SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS. that must be used in this seasons Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Brockenhurst v Bush Hill

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1 #06 HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF YOUR NEWSLETTER. If you have anything to contribute, please do get in You can keep up to date with all the news from around the League by following us on Twitter at Plenty of advance notice here. It s Non-League Day on Saturday 13 October. OK so we don t know Buildbase FA Vase fixtures scheduled for that day, but perhaps clubs might like to plan ahead and look for some special deals- sponsorship or community ideas to promote the event? PRE-SEASON FIXTURES Monday 30-Jul 19:45 Christchurch v Salisbury Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Alresford Town v Basingstoke Town Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Andover New Street v Andover New Street Swifts Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Bashley v New Milton Town Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Fawley The picture on the next page is the Advert Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Bournemouth v Verwood Town that must be used in this seasons Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Brockenhurst v Bush Hill programmes. Should you require a copy Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Laverstock & Ford v Shaftesbury contact the Newsletter Editor at the Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Pewsey Vale v Amesbury Town address on this page. Thanks. Tuesday 31-Jul 19:45 Ringwood Town v Holt United Wednesday 01-Aug 19:45 Whitchurch United v Thatcham Town Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 1 of 16

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3 CLUB NEWS BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS The club are changing their stadium name from the Kendall stadium to the PMC stadium as of Saturday 28 July. They express thanks to Kendall s and especially Nick Kendall for his support and sponsorship over the years. They look forward to the new PMC deal and are delighted at the progress they have achieved in such a small space of time. BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS We ve just been informed that the Harlequins home kit has now changed in design, instead of black/white squares on the shirts it is now changed to black and white striped. HORNDEAN Would everyone please note that they now have a new away All White kit. The shirts have a Red flash under the arms and the shorts have a Red stripe down the sides. RINGWOOD TOWN The club are currently awaiting new kit, tracksuits etc., whilst the home kit will be similar to the historic colours. The Away kit colours will be changing, led to believe yellow and green but waiting confirmation. SHAFTESBURY Secretary Dave Burford is currently away on holiday; but may still be contacted by telephone during that time- details on the website. LYMINGTON TOWN The club are looking for a successor for George Shaw in the role of Chairman at the Southampton Road club. Please contact the Secretary Barry Torah for more information, contact details as per the website. NEW FOREST CUP Action from Tuesday s New Forest Cup Semi Final tie between Ringwood Town and Lymington Town. The visitors ran out as 3-0 winners on a cool Summer evening. Adam Roberts bagged a brace sandwiching a Steve Walker header (pictured below) from a Gosney corner just before the half time interval. The hosts had a number of chances to grab a goal, but the visitors defence were rarely troubled. In the other game in the competition, Brockenhurst had a comfortable 7-1 win over a young New Milton Town team. James Thomson grabbing four for the Badgers in the process, although Manager Pat McManus described a save by Luke Deacon as one of the best saves in all of my time at Grigg Lane. It was a great save from a free kick when the ball was deflected and he changed direction to tip the ball around the post. Matt Sheedy Will Tickle and Jude Nwachukwu rounded off the scoring for the hosts with Claudio Carvalho netting the consolation for the Linnets. Both games had entry by donation with proceeds going towards the Oakhaven Hospice. The Tuesday results leading to the Final being between Brockenhurst and Lymington Town with 3 rd /4 th place playoff between Ringwood Town and New Milton Town on 28 July, at the Meadens Skoda Arena. Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 3 of 16

4 HYTHE & DIBDEN The club enjoyed a short break in the southern part of Germany recently and during their stay managed to play two local teams. The first against SC Inzell (see picture below, thanks to the club for allowing its use) saw them lose 2-1 but the Saturday game against SV Ruhpolding was a 3-1 win for Hythe. On social media, the club sent out a big thank you to the two host clubs, with truly amazing facilities set in the most beautiful scenery. See later for a report on their adventure! BROCKENHURST Committee member Sarah Elford recently collected her 25-year service award from the Bournemouth FA, with many years experience behind the scenes at Bashley and Sway, Sarah has been looking after the Boardroom hospitality at Grigg Lane more recently. In other news Dave Stanbridge was elected as the Badgers President at their recent AGM. Congratulations. CLUB REPRESENTATIVES Clubs are advised that they can contact their club representatives when looking for answers to a particular problem. This season there are three post holders- Greg Dickson, John Ward and Tony Seve. SOUTHAMPTON DISTRICT FA- SENIOR CUP DRAW The draw has been made in this year s competition, and is reproduced on the next page- The 101st SDFA Senior Cup Final will be once again be sponsored by Dave Creeden s Trophyman (Southampton). This year s competition will see 50 teams enter with four notable omissions the Centenary winners and finalists Southampton and Blackfield & Langley along with Eastleigh FC and AFC Totton. Seven of the teams entered are also entering their Reserve sides. Last season s beaten semi-finalist Lymington Town and Sholing will be amongst the favourites to make the local showpiece at St Mary s. Both sides received 1st round byes and Lymington Town will host AFC Stoneham or Lyndhurst whilst Sholing will host either BTC Soton Reserves or QK Southampton. The 2nd round draw has thrown up some interesting ties with teams from the Saturday Southampton League certain of a 3rd round draw. SDFA Secretary Mike Harvey said, I m disappointed that we have not been able to get Southampton or Blackfield & Langley, Eastleigh or AFC Totton in the competition for this season but the 50 teams entered will not mean the competition is less glamourous, in fact it gives the lower ranked teams an opportunity to win the silverware. The Centenary book is being finalised and if anyone has any programmes or photos from the past 100 SDFA Senior Cup Finals please could they contact Mike Harvey on or Greg Dickson on Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 4 of 16

5 SOUTHAMPTON DISTRICT FA SATURDAY SENIOR CUP (holders: SOUTHAMPTON FC) sponsored by- FIRST ROUND (to be played on or before Saturday 15th September) AFC Gulf Western v Chamberlayne Athletic AFC Stoneham v Lyndhurst BTC Soton Reserves v QK Southampton Bishops Waltham v Michelmersh & Timsbury Colden Common Reserves v BTC Soton Comrades Sports v Compton Fawley v Braishfield Folland Sports v Athletico Romsey Hedge End Rangers v Folland Sports Reserves Hythe & Dibden v Infinity Locksheath v Hedge End Town Locksheath Reserves v Bush Hill Reserves Netley Central Sports v Colden Common Nursling v Bush Hill Priory Rovers v Warsash Wasps Sway v Knightwood United Totton & Eling v Lyndhurst Reserves Upham Reserves v Hamble Club Reserves BYES:- Alderbury, Alresford, Bashley, Brockenhurst, Durley, FC Independence, Hamble Club, Lymington Town, Montefiore Hall, Sholing, Southampton University, Team Solent, Upham and Winchester City SECOND ROUND (to be played on or before Saturday 20th October) Alderbury v Locksheath/Hedge End Town Alresford Town v Hedge End Rangers/Folland Sports Reserves Bashley v Colden Common Reserves/BTC Soton Brockenhurst v Bishops Waltham/ Michelmersh & Timsbury Comrades Sports/Compton v Sway/Knightwood United Durley v Netley Central Sports/Colden Common FC Independence v Nursling/Bush Hill Fawley/Braishfield v Locksheath Reserves/Bush Hill Reserves Hamble Club v Totton & Eling/Lyndhurst Reserves Lymington Town v AFC Stoneham/Lyndhurst Montefiore Halls v Priory Rovers/Warsash Wasps Sholing v BTC Soton Reserves/QK Southampton Southampton University v AFC Gulf Western/Chamberlayne Athletic Team Solent v Upham Reserves/Hamble Club Reserves Upham v Hythe & Dibden/Infinity Winchester City v Folland Sports/Athletico Romsey It s been refreshing to see the comments on Social Media regarding visiting teams cleaning up their changing rooms after a game. PLEASE keep this up in the season, it would be appreciated by all clubs. VAR YES OR NO? Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 5 of 16

6 VAR or Video Assistant Referee is a recent innovation that has been introduced at the top levels of the game and is, surprisingly, already being deemed a success in some quarters. Surprisingly because overall it appears at times to raise more questions than it answers, and the success factor appears to come from the recent World Cup which was considered to be greatly improved by the use of the System. Before considering that and the system generally how does it work. The VAR is a referee, often of a ranking lower than the Match Official he is watching (which could be deemed unfair to the Match Official) who views the match through a battery of TV screens and can act in respect of the following:- Goals whether there was any violation during the attacking phase of the play Penalty Decisions Direct Red Card Decisions Mistaken Identity in recording a red or yellow card. Looking at these individually in the case of Goals how far back in play does one look for any infringement? In Rugby, admittedly by its nature a slower moving sport, they frequently refer back to events at the other end of the field! Penalty decisions are surely the province of the Match Referee and regrettably most referees are strangely reluctant to give same. A challenge that would be deemed as grievous bodily harm in the street is seldom punished whilst the holding, grappling and pushing that occurs in the area at every set piece is simply ignored. Given that what can the VAR see that the referee misses? They actually miss very little -they just ignore virtually everything. There is perhaps a point regarding Red Card decisions, but the same criticism applies as with penalties. If the Referee chooses not to issue a Red Card that is his decision. I see no objection to the guilty player (and the referee though that never happens) being punished retrospectively but the game should not be interrupted. With the last case there are four experienced Officials at every top-class fixture on major games two more though what the two officials do who stand on the goal line at each end do, or are supposed to do, has never been explained surely between them they should be able to avoid mistaken identity. Whether the players are aware of the above is doubtful players largely are happily ignorant of the Rules - but VAR gives them another excuse to harass the Match Official by making Childish TV signs rather in the manner of Cricket Umpires. Helping the Officials? There is also the question of the time factor. Every VAR decision means the game is stopped and there is enough stoppage time already. (Even at our level Saturday matches seldom finish before 4.55). At one match in the Rugby Six Nations last season the game was delayed for over six minutes while an obviously out of depth VAR, or TMO in Rugby jargon, tried to advise a much more experienced Match official in the middle. That may be an isolated Case but stoppages in games are unwanted especially when the spectators have no knowledge as to why the game is held up. If one was cynical one could ask when did football consider spectators or supporters. The system is also surely basically unfair to the on-field Match Officials. I find the sight of a Referee going off the field to look at a TV screen totally demeaning to the referee whilst the system was lauded last season when an offside decision was overturned because TV showed the defender s foot to be an inch or so closer to the goal than the attacker. How on earth is the Assistant supposed to see that? Again a decision made by a less experienced Official that demeans the Match Official. Had I been the Assistant I would have invited the VAR to come down and do better! The above makes it obvious that the views shown are anti-var and are also critical of Match Officials. With regard to the latter all they have to do is give, not shirk, the major decisions and sort out the mayhem that goes on in the penalty areas. It is not joking to say that six penalties a game for a few matches would bring it to a halt but the Premiership referees in this Country are a closed shop immune to error or criticism and they, and the game, suffer for it. In finishing however VAR does work, and work well, in one respect that of goal line technology but in this writer s eyes that is enough! Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 6 of 16

7 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION 2018/19 News from the FA and an amendment as such to the Standardised rules on our website. For the purposes of this exercise for us- Step 5 is the Premier Division and Step 6 is the First Division. Step 4 and Step 5 The Clubs finishing in the bottom two places in each of the seven divisions at Step 4 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 5. These Clubs will be replaced by the fourteen Clubs finishing in first position in each of the fourteen divisions at Step 5 at the end of the Regular Season. With effect from the commencement of the 2019/20 season, the following will apply: In addition, a series of Play Off Matches shall be played between the Clubs finishing in second position in each of the Leagues at Step 5 at the end of the Regular Season. The ties shall be decided by the Association pairing Clubs on the most suitable geographical basis. These matches shall be played on a single match basis on the ground of the Club with the best points per match ratio in the Regular Season. The winners of each of these seven matches shall play a final Play Off Match against one of the Clubs finishing third from bottom of each Step 4 division at the end of the Regular Season, such matches to be decided by the Association so that each Step 4 Club plays a Step 5 Club; such matches to be on a single match basis on the home ground of the Step 4 Club on cup tie terms with no percentage being paid to any Competition. The seven winners shall play at Step 4 in the following season. The Regulations resume here. The Clubs to be promoted from Step 5 will be allocated to the most geographically appropriate division at Step 4. A Club promoted to Step 4 shall comply with the Licencing System provision as set out in Appendix 1 to the Standardised Rules. Step 5 and Step 6 The Clubs in the bottom two places in each of the fourteen divisions at Step 5 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in the most geographically appropriate division of Step 6. These Clubs will be replaced by the nineteen Clubs finishing in first position in each of the Leagues at Step 6 at the end of the Regular Season together with the required number of Clubs finishing in second position at the end of the Regular Season on a points per match ratio. If there are insufficient Clubs to fill vacancies Clubs finishing second to bottom of the Step 5 divisions will be reprieved so that the best such Club shall be reprieved first. Step 6 and 7 At the end of the Regular Playing Season the Clubs in the bottom two positions of each of the nineteen Step 6 divisions will be liable to relegation. All Step 7 Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 must make application using the prescribed form direct to The Association, copied to their existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. In order to be considered for promotion Clubs must finish in 1st position in their Step 7 league. If the Club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be promoted or fails to meet the entry criteria, then the club finishing in 2nd position will be eligible for promotion. If the club in 2nd position does not seek promotion or fails to meet the entry criteria, then clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position will not be considered for promotion and only one club will be considered from each League. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed application fee, as determined by the Committee, which is non-refundable. No more than 38 Clubs will be promoted from Step 7. If more than 38 Clubs are eligible for promotion they will be chosen based on a points per match basis. Where the eligible Clubs count does not reach 38 in number, reprieves of Step 6 Clubs shall come into effect on a points per match basis. Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 7 of 16

8 Friday 3 August 2018 Premier Division Hamble Club - Lymington Town First Division Romsey Town - Hythe & Dibden Saturday 4 August 2018 Premier Division AFC Portchester - Team Solent Bashley - Andover New Street Bemerton Heath Harlequins - Sholing Brockenhurst - Bournemouth Cowes Sports - Hamworthy United Horndean - Christchurch Portland United - Alresford Town Shaftesbury - Baffins Milton Rovers Tadley Calleva - Fareham Town First Division Alton - Newport (IOW) Andover Town - AFC Stoneham Downton - United Services Portsmouth East Cowes Victoria - Fawley AFC Petersfield Town - Laverstock & Ford Ringwood Town - Amesbury Town Whitchurch United - Verwood Town Monday 6 August 2018 Premier Division Team Solent - Lymington Town Tuesday 7 August 2018 Premier Division Fareham Town - Cowes Sports AFC Portchester - Baffins Milton Rovers Alresford Town - Sholing Bournemouth - Portland United Hamworthy United - Bashley Horndean - Hamble Club Tadley Calleva - Bemerton Heath Harlequins Hampshire Senior Cup 1st Round- sponsored by BSA Regal AFC Stoneham - Whitchurch United Wednesday 8 August 2018 Premier Division Andover New Street - Shaftesbury Friday 10 August 2018 First Division Folland Sports - Totton & Eling Saturday 11 August 2018 First Division Hythe & Dibden - East Cowes Victoria Laverstock & Ford - Ringwood Town New Milton Town - Whitchurch United Verwood Town - Fawley AFC OPENING FIXTURES Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 8 of 16

9 Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round AFC Stoneham - AFC Portchester Andover New Street - Romsey Town Bashley - Bournemouth Bemerton Heath Harlequins - Cowes Sports Brockenhurst - Christchurch Clevedon Town - Portland United Fareham Town - Frimley Green Guildford City - Petersfield Town Hamble Club - Alresford Town Hamworthy United - Team Solent Horndean - Godalming Town Knaphill - Sholing Newport (IOW) - Amesbury Town Sandhurst Town - Lymington Town Tadley Calleva - Baffins Milton Rovers United Services Portsmouth - Andover Town Wells City - Shaftesbury FA COMPETITIONS SEASON We have received further information from the FA regarding this seasons competitions. Please use the links below for access to the Rules of each Competition:- The Emirates FA Cup - The Buildbase FA Vase - The FA Youth Cup - Further information that will be available soon:- Competitions Rule Book printed version to be issued in week commencing Monday 6 August. Team Sheets (carbonated) one pack per Club to be issued week commencing Monday 6 August. FA Wall Planner to be issued in week commencing Monday 6 August. The Emirates FA Cup Commercial Regulations (Qualifying Competition) to be issued by in week commencing Monday 30 July. (There will be separate Commercial Regulations for the Competition Proper and these will be issued at a later date). Playing Surface Account to be issued by in week commencing Monday 30 July. (This will include a marketing toolkit and assets for The Emirates FA Cup) The Buildbase FA Vase Commercial Guidelines will be issued by prior to the commencement of the Competition. Club Contacts to be issued by in week commencing Monday 30 July. Please competitions@thefa.com if contact details are required for another Club in the meantime. Other useful information now available that may be viewed by using the links below:- FA Fixture Schedule (includes round dates for all FA Competitions) Match Forms for FA Competitions - (Please note that The Emirates FA Cup documentation will be available to submit through MOAS and instructions will be issued separately). In addition to the above and by way of providing further guidance on the various rules, regulations and procedures for each Competition, an notification will be circulated to all competing Clubs prior to each round of matches. Match Officials appointments will be notified by from The FA Referees Department to all competing Clubs approximately 10 days prior to each round of matches. Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 9 of 16

10 HYTHE & DIBDEN GERMAN TOUR An early start at Clayfields on the Thursday morning saw the lads board the Team Bus at 02:45 for the twohour drive to Stansted. It was great to see the team travelling together all in their Club track suits which was much of a talking point to other travellers. Once in the hotel in Munich it was a quick sleep and something to eat before travelling the 100Km to Inzell. Day 1 SC Inzell Inzell welcomed us well and were very accommodating to our needs prior to kick off. What a setting this was with an Olympic size Speed Skating ring on one side with a back drop of a 1200m Mountain behind it, truly breath taking. True Bavarian Style Dug outs were also a change from the norm of the Wessex League. The game started well with both teams going close, but it was Inzell that broke the deadlock on 30 minutes. Hythe then missed a penalty 10 minutes later after a sustained period of pressure on the Inzell goal. Inzell then grabbed a second soon after but Hythe struck straight back at the other end to with a rebounded shot collected by Sam Wilson and slotted home to make the score at half time SC Inzell 2 1 Hythe & Dibden. Both teams enjoyed chances in the second half, but it remained goalless so Inzell taking the victory at the end of a long day. Day 2 A well-deserved rest day for all enjoying the sights and sounds of Munich. Day 3 SV Ruhpolding Again, as with Inzell, Ruhpolding welcomed us well and were very accommodating prior to kick off. The Ruhpolding pitch was outstanding- a credit to the groundsman and again surrounded by mountains, the highest 1600m above sea level. Hythe started well and had many chances to go in front but Ruhpolding struck after five minutes with a fierce strike from outside the box to go 1-0 up. Hythe continued to press but could never get the equalizer prior to half time. HT- SV Ruhpolding 1-0 Hythe & Dibden The second half saw Hythe step up the pressure and with 5 minutes gone in the second half Lewis Danquah broke through to bring Hythe level. Hythe continued with the pressure and on the hour mark took the lead with a well worked team goal with Lewis Danquah splitting the Ruhpolding defence and providing the square Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 10 of 16

11 ball for a simple tap in by Sam Wilson. Hythe then got a third with five minutes to go when Joe Macklin arrived at the back post and slotted home. FT- SV Ruhpolding 1-3 Hythe & Dibden Ruhpolding laid on food and drink for the post-match which was fantastic and rounded off a perfect trip. Hythe will hopefully host Ruhpolding at Clayfields in next years pre-season. We would like to thank all who made this trip possible, both staff and players. A special thanks goes out to Dave Macklin and Georg Bichler for their hard work in making this dream trip a reality! GROUND GRADING A reminder to clubs, the SWL ground grading for the coming season is underway. Some of the grounds inspected so far have shown up similar deficiencies, the main ones being Technical area - This should be marked out as per The Laws of The Game, Law 1; the technical area should only extend 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and up to a distance of 1m (1yd) from the touchline Medical Location of the stretcher to be clearly marked by notices placed in the dressing rooms for teams and match officials toilets The location of the toilet facilities to be clearly indicated with appropriate signage Exits All exits to be clearly signed ideally with "running man" signs. Should you have any ground grading queries please contact the leagues ground grading officer, Ian Harley at grounds.wessexleague@gmail.com The full FA ground grading criteria can be found on grading then click on Grade "F" for NLS Step 5, SWL Premier Division or for Grade "G" for NLS Step 6, SWL Division 1 The recent hot weather has hindered several clubs with their ground maintenance projects and pre-season arrangements. Thanks to Alresford Town for allowing use of the picture of their bowser in action at Arlebury Park! Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 11 of 16

12 DISCIPLINARY CHANGES Clubs have been circulated with changes to the Discipline Regulations for next season, can we please ask that these are read by our member clubs as soon as possible! At the same time, clubs will have received information on the changes to Team Administrators, again it is important to read these new instructions. PRE-SEASON RESULTS ROUND-UP Sunday 22-Jul St Peters 1-2 Brockenhurst?? Matt Sheedy Ben Kelly Tuesday 24-Jul AFC Stoneham 1-2 Colden Common?? Gareth Barnes Dan Strange Tuesday 24-Jul Amesbury Town 3-1 Tadley Calleva Jordan Matthews [3] Aaron Parfitt Tuesday 24-Jul Bashley 1-1 Winchester City Brad Strickland [pen] Tyrell Mitford Tuesday 24-Jul Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1-3 Westbury United Tom Moseley Callum Demkiv Ricky Hulbert Joe Stradley Tuesday 24-Jul Bournemouth 1-1 Bournemouth Electric Shiv Roushbaini Adam Baxter [pen] Tuesday 24-Jul Brockenhurst 7-1 New Milton Town Matt Sheedy James Thomson [4] Will Tickle Claudio Carvalho Jude Nwachukwu Tuesday 24-Jul Calne Town 2-1 Shaftesbury Stuart Windsor Nick Hewlett Ryan Tyrell Tuesday 24-Jul Folland Sports 1-0 Winchester Castle?? Tuesday 24-Jul Hamble Club 3-2 AFC Totton John Cole Brad Magookin Craig Feeney Jack Smith Ben Kemplen Tuesday 24-Jul Horsham 4-0 AFC Portchester Josh Hartley Charlie Harris Dean Bown [2] Tuesday 24-Jul Portland United 3-0 Bridport Ed Bastick Alex Godfrey Ash Smith Tuesday 24-Jul Ringwood Town 0-3 Lymington Town Taz Roberts [2] Steve Walker Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 12 of 16

13 Tuesday 24-Jul Sturminster Marshall 1-2 Downton?? Ben Smith Shaun Prentice Tuesday 24-Jul Team Solent 2-7 Moneyfields?? Steve Hutchings [3] Louie Martin Callum Overton Joe Briggs George Root Tuesday 24-Jul United Services Portsmouth 3-2 Baffins Milton Rovers A Triallist A Triallist Jason Parish McLean Mike Silvanus Tuesday 24-Jul Alresford Town 2-3 Camberley Town Jason Silver Matt Glass [2] Sam Burt Adam Wareham Tuesday 24-Jul Newport IOW 1-0 Brading Town Joe Craig Tuesday 24-Jul Christchurch 4-0 Fleetlands Scott Joyce [2] Joel Langham OG Wednesday 25-Jul AFC Stoneham 6-2 Cowes Sports Ben Clarke Charlie Rattley Matt Bainbridge Sergio Caballero Gareth Bricknell Mike McEnery Alex Welch Wednesday 25-Jul Hythe & Dibden 0-2 Blackfield & Langley Liam Robinson Dylan Knight Thursday 26-Jul Alton 2-2 Portsmouth Academy Scott Sanderson [2]?? Thursday 26-Jul Baffins Milton Rovers 8-1 Totton & Eling?? OG Thursday 26-Jul East Cowes Victoria 2-1 East Cowes Sports Emerson Tattersall?? George Woodburn Thursday 26-Jul Gillingham Town 1-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Ben Fowles?? Thursday 26-Jul Laverstock & Ford 3-0 Bush Hill Russ Jones Adam Bourner Archie Lovegrove Friday 27-Jul Folland Sports 1-3 Sholing Taurean Manders Dan Mason Lee Wort [2] Friday 27-Jul Hythe & Dibden?-? Team Solent Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 13 of 16

14 Saturday 28-Jul AFC Portchester 3-0 Gosport Borough Simon Woods George Hallahan [2] Saturday 28-Jul AFC Stoneham 0-1 Thatcham Town Lewis Coyle Saturday 28-Jul Alton 1-1 Eversley & California Scott Sanderson Mo Davis Saturday 28-Jul Andover Town 1-3 Andover New Street Shaquille Gwengwe Gunner Yates [2] Callum Sweeney Saturday 28-Jul Baffins Milton Rovers 5-0 Infinity Blu Boam Callum Dart [3] Shane Cornish Saturday 28-Jul Balti Sports 1-1 Portland United?? Alex Halloran Saturday 28-Jul Bashley 2-0 Verwood Town Joel Drew Sam Jackson Saturday 28-Jul Bournemouth 1-0 Fawley Matt Smith Saturday 28-Jul Brockenhurst 1-0 Lymington Town Matt Burt Saturday 28-Jul Chichester City 4-1 Christchurch?? Josh Kirkham Saturday 28-Jul Cowes Sports 5-1 QK Southampton Ji Nash [3]?? Ewan Cranwell John McKie [pen] Saturday 28-Jul Fareham Town 3-2 Moneyfields Gary Austin [3] Callum Overton Jake Raine Saturday 28-Jul Horndean 5-1 Swindon Town Jack Maloney?? Zach Glasspool [2] Miles Everett Connor Duffin Saturday 28-Jul Laverstock & Ford 7-0 AFC Portchester XI Russ Jones [3] Archie Lovegrove [2] Lewis Wykes Tommy Campbell-Smith Saturday 28-Jul Newport IOW 1-3 Fleetlands???? Saturday 28-Jul Pagham 1-2 Hamble Club James Thurgar Mark Gamble Coby Wilson Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 14 of 16

15 Saturday 28-Jul Petersfield Town 1-1 Liss Athletic Luke Payne?? Saturday 28-Jul New Milton Town 4-2 Ringwood Town Ben Cooper [2]?? Jake Carswell Max Williams Saturday 28-Jul Shaftesbury 2-3 Westbury United Sam Smith George Bendle [3] Aaron Laney Saturday 28-Jul Sherborne Town 1-1 Amesbury Town?? Ryan Elliot Saturday 28-Jul Whitchurch United 1-2 Abingdon United Lloyd Thompson?? A number of Charity games were played since the last edition of the Newsletter and we hope that all beneficiaries will have found the day rewarding for their causes. The new Forest Cup was in aid of the Oakhaven Hospice, and the finals were held at Grigg Lane, where the hosts picked up their first silverware of the season courtesy of a Matt Burt goal. We understand that around was raised through the event. The Andover derby was held in aid of the Stroke Association and the Chichester Christchurch game was the annual match up for the Steve Bernard Memorial Trophy. Well done to all clubs involved in these fund-raising games. OPENING WEEKEND PREVIEW Another opening, another show as the song says. Barely ninety days after the League called time on a rain ravaged season it all gets under way again, happily in August after the FA returned the FA Cup to its normal date of the second Saturday of the month. A virtually full Programme to follow Friendly matches played in sub-tropical temperatures, and as usual we will begin with the Premier Division which commences with one fixture on Friday evening and it is a game that should get the season off to a first class start. Hamble Club is the venue and Lymington Town are the visitors and with the two sides finishing just two places apart last season it is a game too close to call. Hamble Club coped successfully with their first season at this level, with Nathan Lynch seemingly scoring goals for fun, and Lymington are a hard side to beat. The corresponding clash last season produced eight goals and a repeat of that will be more than welcome. On to Saturday and Sholing, probably many people s idea of Champions, face a never easy trip to Bemerton while AFC Portchester, with a new Management team now settled in, will pose a threat as they strive again to reach a higher level. They start at home with Team Solent in opposition. The Students probably did not fare as well as they wished last season and will no doubt have their usual problems with regard to availability in early August. Hamworthy United, fifth last season, are another Club looking to progress and they open their campaign with a visit from Cowes Sports. The Yachtsmen flirted with relegation for most of last season and will be glad to get a difficult journey out of the way so early in the year, but a good result on the field may be a difficult proposition. Two of the longest established Clubs in the League, Brockenhurst and Bournemouth, continue a rivalry that dates back to the League s inauguration whilst Alresford are another faced with a long journey. The North Hampshire side have made some shrewd purchases in the summer and will travel to Portland with a view to improving on last season s seventh place. The Dorset side were always going to find last season difficult as Champions, and a change of Manager mid-season and too many drawn matches saw them finish in fifteenth spot. Baffins Milton Rovers and Shaftesbury who both acquitted themselves well in their initial season at this level meet at Cockrams with very little to choose between them. That just leaves the three promoted Clubs to Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 15 of 16

16 cover. Christchurch, returning to the higher level as First Division Champions, face a difficult journey and task at Horndean. The Five Heads Park Club achieved their highest ever placing last season fourth and won many plaudits for their style of play and will offer their visitors a stiff introduction to their new venture. The remaining two promoted sides, Andover New Street and Tadley Calleva will be both playing at this level for the first time and will perhaps need to find their feet quickly. New Street travel to the always hospitable Bashley, who were probably disappointed with their fourteenth place last season, whilst Tadley welcome Fareham to Barlows Park for the very first time. The Cams Alders Club were consistently inconsistent last season and were at times considerably better than their eventual sixteenth place suggested. Division One also gets under way on Friday evening when Romsey entertain Hythe and Dibden. Previous Friday games at the By Pass ground have attracted larger than usual attendances and Romsey will hope for the same again as they start what they will hope will be a promotion push. They were in the mix for most of last season until falling away at the end whilst Hythe and Dibden finished in fifteenth place with lack of goals a problem. The Waterside Club have been to Germany pre-season though after that country s showing in the World Cup football may have been somewhat muted. Newport suffered relegation last season after many years at the higher level and with a new ground taking much of their time they still appear to be a Club in a state of flux. They travel to Alton on day one and like most visitors to Anstey, will find their hosts close to invincible on their own ground. An interesting game in prospect at the Portway where AFC Stoneham take on Andover Town. Stoneham just missed out on promotion last season and will be amongst the favourites this time round whilst Andover will be something of an unknown quantity. After their surprising decision to decline promotion in the summer they find themselves in Division One and with a completely new side and not blessed with the easiest of starts. US Portsmouth who, like Stoneham, narrowly missed out on promotion last time round make the crosscountry trip to Downton and will surely be there or thereabouts come the seasons end whilst their hosts will be seeking a little more consistency. Fawley AFC finished last season strongly to gain ninth place and a League Cup Final appearance and cross the Solent to meet East Cowes. The Islanders were in the lower reaches for most of the last campaign but look to have strengthened their side over the summer. This will be a crucial season for Petersfield as they attempt to halt the downward spiral they have suffered over the last couple of years. They conceded an average of four goals a game and finished ten points adrift in the Premier Division to drop in to Division One. Their long serving Secretary Mark Nicoll deserves better but a home game with Laverstock and Ford could be a difficult start. The Wiltshire Club are seemingly always in the promotion race until April when the results suddenly cease going their way. If they can rectify that they will be strong contenders in the Title race. Amesbury also suffered relegation and they start their sojourn in the lower Division with a trip to Ringwood. The Wiltshire Club look to have made one or two useful signings over the summer while Ringwood perhaps need to find a little more consistency under new Manager Richard Morse. Finally, Whitchurch entertain Verwood having shown signs of improvement in the latter stages of last season whilst their visitors had a season to forget and must surely do better this time round. Only day one but all to play for. Sunday, 29 July /19 Edition #06 Page 16 of 16