SPECIAL 40 th RUBY EDITION NEWSLETTER

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1 SPECIAL 40 th RUBY EDITION NEWSLETTER WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER. If you have anything to contribute, please do get in touch- You can keep up to date with all the news from around the League by following us on Twitter at HAT TRICK COUNT- WEEK 33 6 In midweek, John McKie hit a hat trick for Cowes Sports which saw the Yachtsmen win the Medina Derby 4-2 away. But at Follands Park Brett Stanley hit four for Romsey Town in their 5-1 away win. Saturday saw a further four contributions. Harry McGrath for Bashley in a high scoring game won by the Forest side 6-5. Andover Town had Manny Soetan grabbing the goals in a 4-1 away win. Meanwhile at Barlows Park, both James Tennant and Brett Denham hit three for Tadley Calleva in a somewhat emphatic 7-0 win. LEAGUE CLEAN SHEETS COUNT- WEEK 33 LEAGUE GOALS COUNT- WEEK SOCIAL MEDIA A reminder to clubs that they are responsible for any comments put on their own social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and any infringement of the rules may result in a misconduct charge for your club from the county FA. Not only that but comments could put off any potential sponsors and spectators from going to your games. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 1 of 19

2 FA COMPETITION ENTRY- 2018/19 Don t forget, that to apply for next season s FA Cup, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup, application is ONLY available online with payment available by credit or debit card, and an individual can make the payment with a personal card on the Clubs behalf. On successful completion of the online application and payment, an on-screen confirmation will be received and an automatic confirmation will be sent to the participant from The FA. It should be noted that this does NOT constitute acceptance into the specified competition(s). A list of entries accepted will be available on towards the end of June If any further information or assistance is required- please competition.entries@thefa.com or call x 4583/4622 Don t forget, as the closing date is Sunday 1 April BUILDBASE FA VASE Semi-Final First Leg scheduled for this weekend. The Second Legs are next Saturday at 15:00. With the Final at Wembley on Sunday 20 May, who has got their foot in the door. Marske United (Northern League Division 1) 0-2 Stockton Town (Northern League Division 1) OR Thatcham Town (Hellenic Premier) Northwich (North West Counties Premier) -the 2nd leg next weekend will be at Witton Albion. CLUB OF THE MONTH AWARDS- February 2018 Premier Division HAMWORTHY UNITED First Division AFC STONEHAM The Kappa MJM Sports RESPECT Awards February Premier Division PORTLAND UNITED First Division AFC STONEHAM PLAYER AND CLUB NEWS Christchurch have secured the signing of one of the leading all time Wessex League goalscorers in time for the run in this season, namely Scott Joyce the striker has bagged over 285 goals in close to four hundred appearances down the seasons for Christchurch, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, Wimborne, Bemerton Heath and Blackfield amongst others There s also a new manager in the hot seat at Folland Sports where Carl Bennett the former Romsey Town and Whitchurch United manager- but more recently assisting Alex Pike at Gosport Borough- has been appointed. Carl will be assisted by Martin Coe. New arrivals at Tadley Calleva as well, where Shawn Foster formerly of Whitchurch United, and Lee Hamilton latterly at Newbury have signed on at Barlows Park. The League wish to extend their sincere condolences to family and friends of former AFC Totton Chair Andy Straker who passed away recently after a two-year battle against a brain tumour. News from Longmeadow, Whitchurch United where the club are urgently seeking new volunteers to give a helping hand at upcoming matches, and next season. Please contact the club directly for all information or to express interest. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 2 of 19

3 CHARTER STANDARD As a league we are pleased with our clubs holding Charter Standard status- but would remind them that there is a code of conduct that players must adhere to. Failure to do so may result in your club losing its status and the benefits that brings. The Annual Health Check is also due this month. Make sure you do this or else again, you might find your club losing that status. Also, a timely reminder about the Respect Code of Conduct. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 3 of 19

4 MIDWEEK RESULTS ROUNDUP Tuesday 13 March 2018 Wiltshire Senior Cup Semi-Final Chippenham Town 8-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 110 John Beeden [2] Josh Smile [2] Nick McCootie [2] Michael Jones Robbie Patten Sydenhams League Cup Semi-Final Blackfield & Langley 1-1 AFC Portchester 61 Franklyn Clarke [2-3 on penalties] Dan Wooden Premier Division Amesbury Town 3-5 Horndean 35 Connor Millar [2] Benny Reed [2] Luke Greenway Ash Howes Harry Jackson Mark Smith Andover Town 2-1 Lymington Town 117 Zach Glasspool Tim Stephenson Mike Gosney Hamble Club 1-2 Baffins Milton Rovers 56 Craig Shrimpton Jamie White [2] Newport (IoW) 2-4 Cowes Sports 258 Connor Kelly 59 John McKie [3] Jared Wetherick 77 Conor Furmidge Shaftesbury 1-0 Bournemouth 41 Josh Williams [pen] First Division AFC Stoneham 1-3 United Services Portsmouth 48 Ben Clarke 87 Mig Dark 57 Callum Glen 63 James Franklyn 90+2 Alton 2-1 Hythe & Dibden 68 Scott Sanderson 20 Matt Smith 10 Ryan Thomas 62 Fawley 2-1 Downton 14 Ben Bolton Paul Gulliver [pen] Harry Hawkins Folland Sports 1-5 Romsey Town 21 Keiran Joseph Brett Stanley [4] Tom Ashton Ringwood Town 2-3 Christchurch 72 Pepechino Smith 3, 17 Harvey Wright 57, 82 Max Wilcock 87 North Hants Senior Cup Quarter Final Tadley Calleva 3-1 South Wonston Swifts?? Daryll Phillips [2] OG Brett Denham Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 4 of 19

5 North Hants Senior Cup Semi-Final Andover New Street 2-1 Whitchurch United 84 Jazz Beavis Nick Yeomans Zach Hine Wednesday 14 March 2018 First Division New Milton Town 1-0 Totton & Eling 25 Ron Frost 66 North Hants Senior Cup 2nd Round Overton United 0-1 Alresford Town?? Craig Harding MIDWEEK MATCH REPORTS Mike Robins writes RINGWOOD TOWN 2-3 CHRISTCHURCH W ith the visitors having just the one defeat this season, Ringwood had clearly not read the script. In perhaps the first attack of the game and following a mix up between Legg and Jackson on the left, Pepechino SMITH got the faintest touch to a delivery from Purdue with Tewkesbury rooted to the ground and the ball went into the far corner. Ringwood doubled their lead 15 minutes later with SMITH again on target. This time running on to a flicked header by Vint with his pace taking him beyond the static visiting defence. Barely two minutes later it was almost three, with Smith continuing to give the visiting back four a torrid time. Christchurch almost got one back themselves on 23, a Wright header crashed off the crossbar with Edmonds beaten, but they couldn t capitalise from the corner, although returning new boy Scott Joyce had a shot parried by Edmonds moments later. Joyce was denied again ten before the interval when Edmonds won the race to a through ball out of defence, and again the custodian pulled off a good save in the dying seconds to see it stay 2-0 at the break. It was like a different game for the second period. For long periods, Ringwood were penned in their own half and but for some resolute defending and a couple of decent stops from Edmonds Christchurch could have been back in contention long before the 57 th minute goal that halved just before the hour when Town didn t deal with a corner and Harvey WRIGHT headed home from close range. The league leaders continued to bombard the Ringwood goal, and the defending grew more and more desperate. The pressure told with six minutes left Ringwood s defence finally caved in on 84 minutes WRIGHT again the marksman, this time stooping low to head home the leveller from a King cross. There was still time for a winner and to turn around the game, it was Max WILCOCK who got the winner after Ringwood failed to deal with an optimistic long ball helped on by Joyce and turned the ball home from close range. The home keeper unfortunately was dismissed to spoil what had been a good performance by him during the 90 minutes. Personally, one of the most exciting matches I ve seen this season. FT 2-3 Hugo Butler writes BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY 1-1 AFC POIRTCHESTER (Portchester win 3-2 on penalties) Lewis Noice saved three penalties in a dramatic shootout as Portchester reached the Wessex League Cup Final on Tuesday, beating Blackfield and Langley after the sides could not be separated in regular time. The game started at a fast pace, and Portchester nearly opened the scoring after just two minutes when striker Dan Wooden received the ball after a goal-mouth scramble. Only to see his stabbed shot cleared off the line. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 5 of 19

6 Blackfield had their own chance to take the lead in the cup-tie in the seventh minute, but striker Clarke s finish at the far post was ruled out by the linesman s flag. Jack Breed was the next man to go close after Jake Morgan found him around 10 yards out with a neat layoff, however Snelling in the Blackfield goal saved excellently with his feet. The ever-dangerous Griffith could not have come much closer for Blackfield in the 40th when he cut in on his stronger right foot and struck the near post. They say that the best time to score is before half-time and the Royals did exactly that, and what a great goal it was. After winning a free-kick around 25 yards out, it was the right foot of Ramsey and the left foot of WOODEN who stood over Portchester free-kick. It was the latter who took the kick and dispatched it expertly round the wall to give Ian Saunders side a valuable lead going into the break. HT 0-1. The second half started exactly how Portchester would not have wanted, with a Blackfield equaliser. In the 48th minute CLARKE slotted home after a good move, to bring his side level in the tie The game was played at a real high standard with both teams trying to keep the ball and play football. An example of this was some delightful link up play between substitute Liam Bush and Nathan Kirby who in turn played Steve Ramsey through on goal, however the midfielder fired well wide. Both teams had chances to win the game in the latter stages. Firstly, a fine cross found Sam Poole in the Portchester area and his header went close, followed by another outstanding save by Snelling to deny a looping Kirby header. The two sides could not be separated however, and the game finished 1-1 after regulation time, meaning a penalty shout-out would decide who was to progress to the final. Rob Evans, Jake Morgan and Steve Ramsey all converted their spot kicks and thanks to heroics from their goalkeeper Noice, the Royals won the shootout 3-2 and progress through to the League Cup Final! Wayne Dickson writes ALTON 2-1 HYTHE & DIBDEN Alton came back from a goal behind to secure a win and the double over Hythe & Dibden on Tuesday night. It was Hythe who started brightly, and Matt Petts was called into action early on to save from Luke Watts. Callum Burch got away down the right but his cross was behind all the Alton forwards. Hythe were causing Alton problems down the left and it was no surprise when Matt SMITH got away cut inside and gave Petts no chance to give Hythe the lead. Petts had to be alert minutes later to save from Danquah, before Alton started to get into their stride and into the game. Scott Sanderson had a header saved before it was the same player who equalised. Danny Knee got away down the left and his cross was headed towards goal by Jack Chandler, the keeper could only parry and in the ensuing scramble the ball fell to SANDERSON who shot home from twelve yards out. Danquah miscontrolled when again he got in down Alton's left. Alton were beginning to take control, Knee shot wide, when maybe a pass inside would have been better. Sanderson turned his defender well and set up Joe Clarke, but his shot was just over the bar. It wasn't all one way and Petts had to be alert to save bravely after Watts again got in down the right. Alton forced a series of corners that came to nothing as the half ended. HT 1-1 Alton were nearly caught cold at the start of the second half, but Petts again saved. Callum Burch's pace was causing the full back trouble and his cross fell just in front of Sanderson, and unfortunately for Alton no one else was arriving in the box, for what would have been a tap in. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 6 of 19

7 Chandler was unceremoniously fouled on the edge of the box. Knee's free kick looked destined for the top corner, but Jo Tessem somehow got back to head clear with the keeper stranded. Petts was again called on to save before Rob Haig got back and cleared of the line after Hythe had sprung Alton's off side trap. Alton replaced Allaway with Channon and almost immediately took the lead, Danny Knee got away down the right and his cross was met first time by Ryan THOMAS whose shot gave Bruce no chance. Alton upped their game and Channon and Knee both had shots over before Joe Clarke forced the keeper to save. It was Burch's turn to get down the right but Knee couldn't get his header on target and it went wide. Alton thought they had a penalty, when Danny Knee got away and he went round the keeper, but with the linesman waving for a foul the referee decide Knee had dived and gave a free kick to Hythe. Tessem shot over for Hythe and Parker-Trott had a shot wide before the referee bought proceedings to an end, so Alton had secured a hard fought victory and the double over their visitors. FT 2-1. Roger Allen writes AFC STONEHAM 1-3 UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH T his was a game between the two form sides in the Division both going for what will probably be one promotion spot along with Christchurch & Andover New Street. Earlier in the evening, AFC Stoneham were presented with the Club of the Month Award but the jinx often associated with this award was to strike the home side bringing their first defeat since early December. It was Stoneham that started brightly with fast paced football that penned USP in their own half for most of the first 10 minutes. Gradually however USP worked their way into the game and at the end of a goalless first half honours were even. Both goalkeepers had saves to make and looked solid under pressure one Tom Jeffes shot blocked by the feet of Scott Williams in the Stoneham goal was worthy of mention. Once again Stoneham started the 2nd half brightly but it was Portsmouth that took the lead just before the hour mark. The goal came from a right wing run and cross but it was Mig DARK who was on hand at the far post to turn the ball home from close range. The second goal came on 63 minutes and was a similar move. This time the Stoneham defence was outpaced down Portsmouth s right and Callum GLEN had done well to get forward from his midfield role to turn the ball home. Stoneham piled on the pressure to get back into the game, but it was one of those evenings that the loose ball seemed destined to find a Portsmouth foot or head. As the game moved to a conclusion it looked as though USP would hold on for a solid win but with 3 minutes of normal time remaining Ben CLARKE headed in a right wing corner to give the home side fresh hope. However, it was all in vain as James FRANKLYN turned the ball home in the second minute of stoppage time to confirm victory for a resurgent U.S. Portsmouth side. Gary Day writes NEW MILTON TOWN 1-0 TOTTON & ELING T he conditions were quite harsh at New Milton on Wednesday evening with a biting wind blowing down the pitch at kick-off and later followed by heavy rain, which commenced at half-time and continued throughout the second half. Taking this into account the teams provided a keen affair which was won by the narrowest of margins by the Linnets. The winning goal came after 66 minutes when Frost, whose long throws had caused problems for the visitors defence, surprised everyone by taking a short one. The ball was returned to FROST who, still from a wide position on the left, swung in a cross which was swirling around in the wind and Millers keeper Fredericks tried to get a strong hand to it but only succeeded in palming it on into the net. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 7 of 19

8 It was ironic that Totton had scored a goal of a similar nature in the first half when Pattison also played a difficult cross into the box from the left and the keeper, this time New Milton s Burgess, also got a hand to it but the ball continued into the net. On that occasion though, the referee consulted with his assistant who had raised his flag and the goal was disallowed. The only conceivable explanation appeared to be a team mate was offside when the ball was played and was in the keeper s eyeline and was therefore deemed to be active. The game had pockets of goalmouth action but overall the teams struggled to battle with the conditions. The surface held up well, despite signs of water pooling in parts. Gray had a good chance for the visitors in the first half but his shot from close range rebounded off the legs of Burgess whilst a distant Shergold effort went wide of the New Milton post, but not by much. There were five yellow cards in the game and there was also a red one shown to New Milton s Keith late on who committed a foul and then got involved with some pushing and shoving with his opponent. The visiting player involved suddenly left the scene before the referee could be sure of his identity and, consequently, escaped punishment and the home side s frustration brought the final card for one of their players before the game restarted following a three-minute delay. Totton s Lomax tried a distant effort in stoppage time that went wide and that proved to be the final opportunity as New Milton held onto their narrow advantage. FT: 1-0. LIGHTING UP TIME The biennial floodlights tests due to be completed in April are for Amesbury Town, Shaftesbury, Alton Town and Bashley. When these clubs have been tested it will mean that all our clubs will have had their floodlights tested within the last 2 seasons, the league has a 100% pass rate with all clubs having the required levels of minimum average lux level of 120 with a minimum uniformity of 25%. Well done all concerned. Fixtures Secretary Roger Allen, presents AFC Stoneham with their February Division 1 Club of the Month and Kappa MJM Sports Respect awards. Left is James Phillips Assistant Manager. Right is Dale Clist Goalkeeping coach. Congratulations to all LEAGUE DINNER DANCE A reminder, and one closer on your calendar. The League Dinner Dance is rapidly approaching- Saturday 5 May. Clubs have had all the information and details regarding payment- but need to let the Vice Chairman know their Menu requirements to be received by him no later than Sunday 15th April- so time is running out. Visit our website for details, but for your diary, it will once again be held at the Southampton Novotel Hotel, 1 West Quay Road, SO15 1RA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Advance Warning for the AGM which will be on Monday June 25th at the Totton Sports Club, Southern Gardens, Totton, Southampton SO40 8RW- time to be confirmed. Attendance by clubs is required under rule. Please make a note of the date in your Diary. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 8 of 19

9 SATURDAY RESULTS ROUND UP Saturday 17 March 2018 Premier Division Alresford Town 1-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 22 Geoff Dunn Scott Hassell 90+5 Bashley 6-5 Amesbury Town 74 Harry McGrath 46, 72, 90 Cameron Roach [2] Conor Whiteley 2,7 Kieran Edwards OG Kieran Stephens Connor Millar Hamworthy United 1-4 Andover Town 96 Dan Cann Manny Soetan [3] Jay Silver Horndean 1-1 Brockenhurst 38 Harry Jackson 80 Leon Carbayo-Borges 43 Lymington Town 1-3 Sholing 52 Sam House 75 Dan Miller 20 Owen Roundell 29 Alex Sawyer 52 Portland United 4-0 Cowes Sports 81 Tom Bearwish [2] Ryan McKechnie Sean Zima First Division Christchurch 1-0 Verwood Town 50 James King 44 East Cowes Victoria 1-3 Laverstock & Ford 33 Ji Nash Adam Bourner Tom Mundy Lewis Wykes Hythe & Dibden 3-0 Totton & Eling 40 Craig Kingswell Josh McPhee Lewis Danquah New Milton Town 1-1 Whitchurch United 22 Steve Flynn 5 Corey Cherrett Romsey Town 0-0 AFC Stoneham 66 Tadley Calleva 7-0 Ringwood Town 42 James Tennant [3] Brett Denham [3] Daryll Phillips SATURDAY MATCH REPORTS Daz Dyer writes Early in the game one of our players Aaron Shephard committed a foul near the near touchline by the corner flag and in the process broke his leg, the game stopped and as Aaron was right on the touchline we gently moved him off the pitch to allow the game to continue. Whilst Aaron was off the pitch and we were getting a sub ready one of the Laverstock players removed himself from the field of play until our sub entered the game. As I say I have never ever seen anything like that before and full credit to the Laverstock player who did this. I wish I could have got his shirt number to congratulate him but with Aaron waiting for an ambulance he was our main concern. FROM THE CHAIR - The League secretary and I both made long trips to watch matches yesterday, I travelled from Blackfield to Portland with John going from Overton to Hamworthy. On talking this morning, we both felt that we had watched two hard fought matches in not the best conditions, with both games lacking problems in the dugouts, no arguing with match officials and no abusive language to be heard. It shows you can play games without resorting to the problems which seem to happen in many games. So many thanks to the teams involved; Hamworthy United, Andover Town, Portland United and Cowes Sports. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 9 of 19

10 Adam Walker writes ROMSEY TOWN 0-0 AFC STONEHAM T here was nothing much more than a few shots on target and flurries of snow in a 0-0 draw between Romsey and Stoneham at the Bypass Ground. Former Stoneham players Andy Turner and Liam Magee were the main danger men but in truth it was a very quiet affair in sub-zero temperatures. Both Turner and Sergio Caballero had chances within the first ten minutes, but both went past the post in what looked like it would be the beginnings of an exciting affair. The wind was against the visitors in the first half and the game was lucky to go ahead after two pre-match pitch inspections, making sure the snow didn t settle and ruin proceedings. In the 36th minute, Magee cut in from the left-hand side on to his stronger right foot and sent an effort towards goal that look destined for the top corner, but Scott Williams made a superb save to deny Romsey taking the lead. And Williams was forced into action again three minutes later, this time denying the lively Magee again, tipping his shot over the crossbar. The second half was much quieter, and Stoneham couldn t take advantage of the wind. Will Harris drifted past his man, but his effort went well wide. Turner had another chance in the 80th minute, but Williams was excellent once again, getting down well and ending any chance of Romsey snatching a goal. AFC Stoneham nearly had the last laugh in added time, with a scramble in the box almost ending up in the net, although had they scored it would have been undeserved. Romsey host United Services Portsmouth on Tuesday, the side that defeated Stoneham last week in what will be a testing fixture against a side on the up. The loss in midweek to United Services seems to have knocked the stuffing out of Stoneham, although they will look to change their fortunes in midweek when they travel to Hythe and Dibden on Wednesday. Keith Legg writes LYMINGTON TOWN 1-3 SHOLING S holing made it 7 wins in a row with a dominant display, despite having a few key players missing. Traditionally, a tough fixture for the Boatmen against a strong Lymington side, the result was really never in doubt as the visitors bossed the game for long periods. Words can barely explain just how freezing cold it was at kick off and throughout the game. A wicked strong wind was blowing down the length of the pitch, carrying snow into the faces of Sholing in the first half. However, the pitch looked in remarkably good condition as the game got underway and a cagey opening 10 minutes followed. It was Lymington who had the first chance when it opened up for Sam House on the left side of the area, but Gosney did well to parry his effort away. Gosney's long kick out on 14 mins landed at the feet of Lee Wort, who on the left side, cut past the defender to make space, but he fired his shot straight at the keeper. Sholing took the lead on 20 minutes when a drilled in corner by Alex Sawyer was headed in at the far post by Dan MILLER for his 5th goal of the season. Lymington had a chipped effort by ex-sholing striker, Ashley Jarvis, that bounced off the face of the crossbar before being cleared. Boatmen had their second goal on 29 minutes when once again, Lee Wort was able to cut in past the defender, who tripped him bearing down on goal for a clear penalty award. Having had 4 penalties missed this season, a new face stepped up to try and Owen ROUNDELL confidently converted from the spot, despite the ball moving just as he was hitting it. Sholing were in control of the game now and Pete Castle, captaining the side, had a downward header from a corner, kicked off the line as half time approached. HT 0-2 As in other recent games, Sholing looked to kill the game off early in the second half and did exactly that when after a period of sustained pressure, Alex SAWYER scored the third on 52 mins. Sawyer had been denied by a good save just before, but the Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 10 of 19

11 keeper was helpless as the midfielder broke into the right side of the area and lifted his shot over Casey and into the far corner. Boatmen were swarming all over the home side now and in the space of a minute could have had two more goals. Dan Mason hit a dipping shot from 20 yards that grazed the outside of the upright. Then, Lee Wort was able to round the keeper, but from a narrow angle, his prodded effort towards goal was cleared off the line with players and supporters thinking it had gone over, but the linesman said no. Jake Hoole, Alex Sawyer, Dan Mason, Lee Wort and Jamie Bulpitt had shots saved or put wide when in good positions, before Lymington grabbed a consolation in the 75th minute. Ryan Gosney appeared to be caught out as he let a ball slip out of this grasp behind him where Sam HOUSE got there first to prod over the line. Was still time for Frazer Mclean to come on and for Jean Pierre Alexander to make his debut and to show some nice touches and a turn near the half way line that left the Lymington player in his wake. All in all, another good performance by Sholing, a good shift by every player and thoroughly deserved win. FT 1-3 Thanks to Lymington for their hospitality and thanks to the Sholing supporters who made the trip on a horrible day to watch football. Riley Taylor writes HORNDEAN 1-1 BROCKENHURST S o far this season Brock have had a reputation of starting off games well, however it was the hosts that started off brightly with a chance falling to Horndean in the first two minutes as a ball was whipped in and nodded down to the edge of the box before the shot was hit over the bar. Horndean were well on top but could not direct a shot on target with a shot flying well over the bar in the 5th minute. Horndean soon won a free kick through their attacking play on the edge of the box but the eventual shot was an easy take for Luke Deacon in goal. The first twenty minutes were well and truly dominated by Horndean, they created chances but nothing was clear cut with corners being whipped across the box but no one attacking them and then another free kick went straight into the hands of Deacon. Brock finally had their first chance in the 23rd minute when they won a free kick on the edge of the box, it was fired into the box but it was cleared away by the Horndean defence. Horndean continued to attack though and almost scored when a chipped effort went just over the bar in the 26th minute. Brock got their first shot in the 28th minute when Matt Sheedy went down the left and cut inside to shoot but his eventual shot was blazed over the bar. Horndean got their best chance in 36th minute when Cassius Newton gave the ball away on the edge of the Brock box and Horndean were clear through but the shot from the edge of the box was way wide. Horndean were clearly frustrated at the fact that they were not leading after the amount of chances they had, trying ambitious efforts from all over the pitch, a shot from 40 yards in the 38th minute going closer to the corner flag than the goal. After Horndean had missed all these chances, Brock punished them for this when they took the lead through some poor defending Leon CARBAYO-BORGES was played through but mis-controlled and the Horndean keeper came out to take the ball but he fumbled it and this allowed Borges to rob him of the ball, round him and then put it in the net. Just before half time, Deacon made a brilliant save to deny Horndean an equalizer from a tight angle. Despite leading at the break through a mistake at the back, Brock were not entirely on top of the game as the hosts had the majority of the chances but nothing was clear cut. HT 0-1 The second half started very sedately as Brock looked to hold on to the lead. However it didn t start well as Brock were forced to make a change in the 50th minute when Mitchell Speechley-Price pulled up on the pitch and was taken off for Jude Nwachukwu. Horndean went close just minutes later as Jackson went down the left before firing just over the bar. Brock got their first chance of the half in the 57th minute through Matt Vokes but his effort was way over the bar. From the 63rd minute onwards Horndean were all over Brock with shots going just wide of the far post and other chances just not going in. Brock got a rare chance when Jude played a perfect through ball to Sheedy but he fluffed his and the follow up was saved and cleared away. Brock had too make a second substitution through injury after Newton took a heavy blow from a tackle and he was taken off for Matt Casey. Vokes again had another chance to make it Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 11 of 19

12 2-0 when he turned inside the box and shot but his effort was straight at the keeper. Horndean got closer to scoring as the time ticked down when a free kick on the edge of the box was whipped in and the resultant header went just over the bar. Brock were yet again forced into making a sub when the ever impressive Ben Kelly suffered a knock and was taken off for Greg King. With the time ticking down, Horndean equalized in the 81st minute when a Harry JACKSON shot from the right rattled in off the crossbar. Vokes received a third chance to give Brock the lead again but he smashed his shot straight over the bar. Things went from bad to worse for Brock as one of the numerous soft decisions given by the referee was given against Falodi, he became involved in a scrap with one of the opposition players and so was red carded. Brock were eventually able to see out the game to full time and pick up a draw which was a good result considering the amount of pressure they were under in the last few minutes and given the position of Horndean in the table. COMING UP IN THE PREMIER DIVISION Monday 19 March Premier Division Team Solent v Amesbury Town Tuesday 20 March Sydenhams League Cup Quarter Final Fawley v Hamble Club Premier Division Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Bashley Premier Division Bournemouth v Andover Town Premier Division Hamworthy United v Horndean Premier Division Lymington Town v Fareham Town Premier Division Newport (IoW) v Petersfield Town Southampton Senior Cup Semi Final Sholing v Blackfield & Langley (at Follands Park) Isle of Wight Gold Cup Quarter Final Cowes Sports v Shanklin Wednesday 21 March Premier Division Amesbury Town v Baffins Milton Rovers Thursday 22 March Portsmouth Senior Cup Semi Final Gosport Borough v AFC Portchester Saturday 24 March Premier Division Amesbury Town v Cowes Sports Premier Division Andover Town v Baffins Milton Rovers Premier Division Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Blackfield & Langley Premier Division Bournemouth v AFC Portchester Premier Division Fareham Town v Portland United Premier Division Horndean v Bashley Premier Division Lymington Town v Shaftesbury Premier Division Newport (IoW) v Brockenhurst Premier Division Team Solent v Alresford Town Monday 26 March Premier Division Team Solent v Hamble Club Tuesday 27 March Premier Division Alresford Town v Horndean Premier Division Amesbury Town v Blackfield & Langley Premier Division Bashley v Andover Town Premier Division Cowes Sports v AFC Portchester Premier Division Shaftesbury v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Premier Division Sholing v Newport (IoW) Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 12 of 19

13 Portsmouth Senior Cup Semi Final Fareham Town v Havant & Waterlooville Wednesday 28 March Premier Division Hamble Club v Portland United Thursday 29 March Southampton Senior Cup Semi Final Lymington Town v Southampton (at Gang Warily) Saturday 31 March Premier Division AFC Portchester v Sholing Premier Division Alresford Town v Bournemouth Premier Division Andover Town v Team Solent Premier Division Baffins Milton Rovers v Petersfield Town Premier Division Blackfield & Langley v Hamworthy United Premier Division Hamble Club v Fareham Town Premier Division Horndean v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Premier Division Newport (IoW) v Amesbury Town Premier Division Portland United v Brockenhurst Premier Division Shaftesbury v Cowes Sports LEAGUE STANDINGS- PREMIER DIVISION RANK PREMIER DIVISION PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Andover Town Hamworthy United Blackfield & Langley Sholing Alresford Town AFC Portchester Horndean Lymington Town [*] Bemerton Heath Harlequins [*] Bashley Hamble Club Portland United Shaftesbury Fareham Town Baffins Milton Rovers Brockenhurst Team Solent Bournemouth Cowes Sports Newport (IoW) Amesbury Town Petersfield Town [*] Points adjustment made Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 13 of 19

14 CURRENT FORM GUIDE- PREMIER DIVISION RANK PREMIER DIVISION PL W D L F A 1 Sholing L W W W W W 2 Blackfield & Langley D W W L W W 3 Hamworthy United W W W W D L 4 Andover Town W L L W W W 5 Hamble Club W W W W L L 6 Fareham Town W L W W L W 7 Brockenhurst L W W W D D 8 Alresford Town W L D W W D 9 Bemerton Heath Harlequins W W L W W D 10 Horndean W W L L W D 11 AFC Portchester W D W L W L 12 Bashley L D L W W W 13 Portland United D D W L L W 14 Lymington Town W W W L L L 15 Team Solent L L L W W L 16 Cowes Sports W L L L W L 17 Baffins Milton Rovers L L W L L W 18 Shaftesbury L D L D L W 19 Petersfield Town L L W L L L 20 Newport (IoW) L L L D L L 21 Bournemouth L D L L L L 22 Amesbury Town D L L L L L LEAGUE STANDINGS- FIRST DIVISION RANK FIRST DIVISION PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Christchurch AFC Stoneham Andover New Street Laverstock & Ford United Services Portsmouth Tadley Calleva Romsey Town Alton New Milton Town Ringwood Town Fawley Downton Totton & Eling Hythe & Dibden Whitchurch United Verwood Town East Cowes Victoria Folland Sports [*] [*] Points adjustment made Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 14 of 19

15 CURRENT FORM GUIDE- FIRST DIVISION RANK FIRST DIVISION PL W D L F A 1 Laverstock & Ford W W W W D W 2 United Services Portsmouth W W D W W W 3 Christchurch W W W D W W 4 AFC Stoneham W W W W L D 5 Fawley W L L W W W 6 Andover New Street W L W L W W 7 Romsey Town L W W L W D 8 Alton L W L D D W 9 Verwood Town W L D D W L 10 New Milton Town L L L W W D 11 Hythe & Dibden L W L L L W 12 Downton L W W L L L 13 Ringwood Town L W L W L L 14 Tadley Calleva L D L L L W 15 Whitchurch United L L L D L D 16 Totton & Eling D L L D L L 17 Folland Sports L W D L D L 18 East Cowes Victoria L L L L L L COMING UP IN THE FIRST DIVISION Monday 19 March First Division Whitchurch United v Downton Tuesday 20 March Sydenhams League Cup Quarter Final Fawley v Hamble Club First Division Laverstock & Ford v Christchurch First Division Romsey Town v United Services Portsmouth First Division Tadley Calleva v Folland Sports First Division Totton & Eling v Ringwood Town Isle of Wight Gold Cup Quarter Final East Cowes Victoria v Northwood St Johns Andover Open Cup Semi Final Andover New Street v Kingsclere Wednesday 21 March First Division Hythe & Dibden v AFC Stoneham Friday 23 March First Division Laverstock & Ford v Andover New Street Saturday 24 March First Division Christchurch v AFC Stoneham First Division Downton v East Cowes Victoria First Division Fawley v Folland Sports First Division New Milton Town v Romsey Town First Division Ringwood Town v Alton First Division Tadley Calleva v Hythe & Dibden First Division Whitchurch United v United Services Portsmouth Tuesday 27 March First Division Downton v Totton & Eling First Division East Cowes Victoria v Romsey Town Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 15 of 19

16 First Division Fawley v Tadley Calleva Wednesday 28 March First Division Hythe & Dibden v Christchurch Friday 30 March First Division Andover New Street v Whitchurch United Saturday 31 March First Division Alton v New Milton Town First Division East Cowes Victoria v Christchurch First Division Fawley v AFC Stoneham First Division Hythe & Dibden v Folland Sports First Division Romsey Town v Downton First Division Totton & Eling v Laverstock & Ford First Division Verwood Town v United Services Portsmouth These fixtures see us through to the end of March, but given the vagaries of our weather are subject to change at short notice. WEEK 33 ROUND UP T o no doubt the delight of all, and especially the hard working Fixture Secretary, a good number of fixtures were completed on Tuesday with only the Sholing Portland League clash falling victim to a waterlogged pitch writes John Gorman. Blackfield and Langley s recent run of Cup successes came to an end on their own pitch as AFC Portchester became the first side to reach this season s League Cup Final. The scores were level at one apiece after ninety minutes before the visitors triumphed three two in the penalty shootout with keeper Lewis Noice saving three Blackfield efforts. In the Premier Division Andover Town increased their lead at the top with a two one victory over Lymington with the goals coming, not for the first time, from the G-Force of Zach Glasspool and Mike Gosney whilst there was a significant result on the Island as regards the bottom end of the table. John McKie was no doubt the toast of Cowes after his hat trick helped his side to a four two victory over Newport in front of an attendance in excess of two hundred and fifty, a win that left the points difference between the two Clubs at twelve and the Port deep in relegation trouble. Amesbury Town, another Club in the bottom three, went down five three at home to Horndean with Connor Millar and Benny Reed scoring twice for their respective sides while a single goal gave Shaftesbury the points over Bournemouth. It was the Dorset side s first win in six matches whilst Bournemouth have now lost five of their last six. In the final game in the Premier Division Hamble Club and Baffins Milton Rovers, two sides whose progress over recent seasons has been inextricably linked, met at Hamble with two goals from the much travelled (of late) Jamie White giving the away side the spoils. Christchurch moved three points clear at the top of Division One after coming from behind to win by the odd goal in five at Ringwood. Two goals apiece for the home side s Pepe-Chino Smith and Church s Harvey Wright. AFC Stoneham will be having dark thoughts about the curse of the Club of the Month Award after their seven game winning streak was ended by US Portsmouth who in turn won their fifth game in six to move up to fourth place in the table. There were two one wins for Fawley over Downton and Alton over Hythe and Dibden whilst the individual performance of the evening came from Romsey s Brett Stanley who scored four goals in his side s five one win at Folland Sports. Three more Cup matches with Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 16 of 19

17 Bemerton exiting the Wiltshire Senior Cup at the Semi Final stage with an eight goal defeat at National League South Chippenham Town whilst Tadley moved in to the semi Finals of the North Hants Cup with victory over HPFL side South Wonston Swifts. One step ahead of them in the same competition Andover New Street added some gloss to an already successful season with victory over near neighbours Whitchurch by the odd goal in three to take their place in the Final. Just two games on Wednesday and just two goals. In Division One a Ron Frost goal midway through the second half gave New Milton the points against Totton and Eling while a Craig Harding goal three one victory at Lymington whilst two goals from Tom Bearwish helped Portland to a four nil success over Cowes Sports. Alresford had to settle for a point after a last-minute goal from Bemerton s Scott Hassell cancelled out Geoff Dunn s first half strike. Brockenhurst took their unbeaten run to five with a one all draw at Horndean whist there was something of a goalfest at Bashley where the home side beat Amesbury by the odd goal in eleven. Harry McGrath scored three and Connor Whiteley two for the hosts while Cameron Roach claimed two for the visitors. Extremely galling to score five away from home and lose and with neither Newport or Petersfield took Alresford in to the semifinal playing, things remain of the North Hants Cup at There was something of a goalfest at largely the same at the the expense of HPFL side Bashley where the home side beat wrong end of the table. Overton United. Amesbury by the odd goal in eleven A lone goal on the stroke of Saturday almost inevitably was affected by the weather with a combination of waterlogged pitches and snow causing the loss of six fixtures but no problems at the County Ground where half time gave Christchurch the points against Verwood and moved them six points clear at the top of Division One. Romsey and AFC Stoneham fought out a goalless draw at the Bypass Ground Andover Town took another and perhaps while Laverstock and Ford took their unbeaten run significant, step towards the Premier Division Title with victory over second placed Hamworthy United. In a most enjoyable game, well contested and refereed, the scores were level at the break and that was still the case after seventy minutes. At that point Andover introduced Manny Soetan from the bench for his first appearance this year following an injury in December. Within four minutes he lashed home an effort from thirty yards to give Andover the lead and scored twice more in the following five minutes to take the game beyond the home side. With Blackfield suffering a postponement at Petersfield, Andover are now fourteen points clear at the top of the to eight with a three one success at East Cowes Vics. The game was marred by a serious injury to the home side s Aaron Shephard and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Tadley bounced back to form with a vengeance with Brett Denham and James Tennant both scoring hat tricks in their seven nil win over Ringwood while Hythe and Dibden ended a run of three defeats by scoring three times without reply against Totton and Eling. Finally, New Milton and Whitchurch shared two goals and the points at Fawcetts Field. As stated the results leave Christchurch six points clear but five points cover the next five Clubs so still all to play for in the promotion stakes. table. Sholing made it five wins in a row with a Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 17 of 19

18 UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS RANK PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Hamworthy Recreation Westland Sports Gillingham Town Dorchester Sports Merley Cobham Sports Hamworthy United Reserves Mere Town Holt United Swanage Town & Herston [*] Balti Sports Shaftesbury Reserves [*] Parley Sports Sturminster Newton United Bridport Reserves Blandford United Sherborne Town Reserves Wareham Rangers [*] [*] Points adjustment made SATURDAY S RESULTS Dorchester Sports 2-1 Westland Sports Gillingham Town 5-2 Holt United Mere Town 5-4 Balti Sports Shaftesbury Reserves 3-1 Swanage Town & Herston Sturminster Newton United 3-3 Merley Cobham Sports DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE RANK PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Locks Heath Bush Hill Infinity Liphook United Paulsgrove Sway Stockbridge Overton United Clanfield Liss Athletic QK Southampton Hayling United Fleetlands Winchester Castle Colden Common Hedge End Rangers SATURDAY S RESULTS Colden Common 3-1 Hedge End Rangers NEW FOREST CARE Infinity 4-0 Liss Athletic HAMPSHIRE PREMIER Locks Heath 2-1 Winchester Castle Stockbridge 0-3 Sway LEAGUE- Senior Division Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 18 of 19

19 League Chairman Ian Hoare, presents Portland United Manager Gary Bailey with their February Premier Division Kappa MJM Sports Respect awards. Congratulations to all concerned! THE LAST WORD It is still encouraging to see an upwards trend across most clubs in our Leaguedespite the weather of late. With the race to the title heating up, particularly in Division 1 and some potentially lucrative Easter fixtures for some clubs, we can but hope there ll be a new season high within a month. Sholing Fareham at 288 is still the top number in the Premier Division, whilst Alton against Totton & Eling drew 152 to the Anstey Park Enclosure. Sunday, 18 March /18 Edition #40 Page 19 of 19