12 Regt Royal Artillery Thorney Island beat HM Naval Base Portsmouth 1 nil to reatin the USFL Chairty Cup

12 Regt Royal Artillery Thorney Island 1 - 0 HM Naval Base Portsmouth

This Army v Navy games had the makings of an exciting final with both teams performing well in the semi-finals.

The game started brightly and Naval Base Portsmouth quickly created a chance when Loche Loch was put through on goal but rather than shoot he opted to pass and the chance was lost. Portsmouth continued to press but failed to penetrate a sound Thorney defence whilst Thorney were thwarted by a high line from Portsmouth where they were either caught offside or the ball ran harmlessly to Shorty Short in goal. Portsmouth created 2 further good chances from corners but both didn’t test Thorney’s keeper Graham Wiseman; half time 0 – 0.

The 2nd half started much the same with neither side creating much and defences stifling any attach with Thorney’s No 5 Kevin Carasco the standout player stopping Portsmouth’s wide player Scotty Scott who had a productive 1st half in his tracks.

With 20 minutes to go Thorney won a corner and it was executed to perfection with their Gary Smith raising well and heading into the corner giving Shorty no chance; 1 nil to Thorney. Thorney then showed their class when in possession they held the ball well keeping Portsmouth in their own half, when they lost possession they defended as a team and gave no chances to Portsmouth. Final score 1 – 0 to Thorney.

Many thanks to our match officials, Referee Stuart Carter, Assistant Referees Andrew Scanlon & Michelle Garrett and 4th Official Andrew Keay, who gave an exemplary performance

Man of the Match Thorney’s No 10 Gary Smith chosen by RN FA’s Referee’s secretary 'Barney' Barnett for scoring the winning goal.