O's over come Storm Brian and Portishead Town FC

O's secured three points in very tough windy conditions against Portishead Town FC

Manager Scott Armstrong made changes as promised from last weeks side which saw key players return to the squad and line up. Chris Manns returned in goal, Courtney Charles up front, Scott Gregory back into the side. The O's were also boosted with the return of Josh Williams from injury, although not fully fit but passed a fitness test. Joe Walters also returned to the squad, again still not 100% but well enough to take his place on the bench. The O's were without Josh Southway, Jack Metcalf through injury and the ever present Luke Lecrass sunning himself on holiday. Midfielder Matt Ellery was also not included in the squad due to personal reasons.

There was also a recall to the first team fold for forward Danny Carter who was on the bench. Winger Scott Fear came into the starting 11 at right midfield.

The O's started by playing into the strong wind and driving rain looking to get through the first half unscathed. Oldland's first real chance came when good link up play between Courtney Charles and Josh Williams saw the latter be played through on goal. From a tight angle Josh Williams forced the goalkeeper into a save at his near post. The hosts then had a chance of their own when a free kick from 25 yards was well taken and clipped the outside of the post although Chris Manns seemingly had it covered. The O's then created another good opportunity when fine link up play between Shomari Sengor, Lewis Parker and Scott Fear saw a delightful cross into the box by Shomari Sengor only to be dealt with brilliantly by the Portishead centre back with Courtney Charles waiting to pounce behind him. Portishead then had a half chance of their own when the wind caught hold of a long ball into the box. Oldland's Chris Manns usually reliable hands let him down on this occasion as the ball spilt but some great defending by the back four and Manns then re-gathered. Olly Trevarthen then had a chance of his own against his former club as he cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot which just went over the bar. Portishead had one more chance before the break when a cross was caught in the wind and fell delightfully onto the centre forwards head however he could only clip the top of the bar rather then find the back in the net.

H-T 0-0

The second half saw Oldland play with the elements and start to dominate the game. Oldland's first chance of the second half fell to Lewis Parker but he fired narrowly wide of the target. Oldland then created a fine flowing move and Josh Williams raced from the midfield to place his shot into the far corner of the net to give the O's the lead. Oldland could have doubled their lead when a fine cross from Scott Fear on the right hand side saw Olly Trevarthen climb highest at the back post only to head narrowly wide. Oldland then had another chance when Courtney Charles played winger Scott Fear in on goal who brilliantly rounded the goalkeeper only to saw his effort cleared off the line by the recovering defender. Portishead could of levelled things when they broke on the counter but Chris Manns saved easily from a tame shot. Oldland could have wrapped up the game when lively winger Scott Fear raced clear through on goal and had a great chance to double the lead but saw his effort superbly saved by the hosts goalkeeper.

FT Portishead Town FC 0-1 Oldland Abbotonians FC.

The result sees the O's climb back up to fourth in the table with games in hand on sides around them. The next first team game will be home to Roman Glass on the 28th October 15:00 kick off.

Man of the Match: Mason Poole for an accomplished display at the back, showing great composure and ability.

Manager Scott Armstrong added this about the performance and result, ' It was a much better display and performance from the lads in horrendous conditions. The Portishead pitch was in great condition and suited us especially with the wind and having to play it on the deck. I was pleased with the lads reaction to last weekend horror show although most weren't involved. Over the next week or so we should start having lads come back from injuries and this will only boost the squad as well. '