Martins hat-trick sends Stoneham back to top of Wessex Premier League

Another dominant display from AFC Stoneham saw them breeze past United Services Portsmouth 5-1 to go top of the Wessex Premier League at Stoneham Lane on Tuesday night, scoring four goals inside the first-half. 

Duarte Martins opened the scoring with a beautiful chip inside the box, with Tyrell Sampson finding the top-left corner shortly afterwards as a composed Lewis Nagle found the back of the net after some beautiful dribbling – which saw the Purps comfortably 3-0 up on the half-hour mark. 

An unmarked Martins came close to finding his second goal after his header went wide of the post but he did have the ball in the back of the net shortly afterwards but it was flagged offside. Then just seconds before half-time, Alex Welch’s low cross was converted from close-range by the Portuguese striker.

HT: AFC Stoneham 4-0 United Services Portsmouth.

Stonham continued where they left off just four minutes into the second-half with Martins completing his hat-trick, Sampson putting it on a plate yet again for the striker, with the pair both being denied by the woodwork after the goal. 

Sixteen-year-old Jack Bagnall scored a late consolation goal – his first senior goal for United Services Portsmouth within a minute of his cameo off the bench. 

FT: AFC Stoneham 5-1 United Services Portsmouth.

What is next for both sides?

Stoneham take on Moneyfields on Saturday at Oaklands Park in a top of the table clash.

Whereas United Services Portsmouth are back in action on Thursday night against Portsea Island rivals Baffins Milton Rovers at the PMC Stadium. But, just 43 hours later, the RN are back in action as they welcome Cowes Sports to the HMS Temeraire on Saturday afternoon. 

A season defining game at Oaklands Park

With the Purps victorious and Moneyfields’ trip to Meadens Skoda Arena to take on Brockenhurst postponed on Tuesday night, it has seen Stoneham return to the top of the league ahead of the top of the table clash this Saturday. 

Despite having played three games less, Moneys find themselves one point behind Stoneham – but Glenn Turnbull’s side would be top, if they were not deducted three points a few weeks ago. 

Moneyfields have not beaten Stoneham in the past five meetings –  including their 3-1 defeat earlier in the season.