HARTPURY FC continued their fine run of form with a well-earned 3 1 victory over play-off hopefuls Portishead Town at Bristol Road on Saturday, marking their fourth successive win in the Southern League Division One South.

The day was made all the more special as Josh Roney made a memorable return to the club, heading home a late winner to cap an impressive team performance.

Portishead began the match on the front foot, asserting themselves in the opening stages and testing the Acorns’ defence early. Ethan Feltham forced Hartpury goalkeeper Seth Locke into a sharp save in the seventh minute, his driven effort from the edge of the box beaten away smartly.

The Posset continued to dominate possession and created a number of half chances, looking to unsettle the returning Roney and his defensive colleagues.

Hartpury, however, gradually settled into the rhythm of the game. They began to assert themselves in midfield and carried a growing threat on the counterattack.

The breakthrough came on 16 minutes when Nathan Jenkins seized on a moment of space just outside the area. With composure and precision, Jenkins curled a superb effort into the top left corner from 20 yards, sending the travelling supporters into celebration and giving the Acorns an early lead.

Portishead were undeterred and pressed for an immediate response. Roney was called into action just three minutes later, producing a crucial last-ditch block to deny the hosts a clear chance and remind everyone of his defensive qualities on his return.

The Posset continued to probe and were rewarded just before half-time. In the 39th minute, Aron Robbins rose highest to glance a header into the far corner, restoring parity and ensuring that the match remained finely balanced at the break.

The second half began in a similarly competitive manner, with Portishead looking to establish an early advantage. Jay Murray went close in the 51st minute with a curling effort that dipped narrowly over the crossbar, while Locke and Roney combined moments later to thwart Jack Thorne in a one-on-one situation, keeping the scores level.

Hartpury began to respond more confidently as the half progressed, with Billy Osborn’s clever movement and vision creating opportunities for the forwards. Renato Prifti came agonisingly close on 62 minutes when he received a pulled-back cross from Osborn, but his effort from 12 yards sailed just over the bar.

Hartpury’s persistence eventually paid off. On 75 minutes, Jesse Aldridge produced a moment of real quality, curling a delightful shot into the top left corner from 18 yards to give the visitors a deserved lead. Portishead threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but the Acorns defended resolutely, with every player contributing to deny the hosts a route back into the contest.

The game was finally put beyond doubt in the 89th minute. From a dangerous corner, Roney attacked the ball with determination, leaping to power a header past the Portishead goalkeeper and seal a dramatic victory.

His goal not only secured all three points but also provided a perfect ending for his first match back, underlining the impact he could have for the remainder of the campaign.

Hartpury will now look to extend their winning streak to five matches when they welcome Westbury United to the 4ED Hartpury Stadium next Saturday.