SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
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SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39 Hello and welcome to the latest edition of your Newsletter, if you have anything to contribute, please do get in touch by email- newsletter.wessexleague@gmail.com 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! Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 1 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
ARE YOU LISTENING ?
Now broadcasting on
Sunday 14:00 to 16:00
The Sydenhams Wessex Football League Show is the official podcast of the Sydenhams Wessex League.
We’re on air live from the 103.9 Voice FM studios in Southampton from 14:00 to 16:00 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 cliffpledge@hotmail.com or secretary@sholingfc.com for more information.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 2 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
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 Connor Duffin Horndean 11
Cameron Munn Hamworthy United 10
Dan Cann Hamworthy United 9
Lee Wort AFC Portchester 9
Ashley Elson Alresford Town 8
John McKie Cowes Sports 8
DIVISION ONE Russell Jones Laverstock & Ford 14
George Bowerman Alton 12
Clayd Roach Folland Sports 11
James Franklyn United Services Portsmouth 10
[four on] 9
WATCHING BRIEF – TOP THREE LEAGUE ATTENDANCES
PREMIER DIVISION AFC Portchester V Blackfield & Langley 300 31 October
AFC Portchester V Hamworthy United 300 12 December
AFC Portchester V Baffins Milton Rovers 286 15 December
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 50 Lymington Town 4
AFC Stoneham 35 Christchurch 8
Fareham Town 33 Hamworthy United 9
Horndean 32 Fareham Town 12
Fleet Town 28 [three on] 15
Blackfield & Langley 27
DIVISION ONE SHARPEST MEANEST
Laverstock & Ford 47 Romsey Town 13
Folland Sports 33 United Services Portsmouth 13
United Services Portsmouth 30 Alton 14
Alton 29 Folland Sports 17
Newport IOW 29 Verwood Town 17
[three on] 25 [two on] 18
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 3 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
LEAGUE TABLES
RANK PREMIER DIVISION PL W D L F A GD PTS
1 Hamworthy United 14 12 1 1 50 9 41 37
2 Lymington Town 12 11 0 1 23 4 19 33
3 Horndean 13 10 1 2 32 15 17 31
4 Fareham Town 11 8 2 1 33 12 21 26
5 Blackfield & Langley 13 8 1 4 27 20 7 25
6 Christchurch 11 7 2 2 23 8 15 23
7 Fleet Town 14 6 4 4 28 20 8 22
8 AFC Stoneham 12 7 0 5 35 15 20 21
9 AFC Portchester 12 6 1 5 20 15 5 19
10 Bashley 12 6 0 6 19 22 -3 18
11 Tadley Calleva 11 5 2 4 17 18 -1 17
12 Baffins Milton Rovers 13 3 4 6 21 25 -4 13
13 Bournemouth 14 3 3 8 15 39 -24 12
14 Hamble Club 13 2 5 6 16 23 -7 11
15 Brockenhurst 10 3 2 5 10 20 -10 11
16 Shaftesbury 12 3 1 8 19 34 -15 10
17 Cowes Sports 11 2 2 7 16 24 -8 8
18 Portland United 15 2 2 11 16 51 -35 8
19 Alresford Town 13 1 4 8 14 39 -25 7
20 Amesbury Town 12 0 1 11 5 26 -21 1
RANK DIVISION ONE PL W D L F A GD PTS
1 Laverstock & Ford 14 11 3 0 47 18 29 36
2 Alton 11 9 1 1 29 14 15 28
3 Folland Sports 12 7 2 3 33 17 16 23
4 United Services Portsmouth 10 7 0 3 30 13 17 21
5 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 11 6 3 2 25 18 7 21
6 Newport (IOW) 11 6 1 4 29 19 10 19
7 Andover Town 12 5 4 3 25 22 3 19
8 Ringwood Town 12 5 2 5 25 30 -5 17
9 Verwood Town 11 4 4 3 20 17 3 16
10 Hythe & Dibden 11 4 4 3 19 21 -2 16
11 Andover New Street 12 4 3 5 16 20 -4 15
12 Petersfield Town 10 4 2 4 15 19 -4 14
13 Downton 14 3 2 9 20 29 -9 11
14 Fawley AFC 11 3 1 7 15 27 -12 10
15 East Cowes Victoria 12 2 4 6 13 29 -16 10
16 Romsey Town 8 3 0 5 11 13 -2 9
17 Whitchurch United 11 3 0 8 18 32 -14 9
18 New Milton Town 11 2 2 7 19 27 -8 8
19 Totton & Eling 12 1 0 11 10 34 -24 3
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 4 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
WE’LL KEEP A WELCOME
PART TWO
The second part of our look at meetings between Wessex and former Wessex League Clubs commences in
2004/05 with LYMINGTON & NEW MILTON. They were to finish Champions of the League that season and
in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup were drawn away to Southern League Premier Division Merthyr
Tydfil and pulled off a superb single goal victory before hopes of reaching the First Round Proper were dashed
in the next round with defeat at Woking after a one all draw at Fawcett Fields.
POOLE TOWN have crossed swords with the Welsh on no fewer than six occasions commencing as far back
as 1926/27 when they were known as Poole and seemingly played in both the Southern League East and
West sections and met Newport County in the First Round of the FA Cup. County were in the Football League
Division Three South along with such as Brighton and Crystal Palace.
A 1-0 victory for Poole was followed by a 2-1 defeat of Nunhead – a then Isthmian League side based in South
London – before bowing out to Everton. In 1981/82 and now in the Southern League South they defeated
Welsh League side Llanelli in the FA Trophy and two years later reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup.
Losing 3-1 at Newport County after a goalless draw on home soil.
In 1987/88, still in the Southern League South, they scored six without reply
against Welsh League side Bridgend Town in the FA Trophy and then lost at
Cambridge City, they also faced Bridgend in the FA Cup a couple of seasons
prior with a 1-0 away win.
After a spell in the wilderness so to speak, and in the Wessex League, finishing
champions at the end of the 2008/09, they beat Southern League Premier
Merthyr Tydfil 3-0 in the FA Cup. Their final acquaintance with the Welsh came
in 2015/16 when they entertained Merthyr Town – both sides were in the
Southern League Premier – and lost 1-0 on the road. We say the last, but they
were also scheduled to play Merthyr in the 2020/21 FA Cup but with pandemic
issues the Welsh side withdrew before the game was played.
Next up are PORTLAND UNITED and a fascinating sounding fixture about which
we will try and ascertain further information. Way back in 1953/54 and long
time members of the Western League Portland reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup by beating
Shaftesbury (11-1), Dorchester and Bournemouth Gasworks Athletic to be given an away tie at Llanelli. The
AA advises now that this is a 360 miles round trip and it would have been further then since that was some
ten years or so before the Severn Bridge opened, The game itself must have been some cup tie with the final
score being six five to the home side who then lost to Northampton in the First Round Proper. Result apart it
must have been an enjoyable day out for any Portland supporters who made the long journey.
RS Southampton, to be referred to as ROAD SEA for this exercise, had two trips to Wales in the same season,
1985/86, the year before they joined the Wessex League. In the FA Cup the FA’s geography had already sent
them to Redditch and Clandown (Somerset) before a trip in the Third Qualifying Round to Ton Pentre,
members of the Welsh League. The game, which Road Sea should have won comfortably, ended one apiece
and the replay was at Marchwood the following Tuesday -when Road Sea lost two one! The visiting side and
their supporters had to be turned out of the bar at 11.45 for what was probably a noisy ride home. In the
second Round of the FA Trophy Bridgend Town, again from the Welsh National League, were the visitors to
Marchwood and returned home with a one all draw. This meant a Tuesday evening trip to Bridgend, a 3-0
defeat and memory escapes me as to what time I got home to Godalming but it was work the following
morning.
Having played in a number of guises, SALISBURY, came up against Welsh sides on over a dozen occasions,
and had a mixed bag of results. 2005/06 and Salisbury, then in the Southern League Premier, entertained
Newport County from the Conference South in the FA Trophy and scored three without reply. They went on
to reach the Quarter Finals before losing three one at Exeter City. 2010/11 saw them entertain Wrexham at
home winning 1-0 in a Second Round contest. The novelty of playing Welsh sides was probably lost to the
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 5 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
Wiltshire side as they would have encountered the likes of Barry and Merthyr on a regular basis in Southern
League matches.
Three matches against Maesteg Park Athletic in the Trophy saw the Whites win 4-1 at home in 1985/86
having needed a replay in 1983/84 against the same opposition. Bridgend were another side who met the
Wiltshire side with a 6-1 home defeat probably their worst experience in a Trophy game in 1988/89 making
up for a 2-0 loss in Wales back in 1980/81 in the same competition.
Heading south and west now we come to WIMBORNE TOWN who have enjoyed three fixtures. The first goes
back to pre-Wessex days in 1982/83 when they were in the Western League and reached the Fourth
Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and welcomed Southern League Merthyr Tydfil to the Cuthbury and scored
the only goal of the game to reach the First Round Proper where they lost to Aldershot. Wimborne were
Wessex League Champions in 1999/00 and faced Southern League Premier Newport County in the very early
stages of the FA Cup. They gained a creditable draw away but lost 3-0 in the replay. The final game will not
be fondly remembered, an FA Trophy meeting with Merthyr Town in 2012/13. Both Clubs were in the
Southern League South and West but the visitors ran out 5-1 winners on the day.
Last up is a recent meeting in 2018/19 when WINCHESTER CITY travelled to Merthyr Town in the Second
Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and lost four one.
The above only relate to FA Cup and FA Trophy fixtures and one or two of our Clubs have faced Welsh
opposition in the Southern League but we will settle for the above with any future meetings at the behest of
the FA.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
J Carl Zeiss Jena. This German club are based in Jena, Thuringia which is around 65 miles west of
Leipzig. Formed in 1903 and initially associated with the Carl Zeiss AG optics factory, they were
one of the strongest clubs in East Germany from the 1960s to the 1980s, winning the League and
Cup three times each and reaching the 1981 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, defeating Newport
County 3-2 on aggregate in a two-legged Quarter Final during March.
Since German reunification in 1990, the club have competed no higher than the second tier. In the
current season, they’re playing in the Regionalliga Nordost, (North East) which is in Tier 4 (aren’t
we all- at time of writing).
Q Qarabag. An Azerbaijani club, now based in Baku, were formed in 1987 and now compete in
the Azerbaijan Premier League, the top flight nationally. The club originated in Agdam, a now-
ruined ghost town, not playing in its hometown since 1993 due to hostilities between Azerbaijan
and Armenia.
They play a lot of their fixtures in the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, which also serves as the
venue for the National team. Bahramov was the linesman in the 1966 World Cup Final, wonder
what VAR would make of that decision?
In 2014, the club won the Premier League, their first league title in 21 years, to become only the
second Azerbaijani team to advance to the group stage of a European competition, and the first
to advance to the group stage of the higher UEFA Champions League, competing in 2017/18.
Nicknamed the Horsemen their home kit is all black.
HAMPSHIRE INVITATION CUP
The group organising the Invitation Cup met again this week and decided that the interest from clubs is
sufficient to allow it to go ahead even if some of it is played behind closed doors.
The plan is to offer a competition that comprises a group stage (or possibly stages) followed by
knockout rounds. At the present time we have unconditional agreement to take part from 14 clubs, including
8 of our own member clubs. The organisers are meeting early next week to settle the groups so Sunday is
the final date to confirm entry.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 6 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
BLAST FROM THE PAST
MATCH REPORT - WESSEX LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
TUESDAY 17 MARCH 2009
BROCKENHURST 3 HORNDEAN 0
Brockenhurst cemented their place in fourth spot with an easy three goal victory over struggling Horndean
tonight, and it could’ve been more for the Badgers had plenty of chances to improve their goal tally.
The first chance of the game fell the way of the visitors, when Terry attempted a half volley, however it was
Brockenhurst who had the ball in the net first on five minutes although the goal was ruled out for offside.
The early stages were well contested with both sides having opportunities to take the lead, Rose had the best
chance on 13 minutes with a long range shot, and just five minutes later Wakefield was denied by the
keeper’s feet after Kneller and Ewen had combined to create the chance.
A curling effort from a Way free kick was palmed away in the 19th minute and from then on in the first half
Brockenhurst had the majority of play with Horndean rarely able to break into their opponents half. It was
no real surprise then when Crook’s deep free kick was headed goalwards by Tate and from the resulting
corner blazed a chance over the bar, and seconds later Wakefield tracked across the centre of the park
looking for an opening, and saw YOUNG’s run into space up the left flank. His accurate pass set the defender
up and got there ahead of the keeper to slide the ball into an unguarded net.
Brockenhurst continued to press for further goals and Kneller and Ewen had chances that were stopped by
Chatfield and Butwell respectively.
On 34 minutes Ewen teed up Rose for a thumping drive that Fisher couldn’t hold and was forced to make a
second save from the rebound, and just two minutes later the Badgers doubled their lead when Wakefield
whipped in a corner and KNELLER had a powerful near post header that the keeper had no real chance to
stop.
This was the last action for Dan Foster as he was replaced by Fisher in the goal, with an injury picked up when
the opening goal was scored.
Four minutes before the break, Brockenhurst scored a third only for it to again, be ruled out for offside, and
the last chance of the half went to Horndean, Tate made a mistake in the heart of the home defence that
was cleared for a corner when Shrimpton saved the day for the hosts.
HT 2-0
The second period started in a similar vein to that of the first, although again it was the hosts who gradually
took further control of the game restricting Horndean to a handful of long range efforts.
On 54 minutes Butwell made a great challenge to deny a Ewen strike. Four minutes later the game was all
but over Kneller battled well and when the ball came out wide for CROOK, he was able to convert from a
narrow angle.
The Badgers continued to push forward, and just on the hour mark nearly scored a fourth when a quick
Wakefield free kick picked out Liddon on the right flank. The cross in saw both Kneller and then Ewen step
over the ball and the shot was well parried by Fisher.
Kneller and Ewen both had further chances to score with around 70 minutes gone, the latter after tricking
his marker and then shooting fractionally wide of the mark.
But for some good keeping by Fisher, both Tate and Wakefield also had chances, the keeper did well to react
first to a Wakefield free kick that dropped right into the goal area.
With time rapidly running out Ewen had a shot crash back off the bar and from the rebound Wakefield was
felled. Ansell took the kick quickly but was off the mark and the final move went Horndean’s way when
Warwick’s corner was punched to safety but would have only been a consolation for the visitors.
FT 3-0
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 7 of 14
SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
ALL OFFERS RUN FROM 1 MARCH TO 31 MAY 2021.
AVAILABLE IN BRANCH OR TO ORDER.
OFFERS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 8 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
FOOTBALL 0N APRIL FOOLS DAY
It is difficult to imagine the fact that being April Fools Day has any effect on the football played on the day
but at least it makes the Saturday slightly different writes John Gorman.
The last occasion when April 1st fell on a Saturday was in 2017 when a full Programme was completed in both
Divisions as the season headed towards its close. PORTLAND had been Division One Champions the previous
year and a tremendous run of results since Christmas meant they were now vying with Moneyfields for the
Premier Division Title and on the day, they continued their run in emphatic fashion with a six nil defeat of
COWES SPORTS with two goals apiece from Ross Doidge and Darren Watts and single strikes from Alex
Godfrey and Tom Richardson. Their chase for top spot was enhanced when MONEYFIELDS went down two
one at BEMERTON, never an easy place to obtain a result. Sam Griffin and Richard Jackson scored for the
home side with Dan Simmonds claiming the Moneyfields goal.
The two Clubs leading the chasing pack, SHOLING and BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY met at Sholing with honours
even in a one all draw, Lee Wort and Harry Jackson on the scoresheet. ALRESFORD, who eventually finished
fifth, defeated WHITCHURCH by the odd goal in five in North Hampshire – John Cole, Craig Harding and Tom
Sands for the home side with Dean Phillips and Jason Silver netting for the visitors while HORNDEAN, who
completed the top six at the season’s end, won 3-0 at home with a Connor Duffin hat trick proving too much
for FAWLEY, a hat trick made more creditable by his starting the game on the bench.
Just down the road from Horndean, AFC PORTCHESTER also recorded a three goal victory with TEAM SOLENT
on the receiving end of goals from Andy Todd (2) and Miles Everett. Three goal victories were in fashion as
LYMINGTON travelled north to ANDOVER TOWN and took the three points courtesy of two goals from Sam
House and one from Ross Bottomley. In what almost classes as a local derby a lone goal from Stepan Neronski
gave BOURNEMOUTH victory over HAMWORTHY and there was a similar outcome in the Forest with Ryan
Long scoring the only goal of the game for BROCKENHURST against BASHLEY.
Across the Solent Joe Butcher gave NEWPORT a fourth minute lead over FAREHAM TOWN but goals from
Curtis Robbins and Simon Woods, the latter in the 87th minute, gave the Creeksiders the points. With both
sides very much in the relegation zone AMESBURY and VERWOOD TOWN shared two goal and the points at
Bonnymead Park with long serving Craig Wheeler scoring for the home side and Fletcher Maxwell for the
Dorset side, At the season’s end Amesbury escaped relegation by one place but Verwood finished bottom
and departed for Division One,
Division One was headed at the end of the season by three Clubs enjoying their first season in the League –
Hamble Club, Baffins Milton Rovers and Shaftesbury – with the latter returning after a short absence.
HAMBLE CLUB, who were to finish fourteen points clear at the top, defeated LAVERSTOCK & FORD 2-0 at
home – Liam Crook and Dougie Rowe with the goals – but on the day BAFFINS went down by the same
scoreline at RINGWOOD TOWN courtesy of goals from Lee Clark and River Smith.
SHAFTESBURY, in turn, pulled off a best of five goals win at AFC STONEHAM with two goals from Lee Gale
and one from Kent Kauppinen. Will Harris and Tom Hogan were on the mark for Stoneham. With an uneven
number of teams in the Division ALTON had the day off whilst on the Berkshire Border TADLEY CALLEVA and
FOLLANDS shared two goals and the points. Brett Denham, almost inevitably, scored for the home side with
Ethan Millar netting for Follands.
There was another sharing of the points not too far away from Tadley as FLEET SPURS and TOTTON & ELING
both scored twice at Kennels Lane. Goals from Peter Lines and Dan Bone for the Spurs were cancelled out by
two goals from Josh Clark for the Millers. Six goals at the Bypass Ground with ROMSEY TOWN overcoming
HYTHE & DIBDEN by four goals to two with Wayne Boud and Indrit Elezi equally sharing the home goals and
Dan Gain and Ashley Hewer replying for the Watersiders. Down to the South Coast where two Ben Smith
goals gave DOWNTON a good win over US PORTSMOUTH, Brendan Agnew’s goal not enough for the home
side.
At the bottom of the table, ANDOVER NEW STREET, who were to finish nineteenth, lost 3-1 to NEW MILTON
TOWN at Foxcotte Park with Ollie Yates’s goal being more than cancelled out by efforts from Craig Barnett,
Lyam Teixceira and Phil Midson.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 9 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
EAST COWES VICS finished one off the bottom and with Cowes and Newport losing in the Premier Division
they completed a bad day for the Island after their long journey to WEYMOUTH RESERVES ended in a four nil
defeat. Conor Jevon (2), Will Gape and Gabriel Borowski scoring for the home side for whom 2016/17 was
their only completed season in the League. PEWSEY VALE were to finish bottom come the end of April, some
eight points adrift and they found visitors CHRISTCHURCH, who missed out by one on the promotion places,
too strong with a home goal by Dan Harwood not enough as Andy Masson and Luke Stone found the net for
the visitors.
One Saturday from a season of many Saturdays – hope this has bought back some memories.
And before that we have to go back to 2006 for the last time, with the results that day looking like this.
DIVISION ONE
AFC Newbury 0-5 Christchurch In brief- the top scorer that day was
Ben Truan who hit a hat trick for
AFC Totton 1-1 Moneyfields
VERWOOD TOWN in their 5-1 win over
Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-1 Folland Sports visitors CLANFIELD.
Fareham Town 2-1 Andover There were even players who each
Hamworthy United 0-0 Bournemouth bagged a pair, and in the top Division,
Poole Town 3-1 Gosport Borough Richard Gregory did so for
Portland United 0-2 Alton CHRISTCHURCH in their big win, scoring
Thatcham Town 5-0 Wimborne Town five without reply at AFC NEWBURY.
Totton & Eling 3-2 Brockenhurst Stuart Findlay got both the BEMERTON
HEATH HARLEQUINS goals in their 2-1
Winchester City 2-1 Cowes Sports
win over FOLLAND SPORTS.
DIVISION TWO The other big scorers that day in
Andover New Street 1-0 Amesbury Town Division One were THATCHAM TOWN,
Blackfield & Langley 2-3 Brading Town their five nil win saw Adam Campion
Farnborough North End 6-2 Bishops Waltham Town and Sean Cook both collect doubles
Horndean 4-1 Shaftesbury against WIMBORNE TOWN.
In the best of five win for TOTTON &
Liss Athletic 1-3 Hayling United
ELING over BROCKENHURST Adam
Stockbridge 1-1 Alresford Town Lowther got a double for the Millers.
United Services Portsmouth 0-2 Fawley Dropping to Division Two, two players
Whitchurch United 0-5 Locks Heath grabbed two apiece. Tinoi Christie hit a
DIVISION THREE pair for FARNBOROUGH NORTH END in
AFC Aldermaston 3-1 Paulsgrove their 6-2 win over BISHOPS WALTHAM
TOWN whilst at Five Heads Park it was
Hamble Club 1-4 Fleet Spurs
Sam Game who contributed a double in
Laverstock & Ford 4-0 Tadley Calleva the 4-1 for HORNDEAN over
Overton United 3-1 Fleetlands SHAFTESBURY.
Verwood Town 5-1 Clanfield
THE NUMBERS GAME
The number of goals scored by United Services Portsmouth in their 2020/21 FA Youth Cup
21 campaign.
The recorded attendance between Hamworthy United and Sholing on 20 April 2019 in a match
111 that ended in a 3-2 win for the Boatmen.
The number of appearances by our member clubs in the 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Cup at
224 the end of the 2020/21 season.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 10 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
From time to time we have carried a short story involving the British Virgin
Islands, most recently in Edition #36 where we talked about Wessex
players with international honours. We heard last weekend that Dorset
based coach Dan Neville has been named as Interim Manager and will lead
them in their opening World Cup qualifiers, before resuming a Technical
Director role once a Manager is appointed. These CONCACAF Group C
games will see Guatemala and St Vincent & the Grenadines as opposition.
As you read this , the first game, against Guatemala may have already been played- it is scheduled for this
weekend, whilst the second game is scheduled for this midweek.
The two other Group members are Cuba and Curacao. The latter are ranked 76th in the world.
It looks like Josh Bertie, Charles Medway and Jamie Wilson are in the squad for the matches, but Bailey Rowe
doesn’t feature due to an ankle injury. It is quite a young squad with some members having come through
from the under-15 programme.
The British Virgin Islands are ranked at 208, with just Anguilla and San Marino beneath them. Guatemala are
ranked over 70 places higher in the FIFA rankings and St Vincent 40, so a tough task ahead for our players
involved especially when you consider they have lost four of their last five outings, scoring six but conceding
almost treble that. Tyler Forbes (who is on the books with Poole Town currently) having netted three of these
and Jamie Wilson one.
Covid-19 has certainly interfered with the competition and they will play their home games in Curacao.
Older readers will of course remember that Dan was a no nonsense defensive player during his career which
included stops at a number of teams in our League, including Poole Town where he made 14 appearances in
2006/07, New Milton Town 24 in 2007/08 and Bournemouth where he was involved as Joint Manager with
14 appearances the next year. In an earlier spell he started his coaching journey at the Victoria Park club
under the tutelage of Shaun Brooks.
Additional work followed with AFC Bournemouth in the Talent ID Centre before starting on a link with the
BVI FA, that and the setting up of the Champion Sports Group. In 2018 he was appointed Assistant National
Team Coach for the Island side before moving to the Technical Director role a couple of years later. He also
maintains involvement with the Champion Sports operation in Dorset.
We wish him and our representatives the best of luck in their World Cup campaign.
CLUB NEWS
Folland Sports require an enthusiastic new Club Secretary to handle administrative matters for their Wessex
League One, Hampshire Combination and CSYL teams. This provides an exciting opportunity to take a route
into local football administration with a very long-established and respected club. The outgoing secretary will
provide all necessary instruction and support to the successful candidate. Would those interested please
contact Jason Simmonds (Vice Chairman) on 07920 513552 or simmondsjason69@gmail.com
LEAGUE NEWS
Programme awards for the recently curtailed season have been made.
Those produced on-line certainly saw an improvement in quality and design across the whole league. In fact
with a few exceptions even the printed versions saw improvements in both quality in both content and
method of publication, and sadly in this respect there can only be one winner in each Division. So,
congratulations to BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS (Premier Division) and ANDOVER NEW STREET (Division One)
for the programmes this season. Arrangements for the trophy and prize to be made in due course.
Thanks to those who sent in their efforts and hopefully we shall run this again next season.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 11 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
AMONGST MY SOUVENIRS
All part of today’s game is the club souvenir. Plenty of clubs have a club shop. We all know there are club
hats (of varying designs and styles) scarves, badges and such- but I was looking back and remembered some
rather unusual items being sold by clubs.
In March 1986, I was on my travels and picked up a DARLINGTON Centenary pint glass, with Quakers logo on
a visit to the ground, and although not used so much not it can still hold a pint!
Beverages are also part and parcel of a visit, so it is not surprising to see plastic or porcelain mugs feature.
However they do not seem so common at our level- one of the first places I came across them for sale was
EAST GRINSTEAD and mug that I was, purchased one. After some 25 years it still gets frequent use though!
Subsequent visits to BLYTH SPARTANS, BUCKLAND ATHLETIC, AFC ST AUSTELL and AXMINSTER TOWN have
seen me add to the collection. With that in mind, and with having to work at home, I have to put said mug
down somewhere, and where better than a football coaster! I picked one up at BUDLEIGH SALTERTON. A
quality item incorporating club badge it still sees sterling service. I cannot immediately recall seeing them for
sale at any other non-League club.
Still with food and drink on the mind, I discovered that DORCHESTER UNITED were selling chocolate specially
made for them with a special commemorative wrapper! OK so a limited shelf life but also possibly unique at
this level of the game. Oh and by the way it took all of the half time interval to consume way back in August
2003- in celebration of their first game in their first season in the Dorset Combination.
T-shirts are always popular. Over the years I’ve had a few, but three in particular bring back fond memories.
Easter 1998 saw me spend my last 20p on a raffle ticket at WHITBY TOWN, to my surprise the number came
up and I was the proud owner of a good quality blue t-shirt. Even more surprising though was that it until
only fairly recently got an occasional airing, because it still fitted me (no, honestly).
A similar item came from ASHINGTON- some three years earlier, designed by the Northern League side’s
fanzine writers at “Pit Pony Express”, also only fairly recently being consigned to the great football tip in the
sky also after around two decades of wear. That said they both lasted longer than one from BEDLINGTON
TERRIERS. The white club badge on a maroon top looking more like a sheep than a dog according to my better
half.
Then there are pens and pencils, I used to have several from different clubs, including a bit closer to home,
AMESBURY TOWN. This model was a nice basic white pen with blue club badge printed thereon. However,
strange but true- if you use them, they tend to run out (eventually) - shame!
The club history is also an occasional discovery and does not seem to be too common below Step 3 of the
Pyramid. However on a visit to NEWPORT IOW in July 1993, I was able to pick up a club History- and with
other research involving them (and others) it still gets an occasional look through. Similarly one from the
(long defunct) RYDE SPORTS sits on my bookshelf. This Collectors’ item coming from an acquaintance who
was Press and Publicity Officer for the Island side at the time.
Staying local, I also have a copy of one from ROMSEY TOWN- celebrating the club’s centenary back in 1986
which came my way from the then Club Secretary at the Bypass Ground. There is also one lurking about the
house celebrating a similar event from EAST GRINSTEAD in 1990. All such books give an interesting review of
the club’s formation, background and subsequent story. A later edition to mention here is the one for
EASTLEIGH, which has also been invaluable in filling some blanks in local County cup competitions amongst
other things.
Now, what use is a book without a bookmark? I am not 100% certain, but this seems to be a very rare
memento. The one I have came from OVING SOCIAL CLUB (near Chichester), picked up on New Years Day
back in 1998, on a day when only a handful of games survived the weather between Dover and Torquay. I
may be wrong but they are now defunct, at least at Senior level anyway.
Finally, there’s the cuddly toy department. Yet another defunct club features here. WEYMOUTH SPORTS was
the source of a rather fine medium sized teddy bear (with knitted scarf and hat in the club colours of yellow
and black), purchased for my then girlfriend (and subsequent wife) in the mid-90s - I know how to treat a
lady!
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 12 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
It’s been a while but we do have
some at least. The dates for the
Buildbase FA Vase are confirmed.
Saturday 10 April sees FAREHAM
TOWN head west to take on
PYMOUTH PARKWAY. The venue
has been changed so it’s a little
closer (around 33 miles) to home
for our team. It will be played at
Coach Road, the home of the
Devon County FA (pictured left)
which now boasts a 3G surface. Should Fareham win they will have home advantage and will face another
Western League side in the guise of CLEVEDON TOWN in the Fourth Round. The Fourth Round is also where
we find the other game. UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH will welcome CHRISTCHURCH to the Burnaby Road
stadium on Saturday 17 April. Please note that under current guidelines all Vase games will be played BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS.
The full draw as at present looks like this,
THIRD ROUND
Saturday 10 April 2021- kick off 15:00
Deal Town v Binfield
Guildford City v Walton & Hersham
North Ferriby v Seaham Red Star
Plymouth Parkway v Fareham Town
FOURTH ROUND
Saturday 17 April 2021- kick off 15:00
Anstey Nomads v Wellingborough Town 2020/21 ROUND DATES
Bridgwater Town v Tavistock Third Round Proper – Saturday 10 April
Congleton Town v Malvern Town Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 17 April
Fakenham Town v Deal Town or Binfield Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 24 April
Hebburn Town v Liversedge Sixth Round Proper – Saturday 1 May
Lancing v Flackwell Heath Semi Finals – Saturday 8 May
Leighton Town v Guildford City or Walton & Hersham Final – Saturday 22 May
Long Eaton United v Westfields The 2019/20 Final is BEHIND CLOSED
Mulbarton Wanderers v Hanworth Villa DOORS on Monday 3 May, so there is a
North Ferriby or Seaham Red Star v West Auckland Town possibility that [at time of writing]
Plymouth Parkway or Fareham Town v Clevedon Town Hebburn Town (who play Consett in the
Shildon v Warrington Rylands delayed 2019/20 Final) could be in two
Stourport Swifts v Walsall Wood Vase Finals at Wembley within the space
Sutton Common Rivers v Hadley of three weeks, BIZARRE !
United Services Portsmouth v Christchurch
Buildbase FA Vase Third Round, winners receive £1,125, losers receive £350.
2020/21 Prize Fund Fourth Round, winners receive £1,875, losers receive £600.
Fifth Round, winners receive £2,250, losers receive £725.
Good luck to all Sixth Round, winners receive £4,125, losers receive £1,350.
involved, especially our Semi-Final, winners receive £5,500, losers receive £1,725.
three teams of course! Final, winners receive £30,000, losers receive £15,000.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 13 of 14SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2020/21 EDITION NUMBER 39
THE LAST WORD
An update on the return of outdoor grassroots football was issued by the FA on Wednesday 24 March 2021
This also mentioned support available to clubs across the grassroots football community.
On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown,
outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place.
The FA have now published their updated guidance, based on the latest Government advice available, which
applies to all outdoor youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game. If there are any
further updates from the Government, these will be communicated in due course. The FA will also update
their guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
Travel - The Government guidance on travel is that the ‘stay at home’ rule will end on Monday 29 March,
but many restrictions will remain in place. As organised sport can resume, all participants may travel to
games but should avoid travel at the busiest times and routes, as well as minimising any unnecessary
journeys where possible. All participants must follow the government’s guidance on safer travel .
Changing rooms - Changing rooms cannot be used as part of step one in the roadmap out of lockdown
and must remain shut. Toilets will be allowed to open, 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after training
and/or matches. All government guidance on hygiene and social distancing measures must be followed.
Spectators - No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the
Government’s roadmap. One parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can
safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance.
Indoor football - Indoor sport is not currently allowed. This is planned to return no earlier than the 17th
May, as part of step three of the Government’s roadmap, apart from disability football, which is currently
allowed to take place indoors.
It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents,
carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-
19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported
to the local County Football Association.
Further FA financial support for the game - With the assistance of Sport England, the FA confirm they will be
offering funding to County FAs to provide discounted 2021/22 season affiliation. This will be available
across the whole of affiliated football, assisting everyone with getting back to the game they love, and
especially those from under-represented areas of the game such as women and girls, lower socio-economic
groups, minority groups and those with a disability.
Alongside Sport England, the FA strongly encourage all of those restarting in the weeks ahead to ensure that
everyone is able to benefit, no matter their age or gender, from fair and equal access to playing
opportunities.
In addition to this, the ‘Return to Football Fund’, made possible with Sport England funding from the National
Lottery, will provide £2.1 million targeted at supporting people in low participation groups to start playing
again. It will also fund initiatives aimed at bringing new players into the game and cover the cost of adapting
to COVID-19 rules.
Finally, alongside our partners at The Football Foundation, the FA also recently announced two other new
funds to provide further financial support to clubs over the longer term. The £14 million Grass Pitch
Maintenance Fund is providing six-year tapered grants to improve the quality of grass pitches, whilst the
Small Grants fund is available to help clubs pay for essential equipment and machinery they need to start
playing again. Clubs can apply for up to £25k to refurbish their changing rooms, pay for grass pitch drainage,
new goalposts, pitch maintenance equipment and portable floodlights.
For more information about the funds and how to apply, visit the Football Foundation website:
https://footballfoundation.org.uk/game-on
Clubs and leagues can access our online support hub and podcasts which includes up to date information,
guidance and signposts as well as other useful information relating to funding and support services.
The full return to grassroots football guidance document can be downloaded from the FA website.
Friday, 26 March 2021 Page 14 of 14You can also read
