Portsmouth & Southsea FC Crowned Tier 3 Southern Qualifiers Champions After Historic Comeback Victory
Portsmouth & Southsea FC produced one of the greatest performances in our club’s futsal history on Sunday, overcoming a disastrous start to beat Farnborough 4–3 and secure the Tier 3 Southern Qualifiers title on goal difference. This incredible result confirms our promotion to Tier 3.1 South from January.
The match began in the worst possible fashion, with Farnborough scoring inside the opening 30 seconds after a loose moment at the back. Moments later, the challenge became even tougher. Goalkeeper James Heels was shown a straight red card for an alleged handball outside the area. Reduced to four outfield players so early on, we faced an uphill battle, and Farnborough capitalised immediately by making it 0–2 just a minute after the dismissal.
Our opponents continued to press their advantage and extended their lead to 0–3 within the first 12 minutes, leaving us with a mountain to climb. But true to the spirit of this club, we refused to fold. Just before half-time, captain Aaron Tasker stepped up and delivered a crucial moment, firing in a superb free-kick to bring us back to 1–3 and spark life into the squad heading into the break.
The second half saw a completely transformed Portsmouth & Southsea side. We came out with intensity, belief, and a determination to put things right. Dennis Wate struck early to make it 2–3, sending a surge of momentum through the team. Ten minutes later, it was our captain again—Tasker smashing home the equaliser to level the match at 3–3 and turn the tide firmly in our favour. With Farnborough now under pressure, we continued to push for the winner. The decisive moment arrived with eight minutes left when former Farnborough player Matty Holden calmly slotted home after a brilliant assist from Sean Ikenye, completing the comeback and giving us a 4–3 lead that we fought to protect.
The final moments were tense, but every player dug deep, showed immense character, and battled until the final whistle. When it sounded, the roar told its own story—Portsmouth & Southsea FC are Tier 3 Southern Qualifiers Champions.
This victory means we progress to Tier 3.1 South, where we’ll join the top two teams from the Southern, South West, and South East Qualifiers. Each team will play home and away, and the side finishing top will earn promotion to Tier 2 South, one step below the highest level of English futsal.
For now, we celebrate a historic win, a remarkable comeback, and a proud moment for everyone connected with Portsmouth & Southsea FC.
