Page 21 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.20 2020-21

AFC Portchester have raced off with the Hampshire County Women’s League Division Three
title this season, in what has been a great return to women’s football.
The team is managed by Mark Dugan and Lynsey Crewe is captain, whilst Laura
Streeter is leading scorer with 11 goals to her name, whilst young star Ella Wilson has added a
further ten.
In terms of the season, it's been a whirlwind time for the ladies with some great
preseason signings and games having just reformed!” Manager Mark Dugan explained to
Women’s Soccer Scene, “and then like all of us, Covid-19 hit us.
“From a difficult start, with a tight 1-0 victory over Basingstoke Town, we'd progressed
well with a massive 5-0 away win at a very good Liphook United side. Then covid hit again and
we had to reset and again managed to beat second placed AFC Varsity 3-1 at The Crest Stadium.
“The title was won without us playing after Basingstoke went to Varsity and won…
meaning our celebrations have been muted until now!! but we sure celebrated after Sunday.”
The match on Sunday, the return meeting with Basingstoke, ended in a 2-2 draw, which
meant that AFC Portchester were unable to finish the season with a 100% record, but with a
comfortable seven point margin over their nearest rivals, AFC Varsity and Liphook United.
“Within the squad we have ladies of all ages, some reaching the end of the careers and
some just starting,” added Dugan. “This season we've had four of our U18s featuring regularly,
which is great for the pathway i've tried to create within the club this last 3/4 seasons.
“In terms of people behind the scenes, we need to thank people such as the chairman
Paul Kelly at the club for backing us, providing us with first class facilities and matchday pitch.
Great coaching staff such as Gemma Stollery who was with me for four seasons before going to
sea with the Royal Navy, assistant manager Steve Weston for all the hard work off field, session
planning and of course Match day.
“In terms of the future and measuring ourselves to date, we reached the semi final of
the PDFA Cup before being heavily defeated by Portsmouth, some six divisions above us. So
plenty of work to be done and to aspire to, but with nearly 400 people watching the match,
which was a great experience for the group.”
AFC Portchester squad: Ellen Arthutr, Freya Bowie, Ava Colbourne, Lynsey Crewe, Tara-
Jayne Hewitt, Samantha Jennings, Zoe Jessey, Sarah Kelsall, Bella Longyear, Kayleigh
Merrett, Lysette Merrett, Michelle Niven, Amy Piper, Roxy Roberts, Chantelle Robinson,
Laura Streeter, Anna Thomson, Kate Wilby, Ella Wilson, Shannon Woods.

Issue no. 20 - 3 June 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk