Sholing claimed their first victory of pre season with a well deserved 3-1 win over AFC Portchester at the Mortgage Decisions Stadium.

New boys Gio Crichlow & Beaux Booth with two excellent finishes either side of a Ryan Pennery equaliser, before Fabio Lopes rounded off the scoring twenty minutes from time.

It was a scorching afternoon on the South Coast, with drinks breaks aplenty in a lively opening period. It was the Boatmen who had the first opportunity of the afternoon through a corner, but Brad Targett couldn’t keep his header on target.

It didn’t take long for the opener to come for Sholing, with Gio Crichlow showing his new fans exactly what he’s capable of as he curled a superb effort in off the post from distance.

AFC Portchester responded well to the early set back and could have levelled up immediately, but Ryan Pennery’s effort flew wide of Craig King’s post.

The Royals kept up their intensity and were deservedly level on 26 minutes, with Pennery finding the net from a rebounded effort after King had made the initial save.

Sholing eventually regained control and should have had a chance to go back in front from the penalty spot after Michael Folivi was hauled down, but the referee waved away the Sholing protests.

The second half started in similar vein to the first with Sholing showing their two division superiority, and they were back in front shortly after the restart, with fresh-face Beaux Booth curling a stunning effort into the top left hand corner.

Portchester again responded well after going behind and could have been level from a corner if not for a wonderful goal line clearance from Joe Rabbetts.

Dan Jones then saw an effort from distance sail over the crossbar before Sholing finally had their two-goal cushion as two substitutes combined. Billie Busari with some excellent work down the right hand side before chipping the ball into the 6 yard box, with Fabio Lopes rising highest to nod the ball home.

Portchester could have halved the deficit in phenomenal style, but a halfway line effort landed on the roof of the Sholing net, much to the relief of Charlie Searle.

It could have been even better for Paul Doswell’s men, but Portchester keeper Steve Mothorpe did brilliantly to deny a trialist from close range.

3-1 it finished as Sholing taste victory for the first time in pre season. Next up is the visit of National League South side Dorking Wanderers on 19th July. Kick off 3pm.

Harry Adams – Match Reporter, Sholing FC