AFC PORTCHESTER’S two recent signings from Blackfield & Langley made their experience count in a 4-2 Sydenhams Wessex League Cup triumph over Brockenhurst.

Sean Thurgood and Jamie Musselwhite were both influential in victory – the latter scoring twice against a much-changed Brock side at Wicor Rec.

Having upset Sydenhams Premier hopefuls Winchester City 3-0 in midweek, Brock made six changes for the Cup clash and Braiden Hamilton, back at the Badgers from Sholing, outpaced the Portchester defence to fire the visitors in front.

But the hosts burst to life and went in 2-1 up at the break with Musselwhite flicking home a corner before Ryan Smart poked his side in front.

Musselwhite extended the lead a minute after the restart with a low 20-yarder before Hamilton struck again, this time from the penalty spot after being fouled.

But Brock’s hopes of forcing extra-time were dented when they were reduced to ten men late on, Danny Smith picking up a second yellow.

Andy Rinomhota took full advantage, sliding Portchester’s fourth under ’keeper Rory Anderson. Brock boss Pat McManus wasn’t too choked in defeat, admitting: “It was more of an exercise really to get minutes into people who haven’t played much lately and the ones on the fringes.

“Normally we play with one centre-forward, but we changed the formation to accommodate Braiden and Jamie Betteridge (recent signing from Follands) and rested our big-hitters like Tom Hill, Jacques Bernard, Daryll Phillips, Mark Barker and Will Tickle.”

Portchester have landed a home tie against Andover New Street in round three.

Graham Rix’s Royals return to league action tonight (Tuesday) at home to high-flying Whitchurch, who are Brock’s next opponents at Grigg Lane on Saturday.

Whitchurch also progressed in the League Cup, beating New Milton 2-0 at Longmeadow through Jack Garner and Jamie Mansell. A home tie against Blackfield & Langley awaits.