Going into this game both sides came off of poor previous results.
The away side have picked up just two from a possible six points and for Gosport they have fresh memories from a 3-0 loss to Basingstoke. A win for the hosts’ was essential as Salisbury continue to narrow the gap, with Gosport holding onto second place on goal difference.

In the ninth minute BORO’ fans nearly witnessed a sensational goal. Harry Kavanagh outside of the box whipped a ball in finding Rafael Ramos. The Portuguese Striker produced an overhead shot towards goal and with a good level of accuracy it forced Cairney into making a great early save!

Following that Gosport chance…at the other end of the pitch, Winchester had their best opportunity of the half. Caborn finding space in a left hand pocket allowed for the striker to get across his shot dragging a shot across the face of goal and narrowly missing the top right corner.

Five minutes later it was Kavanagh again with a wonder cross. This time picking out an unmarked Dan Wooden who guided a header onto the post and before going out for a goal kick.

HT: Gosport 0-0 Winchester

Like last week, our opposition had the better start in the second half with Winchester grabbing a goal! Former Havant man Tommy Wright on the edge of the BORO’ box, curled a ball into the top right corner. Dipping just enough to work its way into the back of the net.

Giving Gosport a bit of urgency, BORO’ had a corner on the 64th minute. Although the corner itself wasn’t great, a ball fizzled its way on to Jordan outside of the box. Wrapping his foot around the ball, the defender struck an effort just wide.

Despite having the goal advantage Winchester were looking to cushion their lead. Substitute Balmer looping a lovely ball into Wright at the far post, saw the later get a good connection with the ball. Aiming towards the near post, Wright went for goal as the effort collided with the post.

However on the 80th minute Gosport found their much needed equaliser! Substitute Antonio Diaz hitting a corner to the back post found Corey Jordan who headed it down into the danger zone. Alfie Stanley got on the end of the pass and tapped it home to put us on equal terms!

Minutes later, Gosport added another one to the scoreboard. Brad Tarbuck being fed a ball from Kavanagh allowed for the winger to be open in front of goal. Unleashing a power shot past Cairney, Tarbuck’s effort flew into the top corner to give us the lead for the first time in the game!!

FT: Gosport 2-1 Winchester

An action packed second half crafted BORO’ the three points. Anything less than that would have seen Salisbury overtake us with ‘The Whites’ winning 2-1 against Basingstoke. Feels like a massive win and the momentum of the season has now fully shifted into our path. We’ll see you next week, but final words from me: UP THE BORO!!!

Gosport Starting XI
Steward, Kavanagh, Jordan, Sharp, Williams, Campbell, Tarbuck, Barsa, Hollands, Wooden, Ramos

Attendance: 1,137

Picture by Tom Phillips