Reed and Murray blast City to derby joy

It was a first success of the season for the team and lifted them up to ninth in the table.

City soon had the ball in the net following a quick move down the right.

Stuart Avery crossed the ball for Rob Boswell to touch home.

But the effort was unfortunately ruled out for a slight deflection off his leg.

It was not long until City took the lead.

A long aerial pass released Reed who drove into the D before calmly slotting the ball home.

Goalkeeper Ed Smyth kept City ahead with a couple of sharp saves and man-of-the match Jez Bulled contributed to the impressive defensive display with a crucial intervention.

City’s nerves were calmed after the break when great work by Reed set up Murray to sweep the ball past the keeper.

Captain Boswell said: ‘It was not a pretty match but the result was the most important thing.

‘We have a game against University of Portsmouth next.

‘Results will come if we keep it simple, do the basics well and have better discipline than our opponents.’

City seconds lost 3-1 to Fareham fifth team in division three.

Alex Williams scored for the Portsmouth side.

In division six, the City thirds lost 10-0 to Winchester fifth team.

But there was a win for the fourth team who beat Fleet & Ewshot fourths 3-1.

Tristan Barnes, Matt Butler-Keating and skipper Paul Barnes got the goals for City.

Kate Green and Becky Clay scored to give City of Portsmouth Ladies a 2-2 draw against Gosport Borough in Hampshire League division two.

The City second team lost 5-2 at Havant fourths in division five.

Lindsay McConnell scored on her debut and Michelle Hughes got the second.

City under-12s shone with a 4-0 win against Woking.