SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of your Newsletter, if you have anything to contribute, please do get in touch by email- [email protected] You can keep up to date with all the news from around the League by following us on Twitter at - @Sydwessex You are more than welcome to use any material (excluding attributed photographs) but it would be appreciated if any material used is acknowledged. It is hoped you enjoy reading this each week. With readership quite widespread, not only within our own competition, but across the three counties and beyond- if ANY club has anything they’d like to have published in here, whether that be a request for helpers, promotion of forthcoming events, items required or available for sale please contact the Newsletter Editor. As a general reminder- Match Reports, player news and photos are always welcome- it is your Newsletter!
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
ARE YOU LISTENING ?
The Sydenhams Wessex Football League Show is the official podcast of the Sydenhams Wessex League. We’re on air live from the 103.9 Voice FM studios in Southampton from 3pm to 5pm every Sunday and you can also listen live on www.voicefmradio.co.uk from anywhere in the world. You can listen again afterwards, normally just one hour after the show has finished via the same website and there is also a Voice FM App you can download to your Phone I-Pad or Computer device. Our aim is to promote all local football but specifically the 38 teams of the Sydenhams Wessex League. So far, we have had managers, chairmen, players, press officers and secretaries joining us as studio guests and phone guests; from many Sydenhams Wessex League clubs, as well as guests from local teams both higher up and lower down the pyramid. This is your show and is a platform for your club to promote its events and raise its profile. If your club produces post-match interviews please either email us a copy of the audio or give permission for us to play them on air straight from your website or social media sites, as we will aim to play them on the show. Please come and join us one Sunday, at the moment, no guests will be allowed in the Studio, but please email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information. Saturday, 21 November 2020 Page 2 of 24
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
STAT ATTACK
LEADING GOALSCORERS – LEAGUE GAMES ONLY Details are based on clubs being up to date with records on Full Time at time of going to press.
PREMIER DIVISION Dan Cann Hamworthy United 9 Connor Duffin Horndean 9 Ashley Elson Alresford Town 8 - [five on] 7
DIVISION ONE Russell Jones Laverstock & Ford 14 Clayd Roach Folland Sports 10 James Franklyn United Services Portsmouth 9 James Thomson Folland Sports 9
WATCHING BRIEF – TOP THREE LEAGUE ATTENDANCES
PREMIER DIVISION AFC Portchester V Blackfield & Langley 300 31 October Bashley V Brockenhurst 276 3 November AFC Portchester V Fleet Town 271 5 September
DIVISION ONE Andover Town V Andover New Street 289 29 September East Cowes Victoria V Newport IOW 288 29 September Laverstock & Ford V Bemerton Heath Harlequins 287 13 October
SHARPEST AND MEANEST Leading goalscoring teams in the League and the meanest defences
PREMIER DIVISION SHARPEST MEANEST Hamworthy United 35 Lymington Town 1 Fareham Town 32 Christchurch 8 AFC Stoneham 28 Hamworthy United 8 Horndean 26 AFC Portchester 9 Fleet Town 23 Blackfield & Langley 10 Christchurch 22 Fareham Town 11
DIVISION ONE SHARPEST MEANEST Laverstock & Ford 38 Romsey Town 9 Folland Sports 31 Alton 13 United Services Portsmouth 26 Laverstock & Ford 13 Andover Town 24 United Services Portsmouth 13 Newport IOW 24 Folland Sports 14 Alton 23 Newport IOW 14
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
LEAGUE TABLES
RANK PREMIER DIVISION PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Hamworthy United 11 9 1 1 35 8 27 28 2 Horndean 11 9 0 2 26 15 11 27 3 Fareham Town 10 8 1 1 32 11 21 25 4 Lymington Town 8 8 0 0 19 1 18 24 5 Christchurch 10 6 2 2 22 8 14 20 6 Blackfield & Langley 9 5 1 3 17 10 7 16 7 AFC Stoneham 9 5 0 4 28 13 15 15 8 Fleet Town 10 4 3 3 23 16 7 15 9 AFC Portchester 9 5 0 4 15 9 6 15 10 Bashley 10 5 0 5 16 21 -5 15 11 Bournemouth 11 3 3 5 13 28 -15 12 12 Tadley Calleva 8 3 2 3 14 14 0 11 13 Baffins Milton Rovers 11 3 2 6 17 21 -4 11 14 Brockenhurst 8 2 2 4 9 17 -8 8 15 Hamble Club 9 1 4 4 13 18 -5 7 16 Cowes Sports 9 2 1 6 15 22 -7 7 17 Alresford Town 10 1 3 6 12 28 -16 6 18 Shaftesbury 9 2 0 7 12 30 -18 6 19 Portland United 11 1 2 8 10 40 -30 5 20 Amesbury Town 9 0 1 8 3 21 -18 1
RANK DIVISION ONE PL W D L F A GD PTS 1 Laverstock & Ford 11 9 2 0 38 13 25 29 2 Folland Sports 10 7 1 2 31 14 17 22 3 Alton 9 7 1 1 23 13 10 22 4 Andover Town 10 5 4 1 24 18 6 19 5 United Services Portsmouth 9 6 0 3 26 13 13 18 6 Newport (IOW) 9 5 1 3 24 14 10 16 7 Petersfield Town 8 4 1 3 13 15 -2 13 8 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 8 3 3 2 17 17 0 12 9 Verwood Town 9 3 3 3 16 16 0 12 10 Andover New Street 10 3 3 4 13 16 -3 12 11 Hythe & Dibden 9 3 3 3 13 17 -4 12 12 Romsey Town 7 3 0 4 9 9 0 9 13 Whitchurch United 9 3 0 6 16 25 -9 9 14 East Cowes Victoria 9 2 3 4 10 19 -9 9 15 Ringwood Town 8 3 0 5 16 26 -10 9 16 Downton 11 2 2 7 14 24 -10 8 17 Fawley AFC 9 2 1 6 9 20 -11 7 18 New Milton Town 9 1 2 6 16 21 -5 5 19 Totton & Eling 10 1 0 9 10 28 -18 3
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
SALISBURY HOSPITALS CUP
This competition began in 1930 as a Football Challenge between Salisbury City and Salisbury Corinthians in order to raise funds for The Salisbury Infirmary, and was organised by the Charity Cup Committee, who were already running a football team competition for charity in aid of the Infirmary which had begun in 1921. The Hospital Challenge Cup was initially known as the INFIRMARY CHALLENGE CUP and was run only occasionally up to 1949. It was then played for between Salisbury City and the winners of the Charity A Competition. This continued until 1956-57 when for two seasons it was played between Bulford United and the Charity A Cup Winners. In 1959 the competition was changed to include invited senior teams within the Salisbury catchment area of 25 miles from the Guildhall to compete for the cup. The winners of the Charity A Cup were also included and it was run as a knock-out competition In 1994 due to only four senior teams being able to play under the then existing rules it was decided to change it to a Sunday competition for teams in the Salisbury District League Division 1. This format continued until 2000-2001 when it reverted to an invitation competition between senior clubs in the 25 mile radius of Salisbury. Therefore we see teams from as far afield as Chalke Valley, Shaftesbury, Pewsey, Shrewton, Downton and Andover getting involved. The Hospital Cup Committee have donated a large sum of money to various sections of Salisbury Hospital Funds and other deserving charities over the years- and long may that continue.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
13 Salisbury (City) 1 Alpha Sports 12 Amesbury Town 1 Andover 11 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1 Andover Town 9 Bemerton Athletic 1 George & Dragon 8 Downton 1 Laverstock & Ford 3 Pewsey Vale 1 RAF Boscombe Down 2 Bulford United 1 Salisbury FC 2 Salisbury Corinthians 1 Shaftesbury 2 Shrewton United 1 Shipton Bellinger
1986/87 Winners Bemerton Athletic No further information available 1987/88 Final Amesbury Town 4-1 Winterbourne Sports At an unknown venue 1988/89 Final Amesbury Town 1-0 Downton At an unknown venue 1989/90 Final Amesbury Town 2-0 Tisbury United At Brian Whitehead Sports Centre, Downton
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
1990/91 Winners Bemerton Heath Harlequins No further information available 1991/92 Winners Bemerton Heath Harlequins No further information available 1992/93 Winners Bemerton Heath Harlequins No further information available 1993/94 Winners Bemerton Heath Harlequins No further information available 2000/01 Winners Shrewton United No information available 2001/02 Winners Bemerton Heath Harlequins No further information available 2002/03 Final Shrewton United 2-1 Downton At an unknown venue 2003/04 Final Salisbury City beat Bemerton Heath Harlequins At an unknown venue 2004/05 Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-0 Shrewton United At an unknown venue 2005/06 Quarter Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-1 Shrewton United Salisbury City 2-0 Laverstock & Ford Semi Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-1 Downton Salisbury City 4-0 Amesbury Town Final Salisbury City 3-2 Bemerton Heath Harlequins At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
2006/07 Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins beat Downton At an unknown venue 2007/08 Final Salisbury City 3-1 Shrewton United At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury 2008/09 Quarter Final Amesbury 3-0 Chalke Valley Downton 1-0 Laverstock & Ford Shrewton United ?-? Bemerton Heath Harlequins Semi Final Amesbury Town 2-3 aet Downton Shrewton United 2-0 Salisbury City Final Downton 4-3 Shrewton United At Brian Whitehead Sports Centre, Downton 2009/10 Quarter Final Amesbury Town H-W Salisbury City Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1-3 Downton Laverstock & Ford ?-? Chalke Valley Semi Final Amesbury Town 2-3 Chalke Valley Final Downton 3-2 Chalke Valley At Salisbury City FC [or Chalke Valley ?] 2010/11 Quarter Final Amesbury Town 7-2 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Downton 3-2 Redlynch & Woodfalls United Pewsey Vale 3-1 Chalke Valley Salisbury City 1-0 Shrewton United Semi Final Downton 5-0 Salisbury City Pewsey Vale 1-0 Amesbury Town Final Pewsey Vale 3-1 Downton At Western Way, Bemerton Heath on 3 May Downton’s defeat was somewhat compensated for with a Division One title win, notching 106 goals and winning by nine points from their nearest rivals. It wasn’t a bad season for Vale either as they finished 4th in Division One, capping an impressive debut season as members with some silverware. Pewsey beat Downton 3-1 with an Adam Field header on 30 minutes put them ahead and the second goal came on 72 minutes through the skipper, Ryan Banks. Matt Redman pulled a goal back for the Robins after coming off the substitute’s bench, but Pewsey Vale sealed the victory with six minutes left thanks to a goal by Michael Martin.
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
2011/12 Quarter Final Amesbury Town 2-1 Redlynch & Woodfalls United Downton 2-0 Pewsey Vale Laverstock & Ford ?-? Salisbury City Shrewton United ?-? Bemerton Heath Harlequins Semi Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0-2 Downton Laverstock & Ford 4-0 Amesbury Town Final Laverstock & Ford 0-4 Downton At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury on 3 May. Laverstock & Ford finished bottom of the Premier Division and were relegated to Division One at the end of the season. 2012/13 Quarter Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 Salisbury City Downton 3-0 Shaftesbury Laverstock & Ford 4-3 Amesbury Town Pewsey Vale 2-1 Shrewton United Semi Final Downton 1-2 Pewsey Vale Laverstock & Ford 2-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Surprise but well-deserved victory for Laverstock. Plenty of chances for Bemerton but could not convert them during the first half. Laverstock took the lead midway through the half - a right wing cross headed back and a shot from the edge of the penalty area sailed in. Laverstock had a great chance to double the lead just after the restart but the effort came back off the post. Bemerton then dominated the half but again could not convert their chances, and with Laverstock defending admirably - two fine saves from the Laverstock keeper the pick - it looked as though we might avoid extra- time. However the Harlequins were awarded a penalty with 5 minutes to go and the chance to send the game into extra time. But it wasn't their night as the penalty was hit over the crossbar. Back Laverstock came and a dreadful mistake let in the substitute who superbly bent his shot around the keeper into the far corner to secure victory and a place in the final. Final Laverstock & Ford 1-4 Pewsey Vale At Western Way, Bemerton Heath on 6 May This was the first game at the helm for Rae Hughes and Robbie Lakeman with Laverstock & Ford. 2013/14 Quarter Final Amesbury Town 0-4 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Andover Town 7-1 Salisbury City Downton 1-0 Laverstock & Ford Pewsey Vale 4-5 Shrewton United Semi Final Andover Town 2-1 Downton Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-0 Shrewton United Final Andover Town 3-2 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury on 7 May Andover won by the odd goal in five to round off a successful Division One campaign with goals from Alex Dockree, Lloyd Foot and Claudio Herbert. A first win for a team outside Wiltshire in the Competition since Andover in 1961/62 and Shipton Bellinger way back in 1954/55. 2014/15 1st Round Amesbury Town 2-0 Downton Andover New Street 1-3 Pewsey Vale Laverstock & Ford 8-3 Sarum Youth Seniors BYE: Bemerton Heath Harlequins Semi Final Amesbury Town 2-0 Laverstock & Ford Pewsey Vale 2-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Final Amesbury Town 5-0 Pewsey Vale At Western Way, on 1 May The local media reported the attendance as 655, my memory of it and other records I have make it far less though- perhaps the figure quoted is the gate receipts? Nic Turpin bagged a brace inside the opening quarter of an hour; before a Chris Ward penalty shortly before the break gave Amesbury the upper hand at the break. A fourth goal came from Danny Finnigan with around 15 minutes left before Turpin completed bis hat trick with ten minutes left with a penalty. 2015/16 1st Round Amesbury Town 2-0 Andover New Street Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1-2 Shaftesbury Quarter Final Amesbury Town 2-0 Downton A wet and windy night at Bonnymead Park in late November where 68 spectators saw the Blues progress 2-0 thanks to an own goal and a strike from Cameron Roach. Laverstock & Ford 2-1 Salisbury A big game for Laverstock and Ford, in front of just over 200 , and likely to be their highest crowd of the season. Salisbury rested a few first teamers, but still should have been too strong for the hosts. The Bulldogs were second best for most of the game but nosed ahead midway through the first half thanks to a Lewis Wykes goal, then defending well they looked to extend their lead on the break. Salisbury's second half pressure finally produced a Jack Vallis equaliser, but with 10 minutes to go they conceded an own goal, which could be attributed to Ollie Hoare that sent the hosts through the last four of the cup. Shaftesbury 3-0 Pewsey Vale Shrewton United 3-1 Sarum Youth Seniors Semi Final Shaftesbury 1-2 Amesbury Town Shrewton United 1-1 Laverstock & Ford [1-4 on penalties] Final Laverstock & Ford 1-1 Amesbury Town [2-4 on penalties] At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury on 10 May Both goals in open play came in the first half of this close fought encounter in front of 127 spectators.
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
Highlighting the fact that Laverstock were the brighter of the two early on, Tom Mundy gave them the lead just before the half hour mark. A Danny Finnigan effort three minutes before the break drew the sides level and that is how it finished before the penalty shoot-out decided, although Laverstock did have a chance late on to snatch a win. Laverstock put themselves under pressure from the first spot kick- hitting the post and then to compound the issue their second hit the crossbar, but Amesbury made no mistake and retained the trophy. 2016/17 1st Round Shaftesbury 0-5 Salisbury Quarter Final Amesbury Town 3-2 aet Laverstock & Ford Andover New Street 0-3 Salisbury Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-1 Downton Pewsey Vale 2-4 Shrewton United Semi Final Salisbury 6-1 Amesbury Town Shrewton United 0-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Second attempt at this game, as the original one was abandoned on 21 March due to an electrical fire with one of the floodlight pylons. Both sides had missed a penalty in front of the crowd of around 70. Just over a month later the two locked horns again, and it was a free kick on 70 minutes nestling in the bottom corner settling the tie in favour of the Harlequins. The Shrewton keeper made several spectacular saves to keep the hosts in it although the last ten minutes or so saw them create some chances to get something out of the game. Final Salisbury 1-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins At Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury on 10 May An Eddie Perrett goal on ten minutes separating the sides, with a crowd of 368 being recorded. 2017/18 1st Round Amesbury Town 4-0 Andover New Street Andover Town 3-0 Westbury United Bemerton Heath Harlequins 8-2 Ludgershall Sports Laverstock & Ford 2-4 Shaftesbury Quarter Final Amesbury Town A-W Andover Town Downton 1-4 aet Bemerton Heath Harlequins Shaftesbury H-W Pewsey Vale Shrewton United 1-5 Salisbury [removed- ineligible player] Semi Final Andover Town 1-3 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Shrewton United 1-4 Shaftesbury Final Shaftesbury 2-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins At The Dell, Laverstock on 7 May The first Dorset side to pick up the Trophy, with the Rockies goals coming in a five minute spell midway through the first half through Brandon Mundy and Lewis Morgan.
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
2018/19 1st Round Pewsey Vale 0-1 Shaftesbury Quarter Final Amesbury Town 8-0 Ludgershall Sports Downton 4-6 aet Laverstock & Ford Salisbury 2-2 aet Shaftesbury [8-7 on penalties] Shrewton United [at Bemerton] 0-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins Semi Final Amesbury Town 0-3 Salisbury Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-2 Laverstock & Ford Final Bemerton Heath Harlequins 13-0 Salisbury At The Dell, Laverstock on 23 July As one-sided as the score line suggests, Salisbury put out a weakened side as their first team were also in action that night (and also lost against Eastleigh 7-0). Justin Bennett led the way in an emphatic fashion scoring eight times. Danny Finnigan, Adam Pearson, Scott Hassell, Ben White, James Lightfoot and Ryan Lewis also adding to the slaughter. 2019/20 Quarter Final Amesbury Town - Salisbury Downton 1-0 Shrewton United Laverstock & Ford 0-0 Andover Town [5-4 on penalties] Shaftesbury - Bemerton Heath Harlequins Competition abandoned due to Covid-19 Pandemic. With just the two games played, the only goal in open play in the competition came for the Robins from Jamie Waters, in their 1-0 win over Shrewton United at the end of January. WINNERS SUMMARY- THE WESSEX ERA
1986/87 Bemerton Athletic 2003/04 Salisbury City 1987/88 Amesbury Town 2004/05 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1988/89 Amesbury Town 2005/06 Salisbury City 1989/90 Amesbury Town 2006/07 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1990/91 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2007/08 Salisbury City 1991/92 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2008/09 Downton 1992/93 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2009/10 Downton 1993/94 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2010/11 Pewsey Vale 1994/95 Alpha Sports 2011/12 Downton 1995/96 George & Dragon 2012/13 Pewsey Vale 1996/97 Laverstock & Ford 2013/14 Andover Town 1997/98 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2014/15 Amesbury Town 1998/99 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2015/16 Amesbury Town 1999/00 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2016/17 Salisbury 2000/01 Shrewton United 2017/18 Shaftesbury 2001/02 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2018/19 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2002/03 Shrewton United 2019/20 COMPETITION ABANDONED
My thanks to Mark Hilton and Phil Rodway for their research on the Competition that has helped me tremendously in compiling the article. The story is not complete as you will read above, so if anyone has further information or corrections, then it would be gratefully received, please contact the Editor.
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
FIXTURES – RESUMPTION OF THE SEASON
Revised proposed fixtures for December are shown here, all remain subject to Governmental instruction and FA clarification once the Lockdown has finished- and then all of course subject to alteration at little notice.
Saturday December 5th 2020 Baffins Milton Rovers v Alresford Town Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round *Bashley v Bournemouth Brockenhurst v Street Christchurch v Blackfield & Langley Fareham Town v Roman Glass St George Hamble Club v Horndean Buildbase FA Vase 2nd Round Portland United v Fleet Town Christchurch v Cribbs Shaftesbury v Cowes Sports (14:30) New Milton Town v Longlevens Spare: Brockenhurst, Fareham Town *Clapton v Hamworthy United * Subject to Buildbase FA Vase fixture *Petersfield removed due to playing ineligible player. Division One Premier Division Andover Town v Newport IoW Bournemouth v Portland United East Cowes Vics v Alton Division One Fawley AFC v Bemerton Heath Harlequins East Cowes Vics v Ringwood Town Folland Sports v Verwood Town (14:00) Tuesday December 8th 2020 Laverstock & Ford v Romsey Town Sydenhams League Cup 3rd Round New Milton Town v Andover New Street Amesbury Town v Folland Sports Petersfield Town v Hythe & Dibden Verwood Town v Hamworthy United Totton & Eling v Downton Sydenhams League Cup Quarter Final Whitchurch United v Ringwood Town Andover Town v U.S. Portsmouth Tuesday December 15th 2020 Romsey Town v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Premier Division Premier Division AFC Portchester v Baffins Milton Rovers Alresford Town v AFC Stoneham Blackfield & Langley v Amesbury Town Bashley v Christchurch Brockenhurst v Hamble Club Bournemouth v AFC Portchester Christchurch v AFC Stoneham Brockenhurst v Blackfield & Langley Fareham Town v Cowes Sports (19:15) Cowes Sports v Lymington Town Fleet Town v Tadley Calleva Fareham Town v Fleet Town Hamworthy United v Bournemouth Hamble Club v Portland United Horndean v Alresford Town Tadley Calleva v Shaftesbury Lymington Town v Bashley Division One Shaftesbury v Portland United Alton v Totton & Eling Division One Downton v New Milton Town Alton v Whitchurch United Laverstock & Ford v Andover New Street Andover Town v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Newport IoW v Hythe & Dibden East Cowes Vics v Folland Sports Petersfield Town v Ringwood Town Hythe & Dibden v Andover New Street Wednesday December 9th 2020 Laverstock & Ford v Downton Division One New Milton Town v U.S. Portsmouth Fawley AFC v East Cowes Vics Petersfield Town v Totton & Eling Spare: Whitchurch United Romsey Town v Fawley AFC Portsmouth Senior Cup Semi Final (2019/2020) Verwood Town v Ringwood Town Baffins Milton Rovers v Horndean Spare: Newport IoW Saturday December 12th 2020 Friday December 18th 2020 Buildbase FA Vase 2nd Round Division One Helston Athletic v Fareham Town/Roman Glass Totton & Eling v Fawley AFC Millbrook/Sherborne Town v Bashley Saturday December 19th 2020 U.S. Portsmouth v Brockenhurst/Street Buildbase FA Vase 3rd Round Premier Division Premier Division AFC Portchester v Hamworthy United Alresford Town v Brockenhurst AFC Stoneham v Tadley Calleva Bournemouth v Baffins Milton Rovers Amesbury Town v Lymington Town Christchurch v Shaftesbury Saturday, 21 November 2020 Page 12 of 24
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
Cowes Sports v Bashley Romsey Town v Whitchurch United (15:00) Fareham Town v Horndean Verwood Town v U.S. Portsmouth (15:00) Fleet Town v AFC Stoneham Tuesday December 29th 2020 Hamble Club v Amesbury Town Premier Division Hamworthy United v Blackfield & Langley Amesbury Town v Tadley Calleva Lymington Town v Portland United Bournemouth v Shaftesbury (19:45) Tadley Calleva v AFC Portchester Hamworthy United v Bashley (19:30) Division One Cowes Sports v Horndean (19:45) Alton v New Milton Town Portland United v Christchurch (19:30) Andover New Street v Downton Wednesday December 30th 2020 Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Folland Sports Premier Division East Cowes Vics v Verwood Town Hamble Club v Baffins Milton Rovers (19:45) Hythe & Dibden v Whitchurch United Saturday January 2nd 2021 Petersfield Town v Andover Town Premier Division Ringwood Town v Laverstock & Ford (14:00) AFC Portchester v Horndean Romsey Town v Newport IoW Baffins Milton Rovers v AFC Stoneham Spare U.S. Portsmouth Bashley v Fleet Town Saturday December 26th 2020 Bournemouth v Brockenhurst Premier Division Christchurch v Amesbury Town Blackfield & Langley v AFC Stoneham Cowes Sports v Hamworthy United Brockenhurst v Lymington Town Fareham Town v Hamble Club Fleet Town v Alresford Town Portland United v Blackfield & Langley Division One Shaftesbury v Lymington Town Folland Sports v Totton & Eling (14:00) Tadley Calleva v Alresford Town Laverstock & Ford v Petersfield Town Division One Newport IoW v East Cowes Vics Andover New Street v Bemerton Heath Harlequins Ringwood Town v New Milton Town (14:00) Fawley AFC v Alton Spare: Alton Folland Sports v Whitchurch United (14:00) Monday December 28th 2020 Hythe & Dibden v East Cowes Vics Premier Division Newport IoW v Laverstock & Ford AFC Portchester v Fareham Town (15:00) Ringwood Town v Andover Town (14:00) Division One Romsey Town v Downton Andover New Street v Andover Town (15:00) U.S. Portsmouth v Petersfield Town Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Downton (15:00) Verwood Town v Totton & Eling Fawley AFC v Hythe & Dibden (19:30) Spare: New Milton Town
WEEK 12 ROUND UP
We’re scheduled to re-start on 5th December, although under constant review as Government Restrictions dictate, followed by FA instruction. There is expected to be an FA meeting in the next few days; our own Board will act as appropriate- and these will dictate actual re-start and any potential conditions. Member clubs are asked to use this period to ensure grounds remain Covid-19 compliant, principally because your Board needs to ensure, clubs risk assessments and practices are the best possible in the circumstances. ANY member club with revised assessments are urged to Please note there is a notice on Full Time inform the League accordingly with the details. about changes to the login. All clubs will Clubs will have been sent the necessary documentation for have been emailed the details and they should please read the notes on the update the Regional NLS Football Leagues to Step 6 (our Division carefully and act appropriately. This change One) of the NLS Promotion Application process. By way of a is currently scheduled for the coming week. reminder, The Football Association will manage the whole promotion process for all clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 of the National League System- all items have to be submitted by the 31 December deadline. Where a Club applied for promotion during the 2019-20 Season, the application and fee will be carried forward to this process. The Club do not need to take any further action. If a Club wishes to withdraw its application, it should do so in writing by December 31st. Saturday, 21 November 2020 Page 13 of 24
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 21
HOW THEY BEGAN —PART III (when our clubs, past and present, started along with events of the time)
It is hoped that you continue to enjoy this lockdown ‘club formation’ feature. This feature doesn’t necessarily report of the clubs’ triumphs over the years, just how they came about (where possible) and the route taken through to the present day. Part II finished in 1938 and World War II broke out between 1939 and 1945. However, unlike the Great War when sport was basically abandoned, the government, influenced by the soccer authorities, accepted that football had a beneficial effect on morale and, following a short break, the game resumed. Wartime league and cup competitions did take place although not in the organised manner as would occur during peacetime as all contracts were suspended, meaning players could appear for any club of their choosing. The balance of power shifted as the best clubs became those where a vast number of troops were quartered. For example – Aldershot, with its military background, was able to field players in the calibre of Tommy Lawton and Joe Mercer (both Everton), Denis Compton (Arsenal) and Stan Cullis (Wolves). English clubs were permitted to pay players thirty shillings per match (that’s £1.50 in today’s money). Finances became a problem as, following the first wartime season, the only English club to make a profit was Barrow, who benefited from the proximity of the dockyard, but their credit balance amounted to just £8. One club who’d been part of the ‘Wessex family’ over the years was formed during the war and that’s where we will kick-off this part. 1944
The summer Olympics, due to be held in London, are cancelled due to World War II (they were held in London four years later). The PAYE (pay as you earn) system of tax collection is introduced. The first prefab houses, which are designed for post-war use, are built in Northolt, Middlesex and on Millbank in London.
Football in Gosport has always featured prominently in Hampshire since the amalgamation of the Progressive and Athletic clubs early in the twentieth century. That club’s title was initially Gosport United before being changed to Athletic once more. Grounds used over the years were Gosport Park, Gordon Park and Bury Park. Another team from the area Gosport Albion made progress but left the Hampshire League mid-way through 1927/28 (making way for Newport’s return, but that’s another story). The Athletic and Albion clubs then got together to form Gosport FC. In 1937 the council enclosed part of Privett Park and Gosport FC moved there until war broke out. A Borough Athletic Club was formed in 1944 and Gosport FC agreed to become part of a new football team we know as GOSPORT BOROUGH FC (known as Gosport Borough Athletic until 1966). Gosport FC contributed their funds to the new club and, in honour of that, that club’s colours of blue and gold were adopted. Borough played Hampshire and Southern League football and were Wessex League members from 1992 to 2007. They are presently in the Southern League – Premier South.
1946
The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly is held (in London). London Heathrow Airport is opened fully for civilian use. The television licence is introduced as the BBC resumes television broadcasting following the war. The government announces that Stevenage, a village in Hertfordshire, will become Britain’s first new town, designed to reduce overcrowding and replace bombed houses in London. The bikini made its debut at the Paris fashion show, although it was not invented at that time as a similar type of bathing suit was first found on wall paintings dating back to 1600 BCE!
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On 22nd May 1946, Mr Derik Brooks called a meeting at Westfield Hall, Swaythling and there was enough support to sustain a football club which has evolved into the present-day EASTLEIGH FC. The club was initially associated with the Southampton district and was called Swaythling Athletic. After starting on a basic pitch on Southampton Common, the club soon moved to the ‘Westfield’ ground at Walnut Avenue but having progressed through the Southampton Junior and Senior Leagues into the Hampshire League by 1950, it was clear they had to consider a further move. Eventually a relocation to an area of farmland they called Ten Acres occurred in 1957. The ‘Athletic’ part of the name was dropped in 1973. The club made a big decision in 1980, renaming itself Eastleigh as the town hadn’t had a senior team with its title for many years. The writer was a regular attendee in those days, often with forty people and a dog present! A founder member of the Wessex League the club remained until 2003. From there, like the Spitfire soubriquet it adopted, the club ‘took off’ through the Southern, Isthmian and Conference South into the National League. The facilities improved beyond belief; the fan base increased too as the club had a couple of shots at the play-offs to go into the Football League. In the present (2020/21) season, Eastleigh, being classed as an ‘elite National League club’ are still playing through the lockdown, but ironically, in front of fewer people than watched them in those eighties’ days (and even that dog can’t get in!). That level of football in the present circumstances is, of course, being played “behind closed doors”.
1947
Newly formed countries Pakistan and India gain independence after 163 years under British rule. Major cuts in the power supply occur in England and Wales due to shortages in fuel, not helped by severe winter conditions. Chelsea’s Tommy Lawton becomes Britain’s first £20,000 footballer when transferred to Notts County.
Like in neighbouring Gosport, football in Fareham extends back into the nineteenth century. The present- day FAREHAM TOWN team came into being following an amalgamation between Fareham FC, Fareham Brotherhood FC, Fareham Casuals FC and Fareham Youth Club FC. The suggestion of a merger to form one town team was discussed at a public meeting held on 3rd May 1946 and an agreement made to put the new club into effect within a year. The club initially played at Bath Lane and soon moved from the Portsmouth League into the Hampshire League. It remained at that venue until 1975 when a relocation to the present- day ground of Cams Alders was made. They’ve been League members since 1998. The Wessex catchment area is most diverse, typified by a trip through the New Forest to BASHLEY which is a most pleasant one. This club came about when Messrs Ingram and Whitcher decided to form a village team. The club played only friendly games in the first two years (where it is documented) “due to the state of the pitch which had a hedge and stream running through the middle”. In such conditions it was surprising that a game of soccer took place at all! The club joined the Bournemouth League in 1950 and, following the initial season, results were not too encouraging. But the club kept at it and eventually turned the corner and progressed into the senior divisions. The club improved what were basic facilities in the early eighties into a ground worthy of the Southern Premier League over the seasons. Having joined the Hampshire League in 1983, Bashley became founder members of the Wessex in 1986 and remained until 1989, moving up to the Southern League at that time. They re-joined the Wessex in 2016 and are current members. Fleetlands commenced in 1940 as Royal Navy Air Yard on the shoreline of Portsmouth Harbour and located in Gosport off the road towards Fareham. The site specialises in helicopter maintenance. The FLEETLANDS FC pitch is located adjacent to the site and has a helipad situated there. The football team commenced in this year and they made an immediate rise into the Hampshire League in 1948 and remained until 1963. They played in the local leagues until coming back into the county league and then made the move with others when the Wessex League extended in 2004. Again, like others, they remained for three seasons before joining the Hampshire Premier League where they remain.
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1948
King George VI opens the first Olympic Games since 1936. Lester Piggott wins his first horse race at Haydock Park, aged 12. The mirror was put in position at the Hale Reflecting Telescope at the Palomar Mountain Observatory, California, to enable it to commence operation (named in memory of George Ellery Hale who died in 1938), all the other parts having been completed in 1941 but war had intervened.
Football in Pewsey, Wiltshire, goes back much longer than the official formation year of PEWSEY VALE FC, with clubs such as Pewsey Boys and Pewsey YM in existence. As most start up clubs, facilities were initially very basic and were located close to their present-day ground, but by 1950 the club made their short move to the Recreation Ground. Since moving up the pyramid system from the Wiltshire League the club has done well to make ground improvements to maintain a place at level six of the National League System. Pewsey Vale have been members of our league between 2010 and 2017 and were moved sideways to the Hellenic League for two seasons. They returned to Wessex membership again for 2019/20 but withdrew in November. They are presently members of the Wiltshire League in the Premier Division.
1951
The new old-age pension rates will begin at age 65 for men and 60 for women and not 70 and 65 as first envisaged. The first non-assisted coast to coast telephone call is made in the USA when Mayor Denning of Englewood, New Jersey, picked up his phone and spoke to Mayor Osborne in Alameda, California, having simply dialled ten digits and waited 18 seconds before the phone was answered, a revolutionary step in telecommunications at that time.
Formed in homage to Tottenham Hotspur by returnees from World War II, the start-up year of FLEET SPURS FC is perhaps incorrectly shown as 1951 when admittance was obtained into the junior divisions of the Aldershot & District League. However, it is understood that friendly matches had been played since 1948, which might be a more accurate portrayal. The club soon climbed into the Intermediate Division of the league. The first ground used was Oakley Park with changing facilities having been added by the club. With an increase in the teams being put out the Spurs moved to the Peter Driver Ground at Church Crookham and there is a suggestion of a ground used in Basingbourne within the Fleet area at some point in time. A short- lived move from Church Crookham to Ancells Park followed in the nineties before another relocation to the present ground at Kennels Lane which occurred early in the 1997/98 campaign. The Spurs were Wessex League members between 2004 and 2017 when they made a sideways move within the non-league pyramid to the Combined Counties League which brings this club up to the present day. There was also a curious case of the club’s badge being deemed too close to the Tottenham Hotspur cockerel back in 2013 which forced Fleet to make changes to their own; a shade ironic considering their formation but being mindful, of course, that there are two sides to every story. An advert for a typical football boot in the 1950s.
Many of you will know that our former Secretary John Gorman was admitted to hospital recently for a heart operation. We are glad to report that he is back at home after some complications, but the operation was successful and the long recovery process is under way. He is grateful for the calls and emails he has received from both Board and clubs alike, and I am sure you will join me in wishing him a speedy one.
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1952
King George VI dies in his sleep having succumbed to lung cancer. His 25-year-old daughter, on safari in Kenya, accedes the throne as Elizabeth II. East Germany closes access to West Germany as only permit holders may enter. Newcastle United, in winning the FA Cup in both 1951 and 1952, become the first team to achieve successive victories in the twentieth century. Thousands of people die due to the ‘great smog’ that enshrouded London over a four-day period.
The AFC ALDERMASTON club was formed by Charlie Green BEM, Ted Hall, Gordon Carter and Don Sharp along with a number of other ‘hardy’ gentlemen as AWRE (which stood for Atomic Weapons Research Establishment). The establishment itself was in the process of being built and consisted mainly of a collection of outbuildings, temporary huts and a lot of plans. Changing facilities were initially basic, in huts with tin baths being carried to the draughty hut used on the day (along with cold water, which was not unusual back then). The club somehow survived, mainly due to Charlie Green and his stalwarts’ never-say-die spirit until the main buildings were constructed. The present title came in the ‘late 60s or early 70s’ and they were the first of the local clubs to adopt the prefix ‘AFC’. The club has had its ups and downs over the years but the spirit of those early pioneers remained. They were Wessex members between 2004 and 2010 before moving to the Hampshire Premier League. They went to the Thames Valley League in 2014 and they are presently playing in the Hellenic League – Division 1 (East).
1956
The Clean Air Bill is passed in a bid to remove the threat of London’s ‘pea-soup’ smogs. Electric trains replace steam trains between London, Liverpool and Manchester. A A Milne, the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, dies aged 74 in Sussex. After some disappointing previous seasons, the England football team show signs of revival.
LAVERSTOCK & FORD FC were formed, their early football being played in the Salisbury & District League where they scooped a number of honours. A brief spell in the Wiltshire County League followed and an even briefer one in the Hampshire League (just season 1992/93). A spell back in the Salisbury League ensued until re-joining the Hampshire League in 1996. The club made the 2004 Wessex move (like many others) and to keep up with ground grading relocated their pitch at Church Road. The club are present members.
The original COLDEN COMMON team can go back to the end of the nineteenth century, but the present side was formed in 1956. Initially competing in the Eastleigh and Winchester Leagues, Common made a move to the Southampton League. It was Sunday football that proved the most successful for Common and they put out teams of high quality during their existence on the Sabbath day between 1973 and 1983. The Saturday side continued at a gradual pace but the club put their efforts into that team and a move into the Hampshire League before going on to be one of the 2004 Wessex League movers. They clearly had a team capable of progression but were restricted by their Main Road facilities and made the Hampshire Premier League move three years later where they remain.
1960
In Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Sirimavo Bandaranaike becomes the world’s first female prime minister. Jodrell Bank, the British Radio Telescope, makes contact with the US Pioneer V satellite at a record distance of 409,000 miles. The Bluebell Railway in Sussex begins regular operation as the first standard gauged steam operated passenger heritage railway in the world. A record gate of 127,621 is set for the European Cup final as Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
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A team formed from a works side is the present-day SHOLING FC. Established as Thornycroft’s (Woolston) from a shipbuilding company on the banks of the River Itchen, this was the third time a team of that name had played in Southampton League football. In fact, going back to the early days of the Hampshire FA, the Woolston Works team that were successful in the 1880s could also be linked, so there is plenty of history there. However, this 1960 version had a long period in the Southampton League. Some name changes occurred, to Vosper Thornycroft in 1972 and later to V.T. FC in 2003. As for their association with the Wessex League, well it does sound like a familiar story, being another to join in 2004 but this side was promoted having been the last Hampshire League champions and went straight to our top division. This club had three spells in our membership, initially up to 2009, then for 2013/14 and finally between 2015 and 2019. A further name change, to Sholing FC, occurred in 2010 to associate the club with the area. The Boatmen moved to the Southern League from the Wessex on each occasion and are presently in Division 1 (South). 1961
Major Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union becomes the first man in space. Betting shops become legal under the terms of the Betting and Gaming Act 1960. The first edition of the satirical magazine Private Eye is sold. Birth control pills are made available to the NHS. Tottenham Hotspur become the first team in the twentieth century to win the ‘double’ (the Football League championship and FA Cup winners in the same season).
Another team that could be traced back a long way ANDOVER NEW STREET FC was a 1961 reformation. The initial club was formed by the Vicar of St Mary’s Church, in New Street, Andover, back in the late 1800s to keep the youth of the area off the streets. To play in those early days you had to be born or live in New Street (which could have made team selection interesting!). The initial name was St Mary’s Youth, before becoming New Street FC in 1897, and the pitch was on the water meadows in New Street with changing facilities in the Mission Hall. That club collapsed in the 1950s and New Street FC was reformed by Mr Bob Bryden, who was the landlord of the Bishop Blaize pub. Even back in those old days, the club has always had a swift in its emblem. The new club initially played Andover League football and had a few grounds, sharing the Walled Meadow with Andover FC, Taskers Sports Ground, Andover Road Sports Ground and Charlton Sports Centre before settling at their present base of Foxcotte Park in 1992. The club added the ‘Andover’ prefix to their name in 2001. Having progressed via the North Hants and Hampshire Leagues the club were another of the ‘2004 joiners’ and they have remained Wessex League members since.
1962
A new era of communications is promised as a live television picture is generated in the US and relayed to France and Britain via the Telstar satellite. Ford launches the Cortina, a family car that sells for £573. First showing of the long running television quiz show University Challenge is launched by Granada Television. Flavoured crisps are introduced to the UK market by Golden Wonder (cheese and onion).
The city of Portsmouth is well known for its naval operations. In football the Royal Navy had boasted some fine teams over many years, such as the Naval Depot and HMS Excellent to name just two. The present-day UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH team was formed in this year as Portsmouth Royal Navy FC by Dennis Probee with the intention of providing competitive soccer for all serving navy players. The aim was to bridge the gap between the standard services football and that of the Royal Navy representative side. The historic Victory Stadium at Pitt Street was the home ground until a move to a new facility at Burnaby Road occurred in 1984. The PRN club had been Hampshire League members and were one of the Wessex founders in 1986. The club remained until relegation in 2001 and they returned in 2004 having changed their title to the present one at that time. They have remained in the second tier of the Wessex League since. Saturday, 21 November 2020 Page 18 of 24
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LISS ATHLETIC FC was formed in May of the featured year, the writer once being told from an athletics club. They initially played in the Midhurst & District Junior League and were champions, three points clear of runners-up Whangerai (does anyone out there know what happened to Whangerai, if so, do please let Newsletter HQ know because that really has got us stumped!). Liss moved into the Portsmouth & District League from there and eventually into the Hampshire League. A spell in the West Sussex League followed before a return to the Hampshire League in 1987. This club joined the extended Wessex League in 2004 but not for three (like most of them added at that time) but for four years as they possessed the facilities to remain in the second tier in 2007/08. However, they made the step to the Hampshire Premier League that summer and remain as members. OTTERBOURNE FC was formed as North End Old Boys, based at North End School and played in Eastleigh until 1970 when the school was sold. The Old Boys’ life began in the depths of Southampton Junior 10 but they moved into the senior ranks by 1969. They went on to play on a pitch behind The Otter public house, which was located at Otterbourne, beginning an association with the area. They included sponsors’ names in their moniker for a while before the name was changed to Otterbourne FC in 1986. Progression into the Hampshire League followed a year later, and then came the three-year move to the Wessex shores between 2004 and 2007 (the same path which was made by a few others). Founder members of the Hampshire Premier League the Otters enjoyed a successful 2015/16 season but the club members, frustrated at not being able to make further progression, surprised local football folk by winding up the club, thus ending a 54 year existence. It is most unusual for an established club to finish on a ‘high point’ but that was the extraordinary end to this story.
1963
President John F Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas. More than £2.3 million is stolen in the Great Train Robbery near to Cheddington in Buckinghamshire. The UK experiences the worst winter since 1946/1947, ironically the musical Summer Holiday, starring Cliff Richard, premiers in London during that cold spell. The first episode of BBC’s science fiction series Dr Who is broadcast with the alien Daleks introduced at the end of the year. Centenary of the FA.
The following two clubs made the 2004 to 2007 Wessex League ‘trip’ (from the former Hampshire League) when it was extended to three divisions. From there they moved to become founders of the Hampshire Premier League and remain in membership. The CLANFIELD FC senior club was formed by a few men who played in a local league on Saturdays. In 1983, a Clanfield Boys’ Club was formed from a local Cubs’ team and they continued to grow each year. It was not until 1993 that close links were forged between them and the modern-day identity of the club being established in 1997. Clanfield had therefore built-up a strong infrastructure over the years, joining the Hampshire League, also in 1997 before making the Wessex and Hampshire Premier League journey. The club have taken a big step having left their Peel Park base to play on the new 3G surface at Westleigh Park, Havant early this season, so it’s possible the ‘Clan’ could be making a return this way someday? Time will tell.
PAULSGROVE FC began life in the Portsmouth & District League and, after a fairly unspectacular start, made good progress in the eighties and were a strong outfit at that level when they moved into the Hampshire League in 1987. The formation year shown may be called into question as present-day sources suggest it occurred in 1964. Whatever one is correct, we have it around the right time at the very least. This club is located at Marston Road in the heart of the community. The writer was present at what could well be their record victory of 17-0 against a depleted Netley Central Sports team in May 1999 which included ten different goalscorers.
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1967
US company Texas Instruments introduces the first handheld calculators, on sale at $2,500 each. The Dolby “B” noise reduction system for audio cassettes is released in London. US boxer Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay, is stripped of his world heavyweight boxing title after refusing to serve in the US Army. The impact of England’s World Cup win in the previous year sees over 1.6 million fans attend Football League games.
Farnborough Covenanters FC was formed in this year and eventually became FARNBOROUGH NORTH END FC. It grew out of a Christian Youth Group for boys aged between 11 and 17 attached to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cove. The team was entered in the Woking & District League with sportsmanship being the highest priority. The club adopted its nickname as its title in 1981 – becoming Covies FC. The club was once in a Hampshire Junior ‘B’ Cup semi-final, but it went to a replay and they had to withdraw due to a club wedding as none of the players were available on the following Saturday! Covies joined the Surrey Intermediate (Western) League in 1982 and then the Hampshire League in 1991. The club’s title became Farnborough North End in 1998 and a move from Queens Road to Ringwood Road occurred. This is another club that made the 2004 move to the Wessex League and relocated to the Cody Sports & Social Club at nearby Pyestock in February 2005 where they remained until 2010. A change of league (to the Combined Counties) followed and further league moves came (within the Surrey system) before becoming dormant in 2017/18. But Farnborough North End are back and now playing in the Aldershot & District League, in Division One- but sadly currently languishing at the foot of the table.
1969
The Concorde, a fast, sleek, supersonic plane built in partnership between France and the UK, has its maiden flight lasting forty minutes. At Cambridge Physiological Laboratory, human eggs taken from volunteers are fertilized in test tubes outside the body for the first time. US astronaut Neil Armstrong is the first man to walk on the Moon, watched by millions of television viewers (Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin is the second).
More than one year has been traced for the formation of HAMBLE CLUB but it is this year that is presently deemed to be correct. Formed as Hamble FC they made steady progress through the Southampton Junior Leagues before merging with a Sunday team, called Hamble Club and adopted their name in 1981. From the senior divisions, Hamble Club were promoted to the Hampshire League in 1993. They moved from their Mount Pleasant base to the Old College Fields and made a further move to what was then known as the ‘Shell-Mex Ground’ during the 2002/03 season which remains their present home. Wessex members between 2004 and 2007, Hamble became Hampshire Premier League founders but they failed to complete the 2012/13 season and had to start a division lower. But this heralded the start of an upturn as they gained four promotions in five years, including one in their first season back in the Wessex League in 2017. ‘The Monks’ are present members.
1970
The first “Jumbo Jet” touches down at Heathrow and the airport’s infrastructure is overloaded by 362 passengers, twice as many as a Boeing 707 could carry. The FA Cup final goes to a replay for the first time since 1912 as Chelsea defeat Leeds United. Brazil win the World Cup (held in Mexico). Sponsorship is introduced to English football for the first time. It is also the first time a drawn football match in England is decided by penalties – the pre-season Watney Cup competition. George Best scores the first ever and Denis Law is the first to miss in the penalty contest but their team, Manchester United, defeat Hull City 4-3 and reach the final of the competition.
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The roots of HAMWORTHY UNITED FC go much further back than this year as a team known as Hamworthy St Michael’s was formed back in the 1890s. Hamworthy FC was formed in 1926 and a move to the present home, which had been known as ‘The Nursery Ground’, occurred in 1950. The current team was formed from a 1970 merger between the Hamworthy and Trinidad Old Boys clubs in this featured year, Hamworthy FC having missed out in the Dorset Combination League in the previous season due to ‘administrative problems’, making it a good time to improve its structure. So, the United club, as we know it now, is completing its Golden Jubilee year. The Hammers have been members of the Wessex League since being promoted from the Dorset Premier League in 2004 and have always been in the league’s top division to date- pictured below from the 1990s is their stand, things have changed a bit since then!
Part III of our look back ends at the start of the seventies and will be completed in the next issue with twenty more of our member clubs (past or present) featured so there is still a fair amount of ground to cover. Unless information is forthcoming in the next few days there will be one team we will be unable to trace. So, if anyone can fill in any detail about the Micheldever club then we would be very pleased to hear from you.
The following sources were used: ● Electronic: Wikipedia, Wiltshire League and various club websites; fchd.info; BBC News; www.aero-mag.com/vector-aerospace-fleetlands-gosport-mro/ ● Books: ‘Historica’ – Dr Geoffrey Wawro; FA Yearbooks (various); Hampshire League Programme Editors’ Handbook 1998 (Tony Spencer); 50 Glorious Seasons of the Hellenic Football League 1953-2003 (Michael Jenkins); Hampshire Football Association Golden Jubilee 1887-1937 (William Pickford); Encyclopedia (sic) of British Football (Collins, 1974); From Privett Park to Wembley Park – Celebrating 70 years of Gosport Borough FC (Brian Musselwhite, 2014); The 100-Year History of the Bournemouth Football Association and its Leagues 1920 -2020 (Ian Claxton); Eastleigh FC The Story So Far 1946 to 2017 (Gary Day and Ray Murphy) ● Individuals: John Gorman, Stephen Farmery, Mike Robins, John Porter
Compiled by Gary Day SPORT WINTER SURVIVAL PACKAGE
Following the announcement made on Thursday, the FA welcomes the Government’s announcement of a Sport Winter Survival package to help spectator sports in England. As part of the overall £300 million package across sports, which is largely comprised of loans, a preliminary £25 million has been allocated to the National League System. The Barclays Women’s Super League and The FA Women’s Championship will also receive £3m support as part of this financial package. Within this support package, £11 million has been allocated to National League steps 1-2 and £14 million has been allocated to National League System Steps 3-6, which includes our Premier and First Divisions. The finer details of how this funding will be allocated, and how the loans will work, is still to be announced. The process will be overseen by an independent decision-making board and supported by Sport England. Sport England will announce who is eligible and how to apply.
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FOOTBALL FOUNDATION NEWS
Thursday also marked an exciting milestone in both the Football Foundation’s 20-year history - and our national game’s 150-year history. Two years of the Football Foundation partnership working with local groups to map out the football facilities needed across every local authority area in England is complete. The Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation has announced the completion of the Local Football Facility Plans. The Plans outline what facilities every local authority area across England needs to meet the demand of football in their area. For the first time, this country has a roadmap to invest and build what every community needs. And the benefits of the facilities set out in the Plans go far beyond the pitch. They transform communities and change lives for the better. It’ll mean more people can play our national game, physical and mental health can be improved, communities can grow stronger and young people become more empowered. But the Plans are just the first step. We need to work with local authorities, partners and communities to turn these plans into reality. Everyone has their part to play. Find out how you can play yours by heading to the Football Foundation website and searching for your Local Plan- https://footballfoundation.org.uk/local-plans
NOSTALGIA- THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE
TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK- On Tuesday night, Bournemouth beat Verwood Town 3-0 in the League Cup. Matt Kemble, George Webb and Rowley all hit the back of the net for the Poppies in front of 64. Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Alresford Town won 7-0 at Hayling United. Dean Cole hit five goals for the visitors and Danny Barber and substitute Tom Donaldson also found the target for Town. Brading Town drew 2-2 with Lymington Town at Lymington. Ashley Wright, Brading's new signing from Newport (IOW) found the back of the net as did Alex Przespolewski. Brockenhurst won emphatically 7-1 at Laverstock & Ford. In the Russell Cotes Cup, Totton & Eling drew 2-2 with Fleetlands of the Hampshire Premier Division before eventually winning 5-4 on penalties. In the North Hants Open Cup, Whitchurch United were held to a 2-2 draw by Winchester Castle of the Hampshire Premier Division but this time the lower division opponents won 5-4 on penalties. In the Aldershot Senior Invitation Challenge Cup, Alton Town won 3-0 at home to Farnborough North End. On Wednesday night, the only Premier Division game between Newport (IOW) and Fareham Town was postponed. On Friday night, Brockenhurst were beaten 2-1 at home by Christchurch at Grigg Lane in the Premier Division. Griffin netted on 30 minutes and Burden on 81 minutes gave Christchurch the victory. In the Premier Division on Saturday, Alton Town drew 2-2 at home to Fareham Town with Graham Lindsey scoring two penalties for the away side. Hamworthy United beat Fawley AFC 3-2 at The County Ground. Will Robinson put the hosts ahead only for Fawley to equalise. Aaron Corby restored the home sides lead after the hour mark and Fawley again levelled before Dave Ewen hit the winner for the home side five minutes from time. Laverstock & Ford beat Blackfield & Langley 2-1 with Neil Williams scoring the only goal for the away side. Lymington Town beat Hamble ASSC 3-2 at the Recreation Ground. Alresford Town won 5-0 at New Milton Town to cap off an impressive week. Dean Cole bagged another hat-trick for the visitors and Warren Bentley and Danny Barber also found the target for Alresford. Leigh Mills scored the only goal of the game to give Winchester City a 1-0 home win over Bemerton Heath Harlequins. In Division One, Stockbridge won 4-0 away at Amesbury Town thanks to a brace from both Steve Witt and Dave Cotter. Cowes Sports beat Ringwood Town 2-1 whilst Downton and Andover New Street drew 3-3. Nic Turpin, Josh Thomas and Calum Robertson were all on target for the hosts. Saturday, 21 November 2020 Page 22 of 24
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Fleet Spurs beat Hythe & Dibden 3-0 at Kennels Lane with efforts from Sam Knowles, Grant Nesbit and Neil Selby hitting the target for the hosts. AFC Portchester won 3-1 at Tadley Calleva and United Services Portsmouth beat Warminster 5-2 at the Victory Stadium. Verwood Town won 5-0 at home to Petersfield Town thanks to goals from Saxby, Haskell, Dyer, Smith and Lanahan. Whitchurch United and Shaftesbury drew 1-1 at Longmeadow. Elsewhere the Draw for the 3rd Round of the FA Vase has been completed and the fixtures are scheduled to be played Saturday December 4th 2010: Guildford City v MONEYFIELDS, Willand Rovers v BOURNEMOUTH, Bitton AFC v NEWPORT (IOW), POOLE TOWN v Wantage Town, St Blazey v BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS and VERWOOD TOWN v Torpoint Athletic.
CLUB NEWS
Newport IOW first team manager Andy Sampson has decided to stand down from his post. Unfortunately he feels he cannot continue to give the role the time and effort, he rightly believes it requires, due to other commitments. Assistant Managers Stewart Shepherd and Steve Brougham will move up to take over the running of the first team squad as Joint Managers with immediate effect. Continuing from last week Amesbury Town have added Bailey Johnston and Scott Urwin to their squad, further players with Army Under-23 connections whilst at New Milton Town Louis MacArthur is another new arrival. Other news from the club sees them being named as a Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club. Our congratulations go to the club on gaining this accolade. The Linnets have also announced that Ladies’ section goalkeeper Tegan Barnes has joined the Media Section within the club. Totton & Eling are looking for a new Manager due to Ben Hillman standing down due to work commitments. Any interested parties are requested to contact the club directly at [email protected] with their CV or for more details. There is a heavy roller going begging at Brockenhurst the Badgers are needing the space for their Trace & Track Station and future Club Shop. Any interested party should contact the club directly. Another club seeking to fill a vacancy are Tadley Calleva who are accepting applications for the role of first team coach. Please get in touch with the club directly if interested or require more details. In addition whilst we are at Barlows Park, we are aware of a change of mobile number for Wayne Chivers the Tadley Calleva Secretary, please check the website for details. They’re bringing the house down at Fawley where the demolition of the redundant cinema, clubhouse and function rooms at the entrance to their sports ground will start on December 3rd and will last approximately 2 months. For Health and Safety reasons the demolition site and adjacent car park with be screened off. Notice is hereby given for visiting clubs and match officials that they should park on the service road adjacent to the sports ground. There will be access available for emergency vehicles only. Pedestrians with have a dedicated entrance outside the screened off area. It is anticipated that once the functions rooms have been cleared the car park will be reinstated so the disruption will be minimal. We understand that the club will email all visiting clubs and match officials with details on a match to match basis. Some bright news as well to report- Ringwood Town has been given consent to replace six existing lights with LED ones to comply with guidelines laid down by the Football Association. The Town Council had urged the authority to support the proposal, saying it would enhance the facility and reduce the impact on the local environment, and the scheme has now been approved by New Forest District Council. None of the pylons within the football ground are within 280 metres of any dwelling and other than times of floodlight operation the proposal would have no direct or significant impact upon the character and appearance of the area.
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