05/09/2026
🐾 Match Report: Portland Panthers 1–1 AFC Burton
Today’s game was definitely a game of two halves. AFC Burton started quick from the first whistle, pushing to get an opener. However, the Panthers stood tall and strong and kept the game at 0-0 with Portland goalkeeper Aaron Sandeman making some unbelievable saves - particularly a one handed save from a stunning volley from the opposition. It wasn’t until 40 minutes in that AFC Burton were able to get a goal. It was a tricky ball into the box to one of their tall defenders who managed to flick a header on towards the back post. Throughout the first half Portland did have their own opportunities on goal but were unlucky in not finding the back of the net.
Second half -
From the moment the whistle went to start the second half the Panthers were hungry to get going and started on the front foot. Portland pressed AFC Burton and stopped them from being able to play - winning almost every second ball in the second half. At the 61st minute Portland won a free kick on the corner of the 18 yard box. Ethan Jones stood over the ball and whipped it into the box and it went straight over the goalkeeper, hitting the back post and bouncing into the net. Portland continued pushing to try and get a second goal but with the opposition goalkeeper making some good saves it was kept level after 90 minutes. In the final moments of the game it could have gone either way with both teams breaking forward.
🐾 Final Score: Portland Panthers 1–1 AFC Burton
A strong second-half performance from the Panthers sees them take their first league point of the season. 💙
Portland Panthers manager (Mark Franklin) had this to say after the game -
We knew today was going to be a tough game. The lads started well but got a bit lost towards the end of the first half. We regrouped at half time and put in a quality performance in the second half to earn a well deserved point. The young lad Alfie changed the game when he came on. His pace and aggression was too much for the Burton defenders to cope with. Aaron made some world class saves to keep us in the game and was my man of the match. A solid start to the season.
A massive thank you to our sponsors for this season:
💙 Custom House for sponsoring the away kit 💙
💙 S & W shellfish for sponsoring the training kit 💙
💙 Punch Bowl Inn for everything they do for the team and supplying food after the game 💙
