SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
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!
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 1 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
. Advance notice of our AGM. Full details will be announced soon, but for your Diary and at time of
writing- it’ll be at the Totton & Eling Sports Club, on SUNDAY 28 JUNE with a kick off of 10:00.
It doesn’t clash with Father’s Day so no excuses this year Dads.
WESSEX WORDSEARCH #2
A A N D O V E R G H E V W S N L S D N A L L O F R A S H E P P P O F B A I B A R S A F D E U E O I E V N E W S T R E E T Y R W R M E G M L H C E I T E T A R S T R R E E C O L T O R R L E T E S S R Y R W E S M S E T V E R T M T D U E G R O F N O T N W O D O E H S A Y R I E N R L T C A N U C T T N P E W H E L O K S J E T D E O H L P E W S E Y D H A I H D T Y D O E R N N T T H W H A R L H D R O M S E Y D O O W G N I R O T L I G H B F G X L K E M I P
ALTON FAWLEY NEW STREET RELEGATED ANDOVER FIRST NEWPORT RINGWOOD BEMERTON FOLLANDS PETERSFIELD ROMSEY DOWNTON HYTHE PEWSEY VERWOOD EAST COWES LAVERSTOCK PORTSMOUTH WHITCHURCH ELING MILTON PROMOTED
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 2 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
BUILDBASE FA VASE REVIEW
All the results and all the scorers for our teams in the Competition in 2019/20. 133 goals were scored by our teams in the Competition, 87 of which were contributed by teams in our Premier Division.
First Qualifying Round- Buildbase FA Vase Alton 2-1 Andover New Street
Amesbury Town 1-4 Christchurch 2019/20 Andover Town 1-4 Westbury United Ascot United 3-3 aet Fleet Town [at Fleet Town] Bashley 3-0 Bridport Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1-2 aet Alresford Town Calne Town 1-3 Downton Cowes Sports 2-0 Shaftesbury Fareham Town 2-0 Whitchurch United Folland Sports 0-1 East Cowes Victoria Athletic Hamble Club 4-0 Totton & Eling Lymington Town 5-2 aet Fawley [at AFC Totton] New Milton Town 1-4 AFC Portchester Petersfield Town 1-0 AFC Stoneham Pewsey Vale 0-1 Laverstock & Ford Ringwood Town 1-1 aet Verwood Town Solent University FC 2-7 Bradford Town United Services Portsmouth 2-3 Sherborne Town
First Qualifying Round Replay – Fleet Town 1-3 Ascot United Verwood Town 2-0 Ringwood Town Second Qualifying Round-
Alton 1-2 Westbury United PREMIER DIVISION - 87 Bashley 1-4 Lymington Town Christchurch - 16 Bradford Town 1-0 Hamble Club AFC Portchester - 9 Corsham Town 1-3 Romsey Town Cowes Sports - 9 Cowes Sports 7-3 Verwood Town Lymington Town - 9 Devizes Town 1-3 Newport (IOW) Brockenhurst - 7 Downton 2-1 Wincanton Town Hamworthy United - 7 Dorchester Sports 2-4 Christchurch Bashley - 4 East Cowes Vics 3-2 Fareham Town Fareham Town - 4 Hythe & Dibden 2-3 AFC Portchester Fleet Town - 4 Laverstock & Ford 0-4 Brockenhurst Hamble Club - 4 Sherborne Town 2-2 aet Petersfield Town Alresford Town - 3 Tadley Calleva 1-0 Royal Wootton Bassett Town Horndean - 3 Warminster Town 2-1 Alresford Town Baffins Milton Rovers - 2 Second Qualifying Round Replay- Tadley Calleva - 2 Petersfield Town 1-0 Sherborne Town Solent University FC - 2 First Round Proper- Amesbury Town - 1 Bishops Cleeve 2-3 Brockenhurst Bournemouth - 1 Bitton 6-1 Tadley Calleva Bournemouth 1-2 Petersfield Town Bradford Town 1-0 Lymington Town Christchurch 3-1 Brimscombe & Thrupp Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 3 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Cullompton Rangers 0-1 AFC Portchester Downton 0-4 Thornbury Town DIVISION ONE - 46 Exmouth Town 2-0 Portland United Petersfield Town - 7 Longlevens 1-0 aet Cowes Sports East Cowes Victoria - 6 Newport IOW 0-2 Bridgwater Town Verwood Town - 6 Raynes Park Vale 2-2 aet Horndean Downton - 5 Romsey Town 1-3 Plymouth Parkway Romsey Town - 4 Warminster Town 3-2 East Cowes Victoria Alton - 3 First Round Proper Replay- Newport IOW - 3 Horndean 1-2 Raynes Park Vale Fawley - 2 Second Round Proper- Hythe & Dibden - 2 Abingdon United 1-6 Hamworthy United United Services Portsmouth - 2 Baffins Milton Rovers 2-3 Bradford Town Andover New Street - 1 Brockenhurst 0-3 Plymouth Parkway Andover Town - 1 Christchurch 2-1 Badshot Lea Bemerton Heath Harlequins - 1 Petersfield Town 1-2 Roman Glass St George Laverstock & Ford - 1 Warminster Town 3-1 AFC Portchester New Milton Town - 1 Third Round Proper- Ringwood Town - 1 Hamworthy United 1-4 Plymouth Parkway Christchurch 2-1 Falmouth Town Fourth Round Proper- Christchurch 1-2 Sutton Common Rovers
Mike Gosney Lymington Town 5 Geoff Dunn Romsey Town 1 Mike McEnery Cowes Sports 4 George Bowerman Alton 1 Dan Cann Hamworthy United 3 George Hallahan Alresford Town 1 Dan Wooden AFC Portchester 3 Harry Crisp Downton 1 Jimmy Wykes Cowes Sports 3 Harry Morgan Bashley 1 Kyle Graham Christchurch 3 Jack Fowler Alton 1 Lee Vint Verwood Town 3 Jake Hammond Fleet Town 1 Aaron Redford Fleet Town 2 James King Christchurch 1 Connor Duffin Horndean 2 Jamie Trimble Bournemouth 1 Dan Telfer Downton 2 Jason Parish. AFC Portchester 1 Harry Bedford Petersfield Town 2 Jez Conway Cowes Sports 1 Harry McGrath Bashley 2 Jimmi Burton East Cowes Victoria 1 Harvey Wright Christchurch 2 Jo Tessem Hythe & Dibden 1 Joe Craig Newport IOW 2 Joe Butcher East Cowes Victoria 1 Liam Magee Romsey Town 2 Jon Blake Christchurch 1 Luke Slade Fareham Town 2 Jordan Ragguette Hamble Club 1 Luke Stone Christchurch 2 Jordon Matthews Amesbury Town 1 Matt Low Petersfield Town 2 Josh Bertie Andover Town 1 Max Wilcock Christchurch 2 Josh Kirkham Christchurch 1 Mike Turvey AFC Portchester 2 Lee Francis Hamworthy United 1 Nathan Lynch Hamble Club 2 Lewis Stockford Fareham Town 1 Steve Ramsey AFC Portchester 2 Luke Hooper Andover New Street 1 Tom Moseley Downton 2 Luke Mitchell Solent University FC 1 Adam Bourner Laverstock & Ford 1 Marvin Orepo Petersfield Town 1 Adam Cripps AFC Portchester 1 Matt Gane New Milton Town 1 Alfie Lis Horndean 1 Matt Neale Christchurch 1 Arshia Sheibatzadeh Brockenhurst 1 Michael Wright Petersfield Town 1
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 4 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Ben Harris Ringwood Town 1 Mitch Speechley-Price Brockenhurst 1 Ben Kelly Verwood Town 1 Nick Swann Christchurch 1 Ben Satterley Christchurch 1 OG for Brockenhurst 1 Brad Cherrett Christchurch 1 OG for East Cowes Victoria 1 Brad Strickland Bashley 1 OG for Romsey Town 1 Brandon Hayward East Cowes Victoria 1 OG for Baffins Milton Rovers 1 Brett Denham Tadley Calleva 1 Ollie Davis Hamworthy United 1 Charlie Heggan Verwood Town 1 Ollie West East Cowes Victoria 1 Charlie Tilsed Verwood Town 1 Pete Southwick Fawley 1 Chris Mason Alresford Town 1 Rob Taw Baffins Milton Rovers 1 Christos Papakonstantinou Hythe & Dibden 1 Ronan Moore Brockenhurst 1 Connor Cocklin Hamworthy United 1 Ryan Penny Solent University FC 1 Connor Thorne Tadley Calleva 1 Ryan Wilkins Hamble Club 1 Craig Harding Alresford Town 1 Sam House Lymington Town 1 Danny Finnigan Bemerton Heath 1 Scott Sampson Newport IOW 1 Dom Falco Lymington Town 1 Scott Sanderson Alton 1 Dylan Knight Fawley 1 Steve Flynn Lymington Town 1 Dylan Manufor Brockenhurst 1 Tim Stephenson Lymington Town 1 Eli Ahmed East Cowes Victoria 1 Tom Cain US Portsmouth 1 Enow Ojong Fleet Town 1 Tom Jeffes US Portsmouth 1 Ewan Cranwell Cowes Sports 1 Will Harris Fareham Town 1 Fawzi Saadi Hamworthy United 1 Will Tickle Brockenhurst 1 Freddie Bullard Brockenhurst 1 Will Webb Petersfield Town 1
ROUND- PRIZE FUND ALLOCATION First Round Qualifying [Winners] - £550 First Round Qualifying [Losers] - £175 Second Round Qualifying [Winners] - £725 Second Round Qualifying [Losers] - £250 First Round Proper [Winners] - £825 First Round Proper [Losers] - £275 Second Round Proper [Winners] - £900 Second Round Proper [Losers] - £300 Third Round Proper [Winners] - £1,125 Third Round Proper [Losers] - £375 Fourth Round Proper [Winners] - £1,875 Fourth Round Proper [Losers] - £625
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 5 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
TEAM 1QR 2QR R1 R2 R3 R4 TOTAL Christchurch £550.00 £725.00 £825.00 £900.00 £1,125.00 £625.00 £4,750.00 AFC Portchester £550.00 £725.00 £825.00 £300.00 - - £2,400.00 Petersfield Town £550.00 £725.00 £825.00 £300.00 - - £2,400.00 Brockenhurst >> £725.00 £825.00 £300.00 - - £1,850.00 Cowes Sports £550.00 £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,550.00 Downton £550.00 £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,550.00 East Cowes Victoria £550.00 £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,550.00 Lymington Town £550.00 £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,550.00 Hamworthy United >> >> >> £900.00 £375.00 - £1,275.00 Newport IOW >> £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,000.00 Romsey Town >> £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,000.00 Tadley Calleva >> £725.00 £275.00 - - - £1,000.00 Alresford Town £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Alton £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Bashley £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Fareham Town £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Hamble Club £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Hythe & Dibden £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Laverstock & Ford £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Verwood Town £550.00 £250.00 - - - - £800.00 Baffins Milton Rovers >> >> >> £300.00 - - £300.00 Bournemouth >> >> £275.00 - - - £275.00 Horndean >> >> £275.00 - - - £275.00 Portland United >> >> £275.00 - - - £275.00 AFC Stoneham £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Amesbury Town £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Andover New Street £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Andover Town £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Bemerton Heath £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Fawley AFC £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Fleet Town £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Folland Sports £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 New Milton Town £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Pewsey Vale £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Ringwood Town £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Shaftesbury £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Solent University FC £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Totton & Eling £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 US Portsmouth £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 Whitchurch United £175.00 - - - - - £175.00 TOTAL £11,050.00 £9,975.00 £6,050.00 £3,000.00 £1,500.00 £625.00 £32,200.00
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 6 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
IT’S A LONG WAY TO…
Recently we looked at some of the unusual Clubs and places visited by Sydenhams League Clubs in the two FA Competitions. Now we turn our attention solely to the FA Vase and look at the longest journeys undertaken over the last ten seasons or so for our member clubs. The mileages are taken from the AA Route Planner, and relate to the round trip in each case, so may not necessarily be the shortest and the ten longest we can find follow in reverse order.
10. 289 MILES TAVISTOCK AFC v BROCKENHURST [1-3] Second Round Proper 2009/10 - The “Badgers” had defeated Bournemouth and Laverstock & Ford before undertaking the long haul to Tavistock, long time members of the South West Peninsula League. Tavistock is on the edge of Dartmoor and the Birthplace of Francis Drake and their local Football Club had recorded three away wins to reach the Second Round, including one over Southern League Clevedon, but the New Forest side were too strong on the day and were rewarded with a 233 round trip to Dawlish in the next round - and a 3-1 defeat.
9. 327 MILES ST. BLAZEY v BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS [1-2] Third Round Proper 2010/11 - South West Peninsula League opposition again with the Cornish side have played five matches, including two replays to reach this stage whilst Bemerton had defeated Lydney and Clanfield (the one in Oxfordshire) before heading west. It was a good season for the Salisbury side as they finished runners up in the league but went out of the Vase in the next round at Leverstock Green. In the space of four seasons around that time they travelled to St. Blazey, St. Austell and Bodmin in the Competition.
8. 334 MILES ST.AUSTELL v VERWOOD TOWN [6-1] Third Round Proper 2014/15 - Seemingly never the easiest Ground to visit, but adjacent to the St Austell Brewery so that could be considered a bonus, and a side who were twelve points clear at the season’s end in the South West Peninsula League. They had scored fifteen goals in three previous rounds, including a three two win at Follands, and received a walkover through Ilfracombe withdrawing from all Competitions, and simply carried on in the same vein. Verwood had beaten Fareham Town and present day high fliers Plymouth Parkway (5-4) but had no answer on the day.
7. 342 MILES SALTASH UNITED v ALRESFORD TOWN [2-7] Third Round Proper 2013/14 - Saltash is the other side of the River Tamar from Plymouth and known as the “Gateway to Cornwall” and though they finished third in the South West Peninsula they found Alresford, who finished as League runners up to Sholing, a far different proposition. The North Hampshire side had already beaten “local” opposition in Hythe & Dibden and Verwood but, perhaps surprisingly, went out to Western League Hallen in the next round.
6. 346 MILES BODMIN TOWN v AFC STONEHAM [2-1] First Round Proper 2018/19 - Stoneham’s third season in the Vase and the second occasion on which they reached this stage, having defeated Penn & Tylers Green and Binfield en route. Bodmin had beaten Camelford after a replay and came through, rather fortunately in many eyes, on the day by the odd goal in three, Chris Manning’s goal not enough for the Sydenhams side. Bodmin went on to the Third Round.
5. 348 MILES PENRYN ATHLETIC v HAMWORTHY UNITED [0-2] First Qualifying Round 2008/09 - Penryn is adjacent to Falmouth and were well established in the South West Peninsula League – they finished fourth that season – and it was a “strange” draw so early in the Competition. Hamworthy went on to reach the Third Round Proper – winning at Barnstaple – before going out at Hungerford. Penryn have not entered the Vase since 2009/10 and two seasons ago suffered relegation and now play in the Cornwall Combination. Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 7 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
4. 380 MILES BODMIN TOWN v ALRESFORD TOWN [1-0] Second Round Proper 2018/19 - Bodmin again and a continuation from Number Five above as Alresford followed in Stoneham’s footsteps unfortunately with the same result, going down to the only goal of the game in extra time. Bodmin have been South West Peninsula League Champions five times in the last twelve seasons but consider promotion outside their reach because of the travel involved. They went out to Western League Willand Rovers in the next round but since 2000 they have played ten Sydenhams sides in either the FA Cup or Vase- five at home and five away – and won eight times. A real thorn in the side of the League with only Poole and Hamworthy successful against them.
3. 612 MILES SPENNYMOOR TOWN v BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS [4-2] Fifth Round Proper 2012/13 - A step up in both distance and class as is often the case in the later stages of the Competition. Bemerton had beaten Fawley, Horndean and Blackfield and enjoyed a winning trip to St Austell before the journey to County Durham and a side who finished second to Darlington in the Northern League and went on to reach the Vase Final where they defeated Tunbridge Wells to take the Crown. No disgrace for the Harlequins in losing to such opposition who have since climbed to the National League North Division.
2. 640 MILES BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA v BOURNEMOUTH [0-0] Fifth Round Proper 2011/12 - Inevitably the North East provides the longer journeys with Bournemouth making the long journey to Teesside. The Poppies had reached this stage and faced only one other Wessex club, and beaten such diverse opposition as Torpoint Athletic and Barnstaple while Billingham had played one game fewer. The Synthonia part of their name relates to a form of chemical developed by ICI in the town though it sounds more like an Orchestra! Billingham have been members of the Northern League since the Second World War but have spent the last two seasons in Division Two, sadly the ground, with a majestic stand (pictured left in the early 90s) is no longer with us and the Synners currently groundshare with Wearside League Norton & Stockton Ancients. A hard-earned draw for Bournemouth meant a journey South for the Teessiders and a fruitless journey as well as the Poppies won by the odd goal in three. West Auckland then made the same journey south and ended Bournemouth’s ambitions with a 2-0 victory in the Quarter Final at Victoria Park. It would be remiss to overlook the fact that on their way to Wembley, AFC Totton also made the long trek to Central Avenue back in 2006/07 in the Semi Final. They shared six goals in the two-legged Semi Final, winning through on penalties.
1. 716 MILES WHITLEY BAY v POOLE TOWN [3-1] Semi Final Second Leg 2010/11 – And finally at the top of the list we have this one. The Dolphins needed a clear two goal win to reach the Final but found the holders a tough nut to crack going down 5-2 on aggregate. This was their first away trip of that campaign as they overcame Wantage Town, St Ives Town, Spennymoor Town and Torpoint Athletic at Tatnam on their way to this stage of the competition. The Seahorses went on to beat Coalville Town at Wembley 3-2 to make it their third Vase win on the trot.
What will next season bring?
The usual ending to the Title of this piece is “Tipperary” and Tipperary Town are at present in Division One of the Tipperary Southern and District (Clonmel Credit Union) League in Southern Ireland – but are not eligible for the FA Vase!
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 8 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
REGISTRATIONS
In the absence of a change of Rule by The FA, we’ll continue to go by the present Rule. You can sign your own players as from 1st April for 2020/2021 season. You can sign players from other clubs on the Monday after the 2nd Saturday in May which will be 11th May.
THE A TO Z OF THE WESSEX LEAGUE CLUBS IN MEMBERSHIP 1986-2020
Compiled by Gary Day and Mike Robins, it’s hoped you enjoy this series which will run
whilst we await the resumption of our game and will conclude in pre-season if necessary. The ‘Tier’ system explained. The names of the divisions have changed over the years. Tier 1 is the present day Premier Division. Tier 2 is the current Division One.
Tier 3 lasted for just three seasons and was initially called Division 3 but had been H renamed Division 2 in its final campaign.
Hamble ASSC – can be found under Folland Sports HAMBLE CLUB Year Formed 1969 – Hamble FC Total Wessex Seasons 6 Joined Wessex From Hampshire League+ Tier One (currently Premier) 2 Duration in Wessex 2004-2007; 2016 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 1 Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 3
+ denotes club first played in the Wessex League when the Hampshire League disbanded in 2004 but left to become a founder member of the Hampshire Premier League in 2007. The club re-joined the Wessex League from the Hampshire Premier League in 2015. League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 04/05 T3 38 9 11 18 51 86 -35 38 15th 05/06 T3 30 1 3 26 17 112 -95 6 16th 06/07 T3 30 1 4 25 29 130 -101 7 15th 16/17 T2 40 32 3 5 133 37 96 99 1st 17/18 T1 42 18 9 15 104 72 32 63 10th 18/19 T1 38 17 7 14 60 52 8 58 7th Total 218 78 37 103 394 489 -95 271
One from Gary’s archives when Hamble Club were pushing for promotion in Hampshire League Division 3: Date: 08/04/1997 Hampshire League – Division 3 At: The Dell, Laverstock
LAVERSTOCK & FORD (0) 1 HAMBLE CLUB (2) 3
Hamble Club: Holdaway; Watson, Harley; Godwin, Cooke, Marsh; M Smith, Denton, McKean (sub: Salmon 74), Ghosh (sub: P Smith 71), O’Rourke. Sub (not used): Sherman
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 9 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Notes: Midweek matches in April can be a real delight! You set off to a non-floodlit ground, battling against teatime traffic and enjoy a 6pm or 6.30pm kick-off, then it’s all over by sunset (if you’re lucky) and home at a much more sensible hour. This game was meant to start at 6.15 but, lo and behold, on a bright evening, everyone was present and it got under way five minutes early! A real bonus that! Third-placed Hamble Club faced a tricky task at Laverstock who were eighth in the table. Hamble, a confident side, dominated the first half and could have been at least five goals ahead by the break. They did score two, first when Brian Godwin’s cross found Robbie Cooke who struck it into the roof of the net. Their second also came from Cooke who chased a long ball and ghosted behind a home defender and shot home from 20 yards. The second half was a shade more even but Hamble had it under control. A third goal came on 66 minutes when Cooke turned provider when his pass down the right found Gordon McKean. The Hamble forward took the ball past the keeper with ease and slotted into an empty net. Lavvy sub Toby Giles pulled one back with a scrappy effort but it was too late in the proceedings to make a further response. Game over and back home nice and early!
Footnote (1): Hamble took the Division 3 title at the end of the season. Footnote (2): The early midweek kick-offs also make you think the season is due to end. Not this time it seems as it came to a sudden enforced close in mid-March. But, by following the rules laid down in these unprecedented times we will hopefully enjoy more ‘normal’ seasons (and April midweek early starts) in campaigns still to come.
HAMWORTHY UNITED Year Formed 1970 (merger) Total Wessex Seasons 15 Joined Wessex From Dorset Premier League Tier One (currently Premier) 15 Duration in Wessex 2004 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 0 Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 0
League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 04/05 T1 42 14 9 19 51 72 -21 51 15th 05/06 T1 42 21 12 9 65 40 25 75 6th 06/07 T1 38 9 10 19 49 70 -21 37 15th 07/08 T1 44 19 8 17 55 54 1 65 10th 08/09 T1 42 21 5 16 77 73 4 68 8th 09/10 T1 42 11 9 22 49 62 -13 42 16th 10/11 T1 42 19 9 14 88 70 18 66 9th 11/12 T1 42 21 8 13 69 62 7 71 7th 12/13 T1 40 15 9 16 76 73 3 54 10th 13/14 T1 42 16 9 17 78 78 0 57 12th 14/15 T1 40 15 10 15 71 65 6 55 10th 15/16 T1 40 12 5 23 58 86 -28 41 16th 16/17 T1 42 13 6 23 71 89 -18 45 16th 17/18 T1 42 24 4 14 83 72 11 76 5th 18/19 T1 38 18 4 16 83 72 11 58 6th Total 618 248 117 253 1023 1038 -15 861 Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 10 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Note: If you’d noticed then it isn’t an error as Hamworthy’s goals for and against (83 and 72) was indeed the same in consecutive seasons 17/18 and 18/19!! One from Gary’s archives and some people might have wondered why Solent University FC (aka Team Solent) have not been on the receiving end of one of the reports (and those that know him will think it is no coincidence!). Well, although 2018 is a tad more recent for a historical piece in 2020, to remove any suggestion of biasness, here’s one: Date: 10/02/2018 Wessex League – Premier Division At: County Ground
HAMWORTHY UNITED (1) 5 TEAM SOLENT (3) 4
Hamworthy United: Knights; Randall, Clarke; Hodge, N Walker, B Walker; Gleeson, Watts, Smith (sub: Nicholson 70), Cann, Rose (sub: Zanin 59). Sub (not used): Filkins.
Notes: It was a wet afternoon down at Hamworthy and Solent journeyed down knowing that they had a good record over the Hammers and, at one point when winning 4-1, it looked as though it was going to continue and then came a most dramatic turn around. The Hammers netted early as Solent keeper Chad Collins called and advanced to catch a Nathan Walker free-kick and Steve Smith pounced onto the loose ball to fire home. Soon after Darren Watts tried a fine long-range effort that bounced off the Solent bar. Solent had already threatened and levelled on 21 minutes when Tyrell Mitford’s corner was met by a lunging header by Adeoye Olumuyiwa. Solent, now playing confidently, edged ahead when John Wallace’s low ball in found Silvano Obeng and the visitors striker turned exquisitely and squeezed his shot just inside the near post. A few minutes later the Sparks increased their lead when Jim Orvis played the ball wide to his skipper Curtis Thorn, who was up from defence, and finished with a cushioned volley that a striker would have been proud of. Solent, in full control, turned around 3-1 ahead. A further Wallace assist found Obeng whose 25-yard effort picked up a deflection and went over the keeper and just under the bar and Solent were now 4-1 to the good early in the second half. Now, I can’t face writing about the rest of it!! So, let’s give the home side’s perspective as I step aside to allow Hamworthy’s matchday programme from the current season to take it up from here:
“At 1-4, the students were jumping and celebrating as if they had won the game and who could blame them. The Hammers did however manage to put some respectability on the score-line on 62 minutes. Eddie Hodge cleverly slipped the ball into the path of Chris Clarke, whose low cross was neatly dispatched just inside the near post by Smith, reducing the deficit to two. That deficit soon became one when, on 70 minutes when Smith completed his hat-trick heading the ball with aplomb just inside the far post from Declan Randall’s cross. Four minutes later, the almost unthinkable parity was completed. Dan Cann got on the end of Edgar Zanin’s cross to steer the ball across and into the far side of the goal, wrong footing the keeper who was protecting his near post. On 80 minutes, surely one of the most remarkable winning comebacks at the County Ground was witnessed. In a melee of players near the penalty spot, the referee spotted a kick on Clarke. Nathan Walker kept his cool from the spot kick to send Collins the wrong way and send the home fans into raptures.” The article then states “United deserved the win” which, based on the last half-hour alone, they did, but on the rest of it, well, I’m not so sure!
Footnote: No one else in the ground thought the Hammers winning goal was a penalty but it is only the referee’s opinion that counts! As I write this on a beautiful Easter Saturday morning and with no match to go out to, then boy, what I’d give to be present at a match where there’s a disputed penalty given sometime, somewhere soon!
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 11 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
HAVANT TOWN Year Formed 1969 – merger Total Wessex Seasons 5 Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 5 Duration in Wessex 1986 to 1991 Tier Two (2004 - date) 0 Moved to (League) Southern League Tier Three (2004-2007) 0
The club merged with Waterlooville FC in 1998 to form the present-day Havant & Waterlooville FC. League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 86/87 T1 32 15 7 10 57 48 9 52 5th 87/88 T1 36 24 8 4 91 31 60 80 2nd 88/89 T1 32 21 8 3 67 26 41 71 2nd 89/90 T1 36 13 8 15 49 50 -1 47 11th 90/91 T1 38 24 8 6 76 30 46 80 1st Total 174 97 39 38 340 185 155 330
This is a tough one to call for Gary’s archives. “There were many entertaining games involving Havant Town over the years as I’d attended Westleigh Park from the early days when it had no covered accommodation whatsoever and, with gradual improvements, it’s become the fine stadium which it is today. It was tempting to include one Christmas meeting – Waterlooville v Havant Town – which was a couple of years before the two clubs had fused together. However, that wasn’t a particularly entertaining match, so as excitement and drama should take precedence, this one has been chosen instead.”
Westleigh Park as it
was in the early 1990s.
Date: 28/09/1992 FA Cup – 2nd Qualifying Round Replay At: Westleigh Park
HAVANT TOWN (4) 5 ERITH & BELVEDERE (2) 4
Havant Town: Hards; Hewett, Sherry; Moteane (sub: Jenkins 55), Rutherford, Riley; Webb, Webbe, Tate, Selby, Kerton. Sub (not used): McIntyre.
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 12 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Notes: This was an FA Cup match-up between two Southern League, Southern Division teams. It had finished one each in the first meeting. This proved to be some game! Both sides pulled back from being two goals adrift and there were six goals in a 23-minute spell (32 to 55) and it was a shame that one of these teams had to exit the competition. The ‘Deres went into a first minute lead when a low cross got through to the back post and John Leslie drilled it home. When Peter Cappuccio was tripped in the box, up stepped Mark Dennehy to score and put the visitors well in control on 16 minutes. Thoughts of Havant being 4-2 ahead by the break were no more than a pipe dream at that stage, but that’s precisely what happened! A visiting defender was adjudged to be pushing down on a Havant player from a free-kick and Steve Tate netted from the penalty spot. When Havant won a further free-kick it was played to the edge of the box where Steve Riley attempted a speculative turning shot with the pace of no more than a poorly struck back-pass which somehow bobbled into the corner of the Erith net! A poor defensive header enabled Tate to hit it superbly as it dropped to him and the ball went low into the far corner. That goal came on 44 minutes and there was still time for another Havant goal when Mark Hewett lashed at it but it deflected off team mate Neil Selby and deflected into the net. It was 4-2 to Havant at the break and we all needed to reflect on a tremendous half of football. The second half was just as entertaining as two minutes following the restart a firm cross from the right deflected in off the outstretched boot of Hewett for an unfortunate own goal. Ten minutes into the half the score became 4-4 with the third spot-kick of the game after Clint Webbe had brought down Graham Brenton, which Dennehy converted. Both sides did their utmost to edge back ahead again but it was Havant who scored in the 84th minute. Webbe was again involved as he challenged the Erith keeper to the ball which forced it to run loose where Tate struck a fine high curling shot that went just inside the post. What a game … thrill a minute FA Cup action … and what a winning goal to finish it.
Footnote: Yes, there were two players with the name ‘Webb’ in the Havant Town team back then with a slightly different spelling as Jamie Webb (without an ‘e’ on the end) played too. Havant exited at the next stage; 3-2 at Sittingbourne.
HAYLING UNITED Year Formed 1884 – Hayling Island FC Total Wessex Seasons 10 Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 6 Duration in Wessex 2004 to 2014 Tier Two (2004 - date) 3 Moved to (League) Hampshire Premier Tier Three (2004-2007) 1
League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 04/05 T3 38 26 8 4 104 30 74 86 2nd 05/06 T2 42 27 8 7 99 39 60 89 2nd 06/07 T2 36 27 4 5 116 32 84 85 1st 07/08 T1 44 15 9 20 66 101 -35 54 12th 08/09 T1 42 11 8 23 66 96 -30 41 16th 09/10 T1 42 11 11 20 51 84 -33 44 15th 10/11 T1 42 9 4 29 69 130 -61 31 21st 11/12 T1 42 10 8 24 59 104 -45 38 18th 12/13 T1 40 13 5 22 74 112 -38 44 16th 13/14 T2 30 6 4 20 47 106 -59 21* 14th Total 398 155 69 174 751 834 -83 533* Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 13 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
* denotes points adjustment One from Gary’s archives from when Hayling had moved up to the Hampshire League: Date: 21/09/1991 Hampshire League – Division 3 At: Hayling Park
HAYLING UNITED (2) 4 STOCKBRIDGE (2) 3
Hayling United: Sperring; Lloyd, Wakeley; Venus, Hancock, Bettesworth; Moloney, Addy, Cottle, Cobbold, Molyneux. Subs (not used): Hill, Westfield
Notes: This was a great game of football on a sunny late September afternoon and in very pleasant surroundings. Both teams were new to the Hampshire League and I’d already watched Hayling play (a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth Civil Service, seven days before).
Hayling struck early when Gary Maloney and Stockbridge keeper Jones challenged from a corner and it came loose and the Hayling player reacted by shooting high into the net. Soon after Dave Addy timed his run well to get behind the visitors defence and coolly slotted home. Not the best start for Stockbridge but they clawed it back by half-time when Dave Matthews did well to head superbly home and the same player made it 2-2 having been put clear and fired home with the hot breath of two home defenders bearing down on him.
A fine goal by Jason Cobbold put the Island side back in front early in the second half with a neat flick to get past a defender, then dribbled past the keeper before placing it into an open net. But back came Stockbridge and it was Matthews again who completed his hat-trick when Hayling stopped a bit following a handball appeal. Hayling besieged the Stockbridge goal and handball on the line meant they had a penalty (and the offender stayed on despite the summer law change to make it a dismissal) which Lee Lloyd fired wide. The winning goal was netted ten minutes from time when a good run and cross picked out Clive Hancock who had a tap-in.
Stockbridge played their part in this game with Barry Andrews instrumental in midfield whilst Matthews could have netted his fourth goal of the game for them, but Hayling held on.
In 2019/20: Hayling United played in the Hampshire Premier League – Senior Division.
HORNDEAN Year Formed 1887 Total Wessex Seasons 24 Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 20 Duration in Wessex 1986-1995; 2004-date Tier Two (2004 - date) 4 Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 0
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 14 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 86/87 T1 32 8 8 16 42 55 -13 32 14th 87/88 T1 36 12 9 15 52 58 -6 45 14th 88/89 T1 32 11 5 16 45 70 -25 38 11th 89/90 T1 36 10 6 20 56 75 -19 36 16th 90/91 T1 38 5 5 28 39 92 -53 20 20th 91/92 T1 36 5 3 28 33 109 -76 18 18th 92/93 T1 40 15 9 16 63 66 -3 54 11th 93/94 T1 42 13 6 23 56 95 -39 45 17th 94/95 T1 42 6 4 32 49 121 -72 22 22nd 04/05 T2 42 18 12 12 85 76 9 66 9th 05/06 T2 42 22 6 14 95 67 28 72 6th 06/07 T1 38 11 1 26 51 104 -53 34 16th 07/08 T1 44 15 13 16 76 73 3 58 11th 08/09 T1 42 5 5 32 45 125 -80 20 22nd 09/10 T2 40 18 6 16 92 74 18 60 12th 10/11 T2 36 25 4 7 104 53 51 79 2nd 11/12 T1 42 10 8 24 47 68 -21 38 17th 12/13 T1 40 15 7 18 79 93 -14 52 11th 13/14 T1 42 10 7 25 55 95 -40 37 17th 14/15 T1 40 16 7 17 62 69 -7 55 11th 15/16 T1 40 22 7 11 87 56 31 73 5th 16/17 T1 42 22 10 10 93 64 29 76 6th 17/18 T1 42 24 7 11 94 55 39 79 4th 18/19 T1 38 22 8 8 93 44 49 74 2nd Total 944 340 163 441 1593 1857 -264 1183
One from Gary’s archives which goes back to the very first season of the Wessex League and a League Cup semi-final tie. Date: 02/03/1987 Wessex League Cup – Semi-Final, First Leg At: Five Heads Park
HORNDEAN (0) 2 NEWPORT (IW) 0
Horndean: Whitcher; Pettit, Saunders; Lamonby, Stuchbury, Clarke; Williams, Lewsley, Winzar, Lockie, Anderson. Sub (not used): Spinks
Notes: The Wessex League Cup in its inaugural season produced four sets of groups at the early stages. The first couple of weeks of the season consisted of league cup ties but there were quite a lot of matches with very little to play for in the latter stages of the group competition. It was a good idea to some extent as there were only 17 teams in the league at that time but was one that was never repeated. This left the last four to play out semi-final ties over two legs. Now, I am sure that I’d seen a draw which showed Newport v Thatcham and Horndean v Road Sea, but somehow, it became Horndean v Newport etc. Horndean chose Monday nights for their midweek evening back then and this was my third successive Monday evening game at Five Heads Park.
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 15 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
This was a most entertaining game and Horndean matched the Island side in all departments of the pitch on the night. The goals came a shade on the late side though as the Deans, with the infamous Five Heads Park slope in their favour, drew first blood when, following a good build-up, John Anderson shot home at the far post (the scorer is shown from a local press report, although I had given it to Norman Lockie?). That was followed by a penalty after a foul in the box and Steve Williams struck it firm and just out of the keeper’s reach. The game was well officiated by Basingstoke official John Findlay. It looks like an interesting second leg to come at Church Litten.
Footnote (1): Horndean lost the second leg 2-0 and needed penalties to progress into the two- legged final against Road Sea. The first game at Five Heads Park finished 1-1 with Mark Winzar scoring the Deans goal. Road Sea won the second leg by a 2-0 scoreline meaning a 3-1 aggregate victory for the Southampton side. Footnote (2): Two days prior to the featured match I’d watched Horndean win 1-0 at Eastleigh in a Wessex League game (without doubt, Lockie scored this one, 86 minutes). The Deans manager was Dave Reid who had what was then a rare outing in their defence. Dave’s attitude on the pitch was exemplary and this was epitomised in this game as, when his players argued with one of the referee’s decisions, he stepped in and told them: “Alright, I want a quiet game today” which immediately diffused any discussion. Dave then looked at the ref and said: “I don’t agree with it, but I want a quiet game anyway”! It just goes to show there’s more than one way of getting a point across!
HYTHE & DIBDEN Year Formed 1902 Total Wessex Seasons 15 Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 0 Duration in Wessex 2004 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 15 Current Member Division 1 Tier Three (2004-2007) 0
League Record: Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos. 04/05 T2 42 15 7 20 75 105 -30 52 14th 05/06 T2 42 11 7 24 50 98 -48 40 17th 06/07 T2 36 9 9 18 54 81 -27 36 14th 07/08 T2 40 6 9 25 42 125 -83 27 20th 08/09 T2 40 19 10 11 101 78 23 67 7th 09/10 T2 40 14 5 21 72 84 -12 47 16th 10/11 T2 36 9 9 18 60 72 -12 36 14th 11/12 T2 34 6 4 24 47 109 -62 22 18th 12/13 T2 30 3 3 24 27 96 -69 12 16th 13/14 T2 30 19 5 6 85 37 48 62 4th 14/15 T2 28 14 2 12 42 48 -6 44 7th 15/16 T2 34 13 6 15 55 68 -13 45 11th 16/17 T2 40 6 10 24 38 85 -47 28 18th 17/18 T2 34 8 7 19 48 65 -17 31 15th 18/19 T2 36 25 8 3 105 42 63 83 3rd Total 542 177 101 264 901 1193 -292 632
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 16 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Another from Gary’s archives when Hythe & Dibden had just commenced their first season in Hampshire League Division 2: Date: 28/08/1995 Hampshire League – Division 2 At: Ewart Recreation Ground
HYTHE & DIBDEN (1) 4 BASING ROVERS (0) 1
Hythe & Dibden: Topp; Edwicker (sub: Lindsay 85), Wheeler; Dawson (sub: Edwards 76), Hoskins, Naggington; Lloyd, Carty, Gilligan, Jordan (sub: Pond 72), Webster
Notes: Hythe & Dibden returned to county football in 1994, having lost their place in 1962. Their first season brought a runners-up spot in Division 3 and it was a sunny Bank Holiday morning and time to see how they would take to Division 2 soccer. Both Hythe and their opponents Basing Rovers had been on the receiving end of heavy defeats last time out. All was set for the 11.30am kick-off but Basing arrived late, delaying the start by over half an hour and it was evident that the visitors had made the trip with just the bare eleven players. The first half was a competitive affair but five minutes before half-time came an unfortunate own goal as a Basing player headed the ball back to his keeper but it bounced over him and into the net. Hythe had the benefit of the slope in the second half and soon added to their score when Paul Jordan crossed from the right and Alex Webster nodded high into the corner. Jason Schuster, the Basing keeper soon advised me that he wasn’t normally a keeper but a striker with a foot injury which was unsurprising as some of his saves were unorthodox albeit effective. A trip in the box produced an opportunity for Basing and Schuster ran up to the other end of the pitch to make it 2-1. But a deserved home win was completed with two further goals, the first when Kenny Dawson headed home a Webster corner and next a further Webster assist as sub Rob Pond fired home from close range.
Footnote: Hythe finished mid-table in 1995/96 whilst Basing were in bottom place in Division 2.
MJM SPORTS
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 17 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 18 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 19 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 20 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 21 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
The League are delighted to be able to share some good news with you during these unprecedented and difficult times.
MJM Sports are to continue with sponsorship of your Bench-wear for the season 2020/2021, the value to your club is approximately £650. Recognising the current situation and potential supply chain issues you are urged to place your order now and take advantage of the exclusive payment plan. As stated previously, FA Standard 34 applies; should you have any queries please contact the Vice Chairman of the League directly.
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 22 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 23 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
IT’S A FUNNY GAME
Football always has its lighter side and after playing and watching for more years than I care to remember there are things that stick in the mind for no apparent reason and that rarely, if ever, affected the matches concerned writes John Gorman. Taking things in a natural progression means commencing at School - certainly not the happiest days of my life – and where my miserable attempts to play the game started. Memories are few at this stage but a pitch at one of the Southampton Grammar Schools is recalled simply because it was possible to stand with one foot in the “D” of the penalty area and the other foot in the centre circle. Apparently, it was normally used for hockey by the Junior Girls. Another pitch, this time in Salisbury, contained a sand filled long jump pitch within the confines of the playing area. I actually scored four goals in the game there – the only occasion, apart from listing detentions, that my name was raised at Monday’s School Assembly. The highlight however was a visit from an FA Coach and in order to field eleven players a side for the occasion some of the usual non-participants were forced to play. All was going well until the ball was unfortunately passed to one boy whose knowledge of football was nil, the FA Coach shouted “hold it” and the boy picked it up and looked genuinely puzzled by the instant outbreak of mirth. From school to local football and three, from a countless number of occurrences, perhaps bear mention. We had a keen Club Official who sent reports of the games to the local paper and when I failed in a desperate attempt to hook the ball off the goal line – it was probably over the line anyway – and sent it in to the roof of the net the subsequent report stated that we “went behind through a totally unnecessary own goal”. The reward for nearly suffering a total hernia. I played in goal on a school pitch with acres of space behind one goal from where stray shots had to be collected, and thinking one shot was going wide I made an early start towards retrieval only for the ball to swerve inside the post with me somewhere round the back of the net. Fortunately, we were well ahead at the time but after all these years one of my colleagues still delights in recalling the occasion. At that level Clubs had to supply their own Linesmen whose decisions were not always in accordance with the laws of the game. This incident however happened off the pitch at a ground where on one side, by the halfway line, was what appeared to be a bomb crater full of weeds, nettles and other unspecified objects. The same ball had to be used throughout the game -in some instances only one was available – so if the ball went in to the crater it had to be recovered. Our linesman duly recovered the ball with some difficulty and gave it to one of our players for the throw only for the referee to signal, correctly, that the throw was the other way. The linesman promptly snatched the ball back and returned it to the crater on the grounds that if it was their throw, they could fetch the ******ball! Early retirement from playing was followed by many years of watching Southampton home and away – Mike Channon still remains my all-time hero – and two moments of comedy from the late lamented Dell. Saints played Limerick in a EUFA Cup Tie and the opposition on the night included one Tony Ward, who had won many Caps for Ireland at Rugby Union and was no mean footballer. Unfortunately he was injured early on and after some delay carried off on a stretcher. As to whether the Stretcher was the property of Southampton FC or the visitors is unknown but some ten yards in to its journey to the dressing rooms it broke, depositing the already injured player back on the ground. One afternoon the RAF Police Dog team gave a half time demonstration during which a member of the team came on to the pitch with what looked like half a mattress wrapped round one arm as a “target” for the dog. Sensing an intruder a local Officer of the Law, who obviously had not been paying attention, strode out to apprehend the culprit and the anguished cry over the tannoy of “get that bloody Policeman off the pitch before the dog gets him” will long be remembered by those present. I also saw Saints at Reading’s old Elm Park ground in a midweek cup replay in front of a full house. There was some trouble in one corner and a fan was ejected from the crown and frogmarched by two policemen three quarters of the way round the pitch to the dressing rooms. As the march progressed the fan was obviously struggling to keep up, was almost running before developing a noticeable limp and eventually managing to Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 24 of 25
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 42
stop the two policeman and tell them his artificial leg had fallen off. Not really funny but in the context of where and how it happened it was almost hilarious. The year that Saints won the Cup they played at Bradford, a ground with very few and very narrow turnstiles, and there was some delay in getting in when an exceptionally overweight supporter actually got jammed in the turnstile. One assumes they got him out eventually. Things have improved over the years but I did have a problem at Road Sea when acting as Announcer and I could not turn the music off, so I yanked the plug out of the wall and ruined the tannoy system. Early on in my time with the Wessex League I had a request from a Club Secretary to the effect that they were playing the League leaders on Saturday and did not have a very strong side so could they play someone else. The answer was obviously no and they conceded seven. I also heard tell of two Club Officials who travelled to Fawley to see their side play and on reaching the Waterside found that their Club were actually playing at Follands that afternoon! I am sure there are plenty more stories hidden in the memory that all help to make football so enjoyable. If you have some memories or a story that you’d like to recount, then please do get in touch [Editor].
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION
The Football Supporters' Association have been in communication to offer support and solidarity to our league and member clubs at this difficult and worrying time. The primary concern for all clubs will be the health and safety of their staff, volunteers and supporters in their local communities. The FSA has been working with a number of clubs to assess what assistance is still needed to support clubs through the current health emergency. They need to understand the situation at all Step 5 and Step 6 clubs to aid any plan for the resumption of football by offering support to those clubs in need. Our clubs are mainly run by volunteers and some may feel a little overwhelmed and may not know where to turn for the best advice or support. The FSA has produced guidance papers to assist clubs- and have been shared with our clubs. Some clubs have successfully accessed government support packages so might be in the fortunate position to be able to go into some form of 'hibernation' until matters improve and football can get going again. Some clubs will not be so fortunate. The FSA has over 20 years of experience assisting clubs and would be happy to assist and advise any clubs who might be struggling to know what to do for the best. To support leagues and clubs they’ve designed a survey to help league officials obtain an accurate picture of the current position, assess the potential longer term impact and help clubs who most need it. The Survey was circulated to our clubs, along with the aforementioned Guidance notes, and it is entirely up to them to participate or not. The FSA staff would happily collate the data on our behalf.
WEEK THIRTY-EIGHT ROUND UP
A new Management team has been appointed at Hamble Club where Ryan Lambert is now in the hot seat, he has appointed Matthew Gregory as his Assistant and Rory Anderson as Coach. New Milton Town have added Mark Haynes to their Coaching team, he makes the move from Hurn Bridge, where he was the Christchurch Development team Manager. We hear that Romsey Town are looking to take on a Commercial Manager. Please contact the club directly for more details. More news in from Arlebury Park. Alresford Town are looking for a new Club Chairman, Club Secretary and team Manager. Please contact the club directly for more information. At Petersfield Town they’ve announced that Kristian Stephens is new Player-Coach and Craig Merrit has been added as Assistant Manager to work behind the scenes with Mark Summerhill’s team at Love Lane. Saturday, 18 April 2020 Page 25 of 25