Written by Sam Russell
The Acorns are back in action this Saturday, 7th November, as Hartpury travel to Dorset to face Portland United in the Southern League Division One South.
Hartpury return to league action following an emphatic 4–0 victory over Shaftesbury AFC at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium last weekend.
A brace from Billy Osborn, alongside goals from Nathan Jenkins and Morgan Ewing, secured a third consecutive league victory for the Acorns and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Looking to carry that momentum into the weekend, Hartpury will be aiming to make it four consecutive victories as they travel to face a Portland side who will be looking to build on their own recent results.
Ahead of the Acorns' trip to the Camp & Satherley Stadium, here is everything you need to know about the hosts.
THE OPPOSITION – PORTLAND UNITED
STADIUM – Camp & Satherley Stadium
NICKNAME – The Blues
FOUNDED – 1921
MANAGER – Kyle Critchell
POSITION - 11th
LEAGUE – Southern League Division One South
Based on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, Portland United have enjoyed a significant period of progress in recent years, earning promotion to Step 4 football after finishing third in the Wessex Premier Division last season.
The 2026/27 campaign marks the club's first-ever season competing in the Southern League Division One South, representing another important milestone in their history.
Playing their home fixtures at the Camp & Satherley Stadium, the Blues have made an encouraging start to life at Step 4, establishing themselves in the middle of the division.
Their transition to the Southern League has already produced some memorable moments, including a historic first victory at this level with a 2–0 win over Shaftesbury on Bank Holiday Monday in August.
With Portland continuing to adapt to the demands of Step 4 football, Saturday's meeting presents another opportunity for the Blues to test themselves against established opposition.
IN THE DUGOUT – KYLE CRITCHELL
Portland United are managed by Kyle Critchell, who returned to the club in January 2025 after previously taking charge of the Blues during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 campaigns.
Critchell has an extensive playing background, having progressed through Southampton's youth system before going on to represent several clubs across the English football pyramid, including Torquay United, Chesterfield, Weymouth, Wrexham and Dorchester Town.
He also represented Wales at under-17, under-21 and semi-professional level, making appearances across all three age groups.
His return to Portland has brought renewed ambition, with Critchell guiding the club through an important period of development. During his first spell in charge, he helped Portland recover from a difficult position in the league before securing an improved seventh-place finish in the 2023–24 season.
With plenty of experience both as a player and manager, Critchell will be hoping to guide his side to another important result when Hartpury visit Dorset this Saturday
WHAT'S HAPPENED SINCE?
Portland United have experienced a mixed run of results in recent weeks, but head into Saturday's fixture with renewed confidence following an impressive victory over local rivals Dorchester Town.
The Blues endured a difficult afternoon against Sporting Club Inkberrow on 10th October, suffering a 4–0 defeat at home, before bouncing back with a narrow 3–2 victory over Exmouth Town just three days later.
Portland then faced another setback, suffering a heavy 6–0 defeat against Melksham Town, before playing out a goalless draw with Paulton Rovers at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.
However, their most recent outing produced one of the highlights of their season, as Portland secured a memorable 3–2 away victory over Dorset rivals Dorchester Town.
Archie Woolford opened the scoring in an entertaining encounter, with the Blues eventually claiming all three points in front of 787 spectators at the Avenue Stadium.
The result leaves Portland sitting 11th in the Southern League Division One South, having collected 21 points from their opening 14 league fixtures.
With confidence growing following their derby victory, the Blues will be hoping to build on that performance when Hartpury travel to Dorset on Saturday afternoon.
PLAYER TO WATCH - ARCHIE WOOLFORD
Archie Woolford will be one for the Acorns to keep an eye on as they prepare for Saturday's trip to Dorset.
The Portland winger played a decisive role in his side's recent 3–2 victory over local rivals Dorchester Town, opening the scoring in the 12th minute before providing assists for Patrick Jenkins and Harley Brook.
Woolford has been a constant attacking threat for the Blues, using his pace and ability in one-on-one situations to create opportunities for his teammates.
Having already demonstrated his ability to make a difference in important fixtures, Hartpury will need to keep a close eye on the winger as they look to secure another positive result on the road.
RECENT FORM
31.10.26 – Dorchester Town 2–3 Portland United (Southern League Division One South)
28.10.26 – Portland United 0–0 Paulton Rovers (Southern League Division One South)
20.10.26 – Melksham Town 6–0 Portland United (Southern League Division One South)
17.10.26 – Tiverton Town 1–4 Portland United (Southern League Division One South)
13.10.26 – Portland United 3–2 Exmouth Town (Southern League Division One South)
