeper who was stopping everything Pompey threw at him.

The 2nds pressed and persevered but could not find the break they needed. They had a couple more chances and Kingston landed a couple more crunching tackles.

In the end it was a bitterly disappointing result for the team, who can now turn their attentions to finishing solidly and securing a top two place in the league.