AFC Trades quickly back on the goal trail

AFC Trades returned to action after lockdown doing exactly what they had been doing prior to the national shutdown - scoring goals.

Before grassroots football was suspended in mid-December, Trades - in their first season as a City of Portsmouth Sunday League club had won all 10 of their league and cup fixtures.

They had belted 62 goals in that time, with a 13-4 cup drubbing of Portsville Park their last action over three months ago - prior to Monday evening’s 6-2 friendly win over sister club Fratton Trades.

The game, at Langstone Harbour, was the first grassroots game to take place in Portsmouth since the easing of lockdown restrictions had allowed outdoor team sports to resume.

And News photographer Habibur Rahman was present to capture the action, and two (socially distanced) team pictures prior to the eagerlyawaited return.

Charlie Smith and Adam Puckett both scored twice for AFC with Albie Holden and Sonny Smith also on target.

Farai Madondo twice replied for a Fratton Trades squad comprising players from their three Sunday League teams.

AFC Trades return to league action this Sunday with a double header against third-placed AC.

The games take place at King George 5 with the first kicking off at 10.30am and the second at 11.45am.

Fratton Trades Reserves are second in Division 5, having won their last five league games.

That followed a 10-2 drubbing by AFC Trades in their opening fixture of 2020/21, with Sonny Smith (4), Charlie Smith (2) and Harry Gregory (2) leading the goal spree.