SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

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!

Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 1 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

ARE YOU LISTENING ?

Please note new broadcast times- Sunday 14:00 to 16:00

The Sydenhams 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 2pm to 4pm 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. Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 2 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

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 23

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 East Cowes Victoria 9 2 4 4 11 20 -9 10 13 Ringwood Town 8 3 1 5 17 27 -10 10 14 Romsey Town 7 3 0 4 9 9 0 9 15 Whitchurch United 9 3 0 6 16 25 -9 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 23

NOSTALGIA- THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK- A meeting was held with most of the clubs to report back on the talks that have been held on the future of Combination football next season. Ian Hoare and Roger Allen gave feedback as to how the proposed Wyvern League would be established. It will consist of step 4 and above clubs (7-9 so far), Wessex league clubs and possibly Hampshire clubs. Dependant on numbers this will establish a Premier league and 1 or 2 leagues on a regional or geographical basis. There were still a number of constitutional issues that needed to be addressed but it was indicated by 22 to 5 that there was an interest in this being a way forward. It was agreed that the steering committee would now write to all Wessex league clubs to establish their individual interest and discussions would continue. Due to the sudden deterioration in the weather the League took an early decision to consult with officers and postpone all League football for the Saturday (4th December). This was to alleviate referees having to struggle to grounds to make individual decisions and having a very patchy programme throughout the league. This meant the League were able to start rearranging matches as early as Thursday. It was hoped that this would be an isolated weather experience and not an indication of what we may expect when winter finally arrives. The League were examining all the aspects of the 25th celebration of the league’s existence and in particular the dinner dance on the 21st May. This would prove to be an opportunity for clubs and sponsors to be recognised for past and present contributions. This would be an opportunity for clubs (and Sponsors) to be recognised for past and present contributions. Any ideas that you may have were directed to Ray Murphy, Ian Hoare or Nick Spencer.

In the Premier Division, here were the latest Top Goalscorers: 1. Warren Hunt (Moneyfields) – 17 2. Steve Smith (Poole Town) – 17 3. Dean Cole (Alresford Town) – 16 4. Jack Slade (Bemerton Heath Harlequins) – 16 5. Graham Lindsey (Fareham Town) – 14 6. Chris Marwood (Totton & Eling) – 14

In Division One, here were the latest Top Goalscorers: 1. Sam Knowles (Fleet Spurs) – 23 2. Ben Dillon (Tadley Calleva) – 18 (As an aside- interesting to note that two on 3. Declan McGregor (Downton) – 15 the Division One list still play and are still with 4. Mark Robinson (US Portsmouth) – 15 the same club- Ed) 5. Nic Turpin (Downton) – 14.

On Monday night, WINCHESTER CITY were scheduled to entertain Fleet Town at the Denplan in the 3rd Round of the Hampshire Senior Cup. On Tuesday night, POOLE TOWN would also try again in the FA Vase at home to Wantage Town; whilst in the 3rd round of the Hampshire Senior Cup, BOURNEMOUTH would welcome HORNDEAN, BROCKENHURST would be at home against ALRESFORD TOWN and TOTTON & ELING would travel to Farnborough of the Blue Square South. In the other tie, NEWPORT (IOW) would travel to SHOLING.

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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

ALDERSHOT SENIOR INVITATION CHALLENGE CUP

This Competition, run under the auspices of the FA, is long standing and entry is by invitation to Clubs of Senior status who play on Saturday afternoons – though the matches are played in midweek. For geographical reasons very few Sydenhams League sides are involved on a regular basis with travel to suburban always a distinct possibility. Finals are generally held at The Recreation Ground, Aldershot Town FC. Alton, and in their day, Bass Alton, have been regular entrants whilst Fleet Spurs were also involved during their Wessex League days. Fleet Town are one of the Competition mainstays and have, like Alton, enjoyed some success in the “Wessex era”, as shown below, but virtually throughout that period they were in the Southern or Isthmian Leagues. Tadley, as far as I am aware, have never entered and Whitchurch is also outside the catchment area. Since 1987, when the Wessex League was founded, Alton have triumphed twice, Alresford once – when they received a rare invitation and Fleet’s success in 1994/95 was as a Wessex League side. With the Competition largely embracing Combined Counties League Clubs, and occasionally ones from the 2012/13 Alresford 2-4 Fleet Town , it does not, with respect, feature very 2013/14 Camberley Town 3-4 Alresford Town highly on the “watching” scale and, despite living in the 2014/15 Sandhurst 1-2 Hartley Wintney north of the County, between 2013 and the recent 2015/16 Alton 1-4 Fleet Town 2019/20 Alton 4-3 British Army Under 23 truncated season, some five hundred or more matches seen by the writer included only five from the Competition.

2013/14

MOVING down to the list of Finals shown mention of two in particular. Few perhaps will have heard of who were successful in 1994. Tongham is on the outskirts of Aldershot off the Hogs Back between Guildford and Farnham, and the only period that their Football Club has spent at Step Six level was three years in the Combined Counties League between 2005 and 2008 which suggests that their Cup triumph came whilst members of the Aldershot Senior League. Digressing completely Tongham was for many years the home of which in its time staged Greyhound Racing, Speedway and Stock Car Racing before being demolished to make way for the new A331 road. Progress! The second Final worthy of mention is 2013/14 when Alresford pulled off a last ditch victory over Camberley at the Recreation Ground. The “official” Wessex League match report sadly disappeared in a laptop total expiry so the following is taken from newspaper archives and is perhaps not as full as one would like. Alresford Town staged yet another late fightback to lift the Aldershot Senior Cup on Wednesday 30 April. The Magpies – runners up in the Sydenhams Premier Division – hit back from 3-2 down to beat a Camberley side – second in the Combined Counties Premier – 4-3 at Aldershot Town’s Electrical Services Stadium (known to all as The Rec). Camberley’s Oneal Gamnes was the busiest of the two goalkeepers early on and was beaten by a 14th minute Zach GLASSPOOL penalty after he had bought the striker down. But two goals in the space of a minute by Marcus COUSINS and Carl GARSTANG rocked Alresford before Warren Bentley scurried away down the right and crossed for Andy MOTT to make it 2-2 with a flying header and leave the scores level at the break. Camberley went ahead again after 57 minutes when COUSINS glanced home a long free kick and the Magpies were still trailing to that goal as the game moved in to the last five minutes. But the Wessex League side gave themselves an 86th minute lifeline when Luke Dempsey nodded down a free kick for the prolific BENTLEY to net his 55th goal of the season. Alresford’s night was complete two minutes later when the otherwise immaculate Gamnes spilt substitute Chris Manning’s powerful strike and Zach GLASSPOOL tucked in the rebound.

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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

Having successfully defended the North Hants Cup, Alresford were on course to repeat their haul of three trophies won in 2012/13 and were rightly anticipated to be favourites to claim another hat trick of silverware when they faced Petersfield in the Wessex League Cup Final at Bemerton Heath.

1st Round Alresford Town 2-1 Cove Alton Town 1-3 Ash United Badshot Lea 2-0 Farnham Town [at Ash United] Chertsey Town 0-1 Camberley Town Fleet Spurs 1-3 Eversley & California Fleet Town 0-1 Reading Town [Byes for Hartley Wintney and Sandhurst Town] Quarter Final Alresford Town 5-1 Sandhurst Town Ash United 1-2 Eversley & California [Ash United reinstated due to player infringement] Badshot Lea 0-3 Camberley Town [at Camberley Town] Reading Town 3-2 aet Hartley Wintney Semi Final Camberley Town 3-2 Ash United Reading Town 0-3 Alresford Town Final [30 April] Alresford Town 4-3 Camberley Town

2019/20

IT is not often the Aldershot Senior Cup features in these pages but the Competition has increased numbers this season as the Aldershot FA celebrates its 125th Anniversary and this looked an interesting fixture on what was surely the coldest evening of the season 28 January. Apologies that mention of the Army players in the report is only by their surnames, that was all the information available, and they made the better start with the ball in the net inside the opening three minutes but the offside flag was already raised. Liam Knight, on the home side’s left flank, provided a cross from which Scott Sanderson hit the side netting and was then stopped by a well-timed tackle from full back Rowbottom who looked a class act all evening. Both sides had trouble with the offside flag and Justin Courtnage in the Alton goal had to leave his area rapidly to thwart an Army attack before the game was halted by a lengthy conversation by the dugouts involving all three Officials and the respective Managers, the outcome of which was one Assistant going off, presumably injured, and the visiting Physio taking over the flag. An Alton free kick in a dangerous position was well held by the goalkeeper and a Knight cross headed over his own bar by a defender but generally there was a lack of action in both goalmouths and it was thirty minutes before the first goal of the evening with the home side taking the lead. Full back Matt Graham played the ball down the inside left channel and George BOWERMAN fired across the keeper and inside the far post. This caused the “London Bus Syndrome” to come in to play as having waited thirty minutes for a goal we then had three in the space of ten minutes. The second was the best of the trio with Knight bending a cross away from the goalkeeper and Scott SANDERSON’S header finding the corner of the net and the same player added the third when goalkeeper Vasper rather flapped at a cross and the striker steered the loose ball through a crowded area. There was still time for Oli Graham to see his free kick rebound back in to play off the crossbar before all sought the warmth of the dressing rooms and clubhouse for the halftime break. HT 3-0 Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 7 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

One can only assume that the visitors were given an Army style talking to during the interval for they were a different proposition with the front pairing of Hicking and Hynd, invisible in the first half, suddenly causing problems. As an aside the Army wore red shirts and long white shorts and Hynd, far from the tallest on the pitch, had shorts that would have almost passed muster as cricket flannels. Hicking was inches wide from thirty yards and Courtnage foiled Donnachie with his legs at the end of a smart move before the pressure was rewarded with a goal after twelve minutes. A long cross from the right was headed back across goal by Higgins and the second header from HICKING found the back of the net. The striker had two further efforts blocked before a second goal just six minutes after the first. A very long clearance found DONNACHIE seemingly alone in the area and his header looped over Courtnage who should have perhaps got to the ball first. The home defence claimed offside but the ball had travelled a long way. As in the first half three goals came very quickly with a free kick from the halfway line being acrobatically volleyed past Courtnage by DONNACHIE to bring the scores level with the half still to reach its midway point. Vasper twice dropped free kicks and was awarded a free kick each time but did well to turn a fierce drive from Matt Benham over the bar before a brave decision by the referee. A good Army move ended with the ball being turned in to the net at the far post, there was no flag but the referee ruled it offside. Time was running out with the worry of extra time given that the temperature had dropped to a level that had caused any Brass Monkeys to have long since left for home, when Alton claimed the winner just two minutes from time. They won a free kick out by the left corner flag and the ball finished inside the far post, whether untouched or otherwise is uncertain but it was Matt BENHAM who took the plaudits and sent Alton in to the last eight of the competition. An interesting Evening with different opposition to normal and the right result on the night. The main Army side were apparently playing Basingstoke in a friendly a few miles down the road and won four nil. FT 4-3 The win would mean the Brewers earned a semi-final berth before the unfortunate turn of events caused the abandonment of the competition.

1st Round Alton 3-1 Guildford City Ash United 2-1 Bagshot Cove 0-3 Midhurst & Easebourne Godalming Town 1-6 Farnham Town 2nd Round Alton 4-3 Army Under 23 Representative Squad Ashford Town (Middx) 1-2 Hartley Wintney Badshot Lea 3-0 Aldershot Camberley Town 0-2 Alresford Town Fleet Town 2-1 Staines Town Frimley Green 1-3 Ash United Knaphill - Midhurst & Easebourne Westfield 3-0 Farnham Town Quarter Final Ash United 1-3 Alton Badshot Lea - Westfield Fleet Town - Knaphill or Midhurst & Easebourne Hartley Wintney 3-2 Alresford Town Competition abandoned due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The 2020/21 competition will not be contested.

Thanks to John Gorman and John Marchment for the research in helping me compile this article, I will be looking to add the full details I have at some stage towards the end of the current season. Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 8 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

WESSEX ERA – WINNERS SUMMARY

1986/87 Alton Town 3-1 Liphook 1987/88 Farnborough Town Reserves 5-1 Bass (Alton) 1988/89 Farnborough Town Reserves 2-0 Alton Town 1989/90 Aldershot FA Reserves 3-1 Alton Town 1990/91 Cove 3-0 Aldershot 1991/92 Cove 2-0 Bass (Alton) 1992/93 2nd Training Regiment RE 3-2 Fleet Town 1993/94 Tongham 3-0 Bass Alton Town 1994/95 Fleet Town 3-1 Bass Alton Town 1995/96 Fleet Town 3-1 Aldershot Town Reserves 1996/97 Camberley Town 2-1 Fleet Town 1997/98 Camberley Town 2-0 Farnham Town 1998/99 Ash United 2-0 Fleet Town 1999/00 Fleet Town 3-3 aet Camberley Town [4–2 on penalties] 2000/01 Sandhurst Town 1-1 aet Fleet Town [4–2 on penalties] 2001/02 Ash United 2-0 3 RSME Regiment 2002/03 Ashford Town (Middx) 0-0 aet Fleet Town [5-4 on penalties] 2003/04 Farnborough Town 2-0 Ashford Town (Middx) 2004/05 Alton Town 3-1 Sandhurst Town 2005/06 Sandhurst Town 1-1 aet Badshot Lea [4–3 on penalties] 2006/07 Camberley Town 3-3 aet Badshot Lea [5-4 on penalties] 2007/08 Fleet Town 3-2 Badshot Lea 2008/09 Fleet Town 4-2 Alton Town 2009/10 Fleet Town 5-0 Cove 2010/11 Badshot Lea 3-3 aet Fleet Town [4–3 on penalties] 2011/12 Ashford Town (Middx) 3-1 Badshot Lea 2012/13 Cove 3-0 Fleet Spurs 2013/14 Alresford Town 4-3 Camberley Town 2014/15 Camberley Town 0-0 aet Fleet Town [4–3 on penalties] 2015/16 Camberley Town 2-1 Farnham Town 2016/17 Fleet Town 4-2 Hartley Wintney 2017/18 Hartley Wintney 4-1 Eversley & California 2018/19 Camberley Town 4-1 Knaphill 2019-20 No competition – Covid-19 pandemic

The Recreation Ground, home of Aldershot Town- pictured some years ago.

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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

DAVID COLEMAN AFC

Last week’s article certainly drew some unexpected interest, so here is a brief story concerning the above club, together with the background. David Coleman was born in Hackney, 8th April 1967 and sadly died in May 1997 of meningitis. I remember being at for the Cherries’ FA Youth Cup 4th Round clash (lost 2-0) back on 28th February 1985. Cherries’ had won through six rounds (Exeter City, Poole Town, Dorchester Town, Cardiff City, Southampton and Fulham) to reach this stage. and Richard Sendall scoring, whilst David Axcell was the referee. Bournemouth line up was Grant Brady, Ricky Bond, Tony White, Philip Shrimpton, Billy Clark, Kevin Jones, Neil Coates, Adrian Randell, Mark Walshaw, Tommy Keane, David Coleman and sub Lee Bolson. Bolson made over 100 appearances for Bournemouth in the Wessex League finding the net on around 40 occasions. As an aside the Hornets went on to the Final, and despite a goalless first leg at St James’ Park lost 4-1 to Newcastle United in the second leg on 10th May. and Joe Allon both hitting doubles for the Magpies, one of Gascoigne’s being described as “extraordinary” at the time all despite Malcolm Allen having given the Hornets an early lead. David began his career with AFC Bournemouth after coming through the youth ranks with the club. He made 60 appearances (50 in the League) for the Cherries and scored two goals both in League action. The first on 4th February 1989 at in a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion; the second on 11th April 1990 at West Ham United (a 4-1 defeat). His debut was 29th April 1986 in the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Blackpool at . First team experience was somewhat limited due to injury as well as difficulty in displacing Paul Morrell at left back and went on loan to Poole Town until midway through the Cherries’ Third Division title winning season. He joined Colchester United on a month-long loan deal in February 1988, making his debut in a 1–0 home defeat to Burnley on 19th February. He made six appearances for the side, scoring once in a 2–1 home defeat to Wrexham on 4th March. During his time at Dean Court he was in the team that hosted Steaua Bucharest (17th February 1990) which saw him given the unenviable task of marking the great Gheorghe Hagi. The Romanians won 3-1. Coleman left Bournemouth in 1991 and played for a host of non-league clubs after his time at Dean Court, Farnborough Town was his first port of call in August 1992, Dorchester Town a year later, in their 1994/95 promotion campaign, Wimborne Town and Amesbury Town- where he stepped up for a brief spell as player manager in their final season in the Western League in 1996/7. His first game in charge was at Glastonbury 24th August making his playing debut in the next match at Yeovil Town Reserves on 28th August. He resigned after the Crediton game in February 1997. He didn’t manage a league win but won two FA Vase matches in the 31 matches he was in charge, with Sandhurst Town being beaten 2-1 at Bonnymead Park in the 2nd Qualifying Round and Minehead away by the odd goal in seven at the next hurdle- the First Round. He appeared 22 times and scored twice. He went on to play for Downton and then Warminster Town; he was also Manager of a Sports Shop at Southampton University. Tragically he died in May 1997 after he contracted meningitis and Harry Redknapp along with a few other players including the then current manager Sean O'Driscoll attended the Funeral. A club was formed on 31th July that year in his honour to promote young players in the area despite the limited time available the club started and by March 2002 his father Derrick had established the club in the Salisbury local leagues and the next season would seem them play in the . Here is the top three of the Salisbury & District Premier Division at the end of that season

2001/02 PL W D L F A GD PTS George & Dragon 22 18 1 3 73 21 52 55 DAVID COLEMAN AFC 22 16 2 4 59 27 22 50 South Newton & Wishford 22 13 1 8 55 44 11 40

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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

They played their home games at Victoria Park, the former home of Salisbury, a real old fashioned ground that some of you may remember. Their record in the Hampshire League saw two midtable finishes before moving into the revamped Wessex setup, in Division Three, which looked to have been a bridge too far. The first season saw Laverstock & Ford win the title, with Romsey Town propping up the table by a fair margin. Mottisfont won the title next season with Romsey having a big turn round to claim runners up spot.

SEASON RANK PL W D L F A GD PTS 2002/03 6th of 13 24 10 5 9 38 39 -1 35 2003/04 9th of 15 28 12 4 12 47 59 -12 40

We have previously included details of one of their Hampshire League outings, but here again is Gary Day’s report from one of their first outings at that level- 26th August at Victoria Park with a 3-0 win over M&T Awbridge. They took the lead on 16 minutes when a low Kevin Penfold cross was finished at the far post by Dave MARFLEET. The home side’s other two goals came in the second half when, four minutes in, PENFOLD finished well. The win, which at that point, was already looking comfortable enough, was completed by PENFOLD following a good move down the left. Moving on another year and here is their full Wessex League record is show here.

HOME David Coleman AFC 0 - 5 Hayling United David Coleman AFC 2 - 0 Ludgershall Sports David Coleman AFC 0 - 5 Ordnance Survey David Coleman AFC 6 - 0 Yateley Green AWAY Colden Common 5 - 0 David Coleman AFC Fleetlands 7 - 0 David Coleman AFC Verwood Town 2 - 4 David Coleman AFC

Sorry I don’t have the dates, aside from the fact that the campaign started for them at Fleetlands on the opening Saturday (7th August) with the defeat at Colden Common coming just three days later. The team that evening was Paul McGrath (no not that one), Ryan Scott, Bobby Hearn, Matt Hinds, Andy Budgell, Dave Westwell, Andy Savage, John Wood, Colin Fitzgerald, Neil Catchpole and James Tiley. On the bench were Pete Hodson, Tom Judd and Andy Matless (Westwell and Hinds were in the team for their 3-0 win over M&T Awbridge). A hat trick from Dean Higgins (26, 33 and 90) and a brace from Rich Lang (7 and 25) doing the damage. Your editor has also been unable to source an image of a copy of their programme from any of their four home fixtures, so if anyone has a copy that would be most welcome to see. Similarly dates of the games played would also be appreciated. The Division included a number of sides still very much part of the Wessex League today – Tadley Calleva, Laverstock & Ford, AFC Stoneham, AFC Portchester, Hamble Club and Verwood – but was won by Colden Common who scored 123 goals in the process. By late September 2004, the club had folded, forcing its resignation from the Sydenhams Wessex League, principally citing the failure to field a full quota of players lay behind its demise. The club found that whilst they could compete against the teams that were in Hampshire Division Two with them in 2003/04; the going was a lot tougher against the ex-Division One Clubs in the new format. The club suffered mixed fortunes in the opening games of the season and then failed to fulfil the August Bank Holiday Monday fixture at RS Basingstoke. With many of the signed squad being in the Forces being posted elsewhere- including abroad, together with a lot of injuries, despite starting with a squad of 23; inconsistent results saw players drift away and the club faced fines each time it failed to fulfil a fixture, a price they could not afford to pay. My thanks to John Gorman, Mark Hilton, Neil Perrett and John Treleven in providing a lot of the reference detail in this article.

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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

CLUB NEWS

Iain Calder has been appointed the new Manager at Totton & Eling he was previously Assistant Manager at Sholing, under Dave Diaper. The Millers have also appointed a new First Team Coach, with Steve Blackburn taking the role. On the debit side, midfielder Josh Hanratty from AFC Portchester, defender Conal Morrison from Blackfield & Langley and striker Harry Morgan from Bashley have all joined Wimborne Town, who as an aside look to be playing their first game at “New Cuthbury” before the turn of the year- current restrictions permitting, supporters are asked to book online to avoid disappointment. We wish our former members well in their new home. We hear that Jamie Cotton has had to stand down as Manager at Bemerton Heath Harlequins with health issues that have affected his ability to give the position the time and attention he feels he needs to give. We wish him a swift recovery. Consequently this now opens an opportunity for a new managers position at Moon Park. The club are open to applications for this position and welcome applicants for this role. Please send your application to the club secretary email which can be found on the club’s website or the Wessex website. Work is under way to produce a book to celebrate the forthcoming 75th birthday of Alton FC (1947 to 2022). In just over a year’s time, Alton will celebrate 75 years since the town’s football club played its first match in the Hampshire League, that was all the way back in 1947. Since then the club has experienced success and disappointment, promotions, relegations and sideway moves in equal measure, but now, back home at Anstey Park, the club remains at the heart of the community and fighting hard to gain promotion to the Wessex League Premier Division. The club, along with author and former Alton resident and club supporter Philip Taylor, are putting together a book to celebrate this special occasion, and are looking for memories, match-day programmes, press reports, stories and photographs from ex- players, officials and members of the public. They would also love to hear from former players, staff, and supporters with a story to tell. Any articles posted will be returned after they have been scanned, or better still if they can be scanned and emailed to Philip. So, if you have stories you can share about the original Alton Town club, Bass Alton, Alton United or the new Alton FC, please get in touch by letter or email. Email: [email protected] or write to Philip Taylor, 30 Brentwood Road, Bamford, Derbyshire, S33 0AG. In the FA Youth Cup, Brockenhurst travel to Newport County on Saturday 19th December. It’s scheduled as a noon kick off but current restrictions mean it will be “behind closed doors”. We wish them well. Folland Sports feel the time is right to advertise that they are looking for a hungry and hands on chairman or senior adviser to help push the club forward! Following the clubs massive turnaround over the last year with returning manager and club stalwart Dave Herbert coming in to sort the clubs structure and ethos as well as taking the team from bottom of the table to currently 2nd in the league they feel the time is right to bring in someone to help push the club back to where it belongs! They are looking for a positive and driven individual or group of individuals interested in taking over the club. With the team doing well, ground improvements, being fixed and a tremendous atmosphere at the club as well as making a profit for the first time in 6 years they feel with the right leadership and drive we can kick on and plan for the next steps at the club! If you’re interested or know of anyone that may be interested please drop us a message, or call/ email First team manager Dave Herbert on 07557550812 or at [email protected] At Barlows Park Brett Denham has re-joined Tadley Calleva after a spell at Andover New Street. Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 12 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

A new LED Project for Ringwood Town at their Long Lane Ground in Hampshire has been awarded funding by the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). As sister organisation of the Football Foundation, the FSIF are the largest funders of non-league football in the country. The £20,000 FSIF grant will enable the club to replace the existing floodlights which have been in place for over 20 years. The contract was awarded to Lymington-based Lights4Sport by EcoClub following a competitive tendering process involving eight suppliers. The club runs 27 teams from under-6 through to the Wessex League side and is an integral part of the local community with 350 players supported by 50 managers and coaches. The Club features prominently on the Football Foundation’s Local Football Facility Plan for the New Forest (https://localplans.footballfoundation.org.uk/local-authorities-index/new-forest/new-forest-executive- summary/). Phil King, Chairman, said “This is fantastic news after a very competitive tendering process. Huge thanks to the FSIF for their funding to which the club has significantly topped-up. It’s a big step forward for us. Our existing lights have served the Club well for more than 20 years but now they’ve fallen behind ground grading standards and are beyond economic repair. LED technology has become more affordable and I’m sure will serve us well now and for the long term plans we have for the Club. Can’t wait to get them installed!”. Martin Roche, Director, Lights4Sport, adds “Our class leading LED sports floodlights come complete with our integral SPORTcontrol phone App to not only switch the lights on and off, but to save even more energy by dimming lights for training, third/half pitch lit only and individual lamp control and power monitoring. We look forward to Ringwood Town FC’s many teams benefitting from high quality LED lighting”. Sholing announced obtaining Lymington Town midfielder Robin Nicholls’ signature last weekend- and on the opposite side of the coin, Byron Mason has joined AFC Portchester on dual registration papers. whilst in Portsmouth Baffins Milton Rovers have also been busy in adding Moneyfields duo Rhys Lloyd and Danny Burroughs on dual registration. Lloyd Thompson is a new arrival at Foxcotte Park, joining Andover New Street from Whitchurch United. There are ground improvements to note at Brockenhurst where the dugouts have been extended to provide cover for substitutes during games, a new Track and Trace shed with club shop, extra signage around the ground and an outside marquee.

LEAGUE NEWS

An apology first of all. For some reason in “The Last Word” last week I overlooked the fact that our three Isle of Wight teams are in fact within Tier 1 of the post lockdown situation. Apologies to all concerned. The League Board held a special Meeting in the week to discuss the situation as regards resuming the season. It was agreed that we would continue to the end of the calendar year at time of writing. This of course would be subject to any changes made at the next Government review of the Tier system, scheduled for 16th December. It was agreed that Saturday game kick off times could be brought forward subject to home team, away team, match officials and Fixture Secretary all being in agreement- and this to commence with immediate effect, this would also include provision for playing on a Sunday. It will fall upon the HOME club to be responsible to advise the League and the Media and Newsletter Officer. If no agreement can be reached, the default time of 15:00 will stand. Seven days’ minimum notice of change is required going forwards. As regards to the opening of Tea bars, clubs have been strongly advised to approach their Local Authorities to request their outlets are classed as a take away. There is a new appointment with immediate effect for the Bankes Charity Cup competitions- Mike Pomeroy taking up the post. His email details are [email protected] the Cup Committee would also like to thank those who have supported and continue to support the running of their competitions. Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 13 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

To play football at Steps 5 and 6 The FA require all clubs to have their floodlights tested every two years to ensure the required standards are maintained. As a League we are seeking an electrical contractor to carry out these tests. If you are aware of any contractor that may be interested in carrying out such tests or requires any information could they please contact the leagues ground grading officer Ian Harley on 07706 271342 or e mail [email protected] It was disappointing to note some posts on Social Media about arranging games yesterday. So to set the record straight, the League advised clubs on 23 November that subject to a change of Government rules, clubs were given the option of training on Saturday 5 December. However any club wishing to play a game must accept a League fixture.

FIXTURES

As you all are aware, we normally make fixture changes on Saturday evenings but, with the Vase postponements, there will be one game today and two other games rescheduled for next Saturday. As a result we will not be making any changes until tomorrow evening this week, in other words after the publication deadline. So far as can be seen there will be no changes to fixtures this coming midweek. Please note that all teams to remain available next Saturday, even if their current scheduled opponent will be in Buildbase FA Vase action. As outlined above, to assist clubs regarding finance if mutually agreed by clubs and match officials kick off times can be moved to 14:00 or likewise to maybe boost attendances a move to either Friday evening or maybe even a Sunday kick off, so therefore a reminder that, if you arrange a revised kick off time under the newly granted flexibility, in addition to opposition and match officials, please let the League Secretary, Fixtures Secretary and the Newsletter Editor know so that we can update social media and websites. The list below is correct at time of publication, but as mentioned is liable to change at short notice.

Sunday December 6th 2020 Wednesday December 9th 2020 Buildbase F.A. Vase 1st Round Division One Brockenhurst v Street Fawley AFC v East Cowes Vics Tuesday December 8th 2020 Spare: Whitchurch United Sydenhams League Cup 3rd Round Portsmouth Senior Cup Semi Final (2019/2020) Amesbury Town v Folland Sports Baffins Milton Rovers v Horndean Verwood Town v Hamworthy United Saturday December 12th 2020 Sydenhams League Cup Quarter Final Buildbase F.A. Vase 2nd Round Andover Town v U.S. Portsmouth Christchurch v Cribbs Romsey Town v Bemerton Heath H’quins Helston Athletic v Fareham Town Premier Division Millbrook v Bashley Alresford Town v AFC Stoneham New Milton Town v Longlevens Bashley v Christchurch (19.30) U.S. Portsmouth v Brockenhurst or Street Bournemouth v AFC Portchester Premier Division Brockenhurst v Blackfield & Langley AFC Portchester v Hamworthy United Cowes Sports v Lymington Town AFC Stoneham v Tadley Calleva Fareham Town v Fleet Town Amesbury Town v Lymington Town Hamble Club v Portland United Baffins Milton Rovers v Alresford Town Tadley Calleva v Shaftesbury Hamble Club v Horndean Division One Portland United v Fleet Town Alton v Totton & Eling Shaftesbury v Cowes Sports (14.30) Downton v New Milton Town Spare: Blackfield & Langley, Bournemouth, Laverstock & Ford v Andover New Street Brockenhurst, Fareham Town Newport IoW v Hythe & Dibden Division One Petersfield Town v Ringwood Town Andover Town v Newport IoW Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 14 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

East Cowes Vics v Alton (new) Hamble Club v Amesbury Town Fawley AFC v Bemerton Heath H’quins Hamworthy United v Blackfield & Langley Folland Sports v Verwood Town (14.00) Lymington Town v Portland United Laverstock & Ford v Romsey Town Tadley Calleva v AFC Portchester Petersfield Town v Hythe & Dibden Division One Totton & Eling v Downton Alton v New Milton Town Whitchurch United v Ringwood Town Andover New Street v Downton Spare: Andover New Street Bemerton Heath H’quins v Folland Sports Tuesday December 15th 2020 East Cowes Vics v Verwood Town Premier Division Hythe & Dibden v Whitchurch United AFC Portchester v Baffins Milton Rovers Petersfield Town v Andover Town Blackfield & Langley v Amesbury Town Ringwood Town v Laverstock & Ford Brockenhurst v Hamble Club Romsey Town v Newport IoW Christchurch v AFC Stoneham Spare U.S. Portsmouth Fareham Town v Cowes Sports (19.15) Saturday December 26th 2020 Fleet Town v Tadley Calleva Premier Division Hamworthy United v Bournemouth Blackfield & Langley v AFC Stoneham Horndean v Alresford Town Brockenhurst v Lymington Town Lymington Town v Bashley Fleet Town v Alresford Town Shaftesbury v Portland United Division One Division One Folland Sports v Totton & Eling (14.00) Alton v Whitchurch United Newport IoW v East Cowes Vics Andover Town v Bemerton Heath H’quins Monday December 28th 2020 East Cowes Vics v Folland Sports Premier Division Hythe & Dibden v Andover New Street AFC Portchester v Fareham Town (15.00) Laverstock & Ford v Downton Division One New Milton Town v U.S. Portsmouth Andover New Street v Andover Town (15.00) Petersfield Town v Totton & Eling Bemerton Heath H’quins v Downton (15.00) Romsey Town v Fawley AFC Fawley AFC v Hythe & Dibden (19.30) Verwood Town v Ringwood Town Laverstock & Ford v Petersfield Town (15.00) Spare: Newport IoW Ringwood Town v New Milton Town (14.00) Friday December 18th 2020 Romsey Town v Whitchurch United (15.00) Division One Verwood Town v U.S. Portsmouth (15.00) Totton & Eling v Fawley AFC Tuesday December 29th 2020 Saturday December 19th 2020 Premier Division Buildbase F.A. Vase 3rd Round Amesbury Town v Tadley Calleva Premier Division Bournemouth v Shaftesbury (19.45) Alresford Town v Brockenhurst Hamworthy United v Bashley (19.30) Bournemouth v Baffins Milton Rovers Cowes Sports v Horndean (19.45) Christchurch v Shaftesbury Portland United v Christchurch (19.30) Cowes Sports v Bashley Wednesday December 30th 2020 Fareham Town v Horndean Premier Division Fleet Town v AFC Stoneham Hamble Club v Baffins Milton Rovers (19.45)

THE SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE FOOTBALL SHOW

The SWLF Show is now scheduled between 14:00-16:00. Today they feature James Stokoe, Wimborne Town manager at 14:20 to talk about The New Cuthbury, Chris Reeves Poole Town Director at 14:40 plus live update from the Buildbase FA Vase tie between Brockenhurst and Street. Fareham’s Pete Stiles will be on around 15:20. They hope to have Richard Morse on as well, but at time of writing he has not confirmed. Sunday, 06 December 2020 Page 15 of 16

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 23

WEEKEND RESULTS

Saturday 5 December Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round Fareham Town 4-1 Roman Glass St. George 240 Callum Benfield Josh Williams Curt Robbins [2] Josh Benfield Buildbase FA Vase 2nd Round Clapton 2-1 Hamworthy United 81 Daniel Emovon 35 Cameron Munn 75 Eleftherios Metso 78 Division One East Cowes Victoria 1-1 Ringwood Town 68 Ji Nash 62 Ryan Osman 64

WEEK 14 ROUND UP

The scheduled Fixture list always meant this would be a gentle easing back after absence – and thanks to Roger Allen for filling the gap – but postponements due to the weather on the South Coast reduced the number of games played to just three. The Vase ties between Brockenhurst and Street, Christchurch and Cribbs and New Milton and Longlevens were all postponed as was the Premier Division fixture between Bournemouth and Portland. The matches at Christchurch and New Milton have been rearranged for next Saturday but please note that the Brockenhurst v Street tie is being played today with a 13:00 kick off. Well done to both Clubs and we trust the weather behaves. The two Vase ties that were played resulted in one win and one loss for our sides. At Cams Alders in front of a healthy attendance of 240, Fareham defeated Western League Roman St George four one with two goals from Curt Robbins and one apiece from Callum and Josh Benfield. The “dubious” reward for Fareham is a four hundred mile plus round trip to Helston in the depths of Cornwall next Saturday. Though the South West Peninsula League did stage some fixtures today Helston were not in action. Hamworthy United, scheduled to visit Clapton in East London, saw the game switched to Isthmian League Aveley’s ground in Essex with a 13:00 kick off so an early start for the “Hammers” but a disappointing outcome as they went down by two goals to one, Cameron Munn claiming their goal. Just one League game and that in Division One where East Cowes Vics and Ringwood Town shared two goals and the points on the Island. Ji Nash scored for Vics with Ryan Osman netting for Ringwood and the result leaves the two Clubs still level on points but with both having moved two places up the table. And that is that. Thanks for all the information and good luck to Brockenhurst on Sunday.

Buildbase FA Vase TEAM 1QR 2QR R1 TOTAL Prize Fund Bashley £ 550.00 £ 725.00 £ 825.00 £ 2,100.00 allocation for our New Milton Town £ 550.00 £ 725.00 £ 825.00 £ 2,100.00 remaining Fareham Town >>> £ 725.00 £ 825.00 £ 1,550.00 participants (not United Services Portsmouth >>> £ 725.00 £ 825.00 £ 1,550.00 Christchurch have Brockenhurst £ 550.00 £ 725.00 £ - £ 1,275.00 yet to play)

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