Match Preview: Baffins vs Portland United

Rovers return to PO3 searching for a third-straight home league victory as they welcome Portland United side under new management to PMC Stadium on Saturday.

It could be Baffins’ third-straight victory at PMC Stadium, after successes against United Services Portsmouth and Alresford Town.

Rovers were in action in midweek as Danny Thompson’s side travelled to Five Heads Park in league action, but couldn’t record their third-straight win.

A young Baffins side found themselves a goal down at the break, after Zack Willett’s opener. Ed Sanders was also sent off before the end of the first interval. Rudi Blankson netted just after the break before Willett rounded off the Horndean triumph with his brace.

Cast an eye back to April 2017 and Portland United had lifted the Wessex Premier Division title after a 99-point haul. Despite the title-winning season, the Blues didn’t make the step up to the fourth tier of non-league football.

This year’s Portland side will be in a jubilant mood after a first victory under new manager Kyle Critchell - who replaced Franklyn Clarke - came last Saturday. Hamble Club were the visitors to Dorset, but the hosts secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a Brin Doyle brace - the midfielder who netted against Baffins in Dorset earlier this term.

Victory last weekend ensured Portland have taken 22 points from their first 24 league fixtures, and sit in 15th position, six points above the step-five drop zone.

The reverse fixture at Grove Corner was an enjoyable afternoon for Baffins, as the longest trip of the campaign ended with a convincing 3-1 victory. Steve Ramsey, Jason Parish and Tom Vincent all found the target for Rovers in the December clash in chilly conditions.

Portland have won just once on their travels this term, a one-goal victory at Moneyfields last month courtsey of a second-half wonder-strike from midfielder George Stuttle.

During 2021/22, Baffins secured three points against Portland United at PMC Stadium as Jason Parish netted his 100th goal in a Rovers shirt in a 4-0 triumph.

Tickets for the Wessex Premier clash can only be purchased on the turnstiles on Saturday 11 February 2022 and are priced £6 adults and £4 concessions.