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Saturday, 23 May 2020 of 20

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 47

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.

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BEST FA CUP SEASONS- CURRENT MEMBER CLUBS

TEAM SEASON STAGE OPPONENTS

AFC PORTCHESTER 2017/18 2nd Qualifying Truro City

AFC STONEHAM 2018/19 1st Qualifying Cirencester Town

ALRESFORD TOWN 2016/17 2nd Qualifying Cadbury Heath

ALTON 2010/11 2nd Qualifying Replay Cinderford Town

AMESBURY TOWN 2017/18 Preliminary Round AFC Portchester

ANDOVER NEW STREET 2019/20 Preliminary Round Thatcham Town

ANDOVER TOWN 2017/18 1st Qualifying Cadbury Heath

BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS 2019/20 Preliminary Round Fleet Town

BASHLEY 1988/89 3rd Qualifying Fareham Town

BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS 1992/93 3rd Qualifying Witney Town

BOURNEMOUTH 2011/12 2nd Qualifying Replay Truro City

BROCKENHURST 2015/16 3rd Qualifying Wealdstone

CHRISTCHURCH 2005/06 2nd Qualifying Cirencester Town

COWES SPORTS 1999/00 2nd Qualifying Slough Town

DOWNTON 2008/09 1st Qualifying Aylesbury Vale

EAST COWES VICTORIA 2012/13 Preliminary Round Sholing

FAREHAM TOWN 2001/02 2nd Qualifying Replay Crawley Town

FAWLEY AFC 2017/18 Extra Preliminary Farnham Town

FLEET TOWN 2019/20 1st Qualifying Chesham United

FOLLAND SPORTS 2010/11 3rd Qualifying Farnborough

HAMBLE CLUB 2019/20 Preliminary Round Sholing

HAMWORTHY UNITED 2013/14 2nd Qualifying Poole Town

HORNDEAN 2018/19 1st Qualifying Margate

HYTHE & DIBDEN 2019/20 1st Qualifying Kidlington

LAVERSTOCK & FORD 2017/18 Preliminary Round Knaphill

LYMINGTON TOWN 2018/19 2nd Qualifying Torquay United

NEW MILTON TOWN 2004/05 4th Qualifying Replay Woking

NEWPORT (IOW) 1989/90 3rd Qualifying Marlow

PETERSFIELD TOWN 2018/19 Preliminary Round Fleet Town

PORTLAND UNITED 2019/20 2nd Qualifying Salisbury

RINGWOOD TOWN 2010/11 1st Qualifying Cinderford Town

ROMSEY TOWN 1990/91 4th Qualifying Littlehampton Town

SHAFTESBURY 2018/19 1st Qualifying Poole Town

SOLENT UNIVERSITY FC 2016/17 Preliminary Round Cadbury Heath

TADLEY CALLEVA 2013/14 Preliminary Round Chalfont St Peter

TOTTON & ELING 2012/13 1st Replay Weymouth

US PORTSMOUTH 1997/98 2nd Qualifying Replay Waterlooville

VERWOOD TOWN 2016/17 Preliminary Round Replay Fareham Town

WHITCHURCH UNITED 2011/12 2nd Qualifying Gloucester City



In the instances of clubs reaching their best round on several occasions only the most recent occasion is shown in the table. Supplementary notes to accompany the best season table-

AFC PORTCHESTER Have reached 2nd Qualifying Round on four occasions.

ALTON Achieved when the club was known as Alton Town.

BROCKENHURST Have reached 3rd Qualifying Round on four occasions.

CHRISTCHURCH Also played Cirencester at the same stage of the Cup in 2001/02.

FOLLAND SPORTS The Farnborough game was when they were known as Hamble ASSC.

HORNDEAN Club have reached the 1st Qualifying Round seven times.

LAVERSTOCK & FORD They were drawn away against Hook Norton but game played at The Dell.

NEW MILTON TOWN Achieved when known as Lymington & New Milton.

NEWPORT (IOW) They've reached the 3rd Qualifying Round three times as a Wessex club.

PETERSFIELD TOWN They've reached the Preliminary Round three times as a Wessex side.

IN OTHER WORDS #4

1 ABHOR DELAYS

2 CAR DAMSELS

3 GINGER GAL

4 HACKLE RAPPORT

5 HAVE PA FRISKED

6 MONKEY RAP BAND

7 NOOK RAMP

8 PRO KIT CAVIAR

9 RAP BURLY RAKE

10 WOW POD SKATER

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO A GAME

Here are the top scoring tied games over the years, eight goals have been shared on 51 occasions, but here are the top six.

SEASON HOME RESULT AWAY

2004-2005 Christchurch 6-6 Cowes Sports

2006-2007 Fawley 6-6 East Cowes Victoria

2004-2005 Laverstock & Ford 5-5 Verwood Town

2010-2011 Poole Town 5-5 Christchurch

2016-2017 Pewsey Vale 5-5 Fleet Spurs

2019-2020 Fareham Town 5-5 Baffins Milton Rovers

With all these goals, there has to be a contrary entry……

Identify the Wessex League

ground- answers next week

Answers to Number 3.

1, Cowes Sports; 2, Totton and Eling; 3, Folland Sports; 4, Solent

University; 5, Bournemouth; 6, Newport IOW; 7, Bashley; 8, Alton;

9, New Milton Town; 10, Hamworthy United



GOALLESS GAMES

2018/19 2019/20

Shaftesbury-Baffins Milton Rovers AFC Stoneham-Horndean Christchurch-Bemerton Heath Harlequins Andover New Street-Alton Baffins Milton Rovers-Brockenhurst Bashley-Fleet Town Brockenhurst-Christchurch Bournemouth-Hamworthy United Shaftesbury-Christchurch Folland Sports-Bemerton Heath Harlequins AFC Portchester-Fareham Town Lymington Town-Bournemouth Alresford Town-Fareham Town New Milton Town-Alton Andover New Street-Fareham Town New Milton Town-Petersfield Town Bournemouth-Fareham Town New Milton Town-Verwood Town Baffins Milton Rovers-Hamble Club Newport IOW-United Services Portsmouth Bournemouth-Horndean Petersfield Town-Andover Town Hamble Club-Lymington Town Pewsey Vale-New Milton Town [*] Bashley-Sholing Ringwood Town-Downton Horndean-Sholing

AFC Portchester-Tadley Calleva 2019/20 includes one [*] Pewsey Vale game, prior to their withdrawal from the competition. Leading the way in 2018/19 with four, all on the road, were Fareham Town- representing just over 9% of the 44 games ending that way. In 2019/20 New Milton Town were also involved in four- just over 15% of the 26 games- that ended 0-0, three of which were at home, with the other at Pewsey.

Petersfield Town-AFC Stoneham

Downton-Amesbury Town

Laverstock & Ford-Downton

Downton-Laverstock & Ford

New Milton Town-Petersfield Town

Whitchurch United-Petersfield Town

Verwood Town-Totton & Eling

WHISTLE STOP

Answers from last week.

1) At the taking of the goal kick, the goalkeeper miskicks the ball and in an attempt to retrieve it, picks it up inside his own penalty area. What do you do ? b) Award an indirect free kick to the opposition 2) There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from which 3 restarts of play (not including penalty kick and kick off). What are they ?

i) – Goal Kick ii) – Throw In iii) - Corner Kick

3) Which of the below is not a cautionable offence? c) changes places with the goalkeeper at half time without the referee's permission



WE’RE GETTING THERE – FIRST DIVISION

Public transport facilities to our grounds, under normal circumstances. I am grateful for permission from Andy Edwards to use this information. Clubs are politely requested to check and see if there is anything obviously amiss with this. Please advise me so that the author can be advised accordingly. I cannot accept responsibility for any errors or their consequences. Information based on it being a game played on a SATURDAY. Alton - Anstey Park Enclosure, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2NB Rail Station Alton ¾ mile. Right out of station up Station Road, right Anstey Road, then take footpath opposite Anstey Mill Lane to ground. Andover New Street - Foxcotte Park, Hatherden Road, Andover, Hampshire SP11 0TA Rail Station Andover 1¾ miles. Stagecoach South bus, route number 3 from Andover (Artists Way, Constable Court, 7 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Andover (Mercia Avenue, Brancaster Avenue) half hourly, journey time 9 minutes. Return bus runs from same stop at 1749 (last). Then continue along Mercia Avenue, left Hatherden Road and out of town, right at roundabout and ground on right (12 minutes). Andover Town - Portway Stadium, West Portway, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3LF Rail Station Andover 1½ miles. Stagecoach South bus, route number 4 from Andover (Junction Road, Station Approach, 5 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Andover (Shakespeare Avenue, Blendon Drive) half hourly, journey time 8 minutes. Return bus, runs from same stop at 1704, 1804 (last). Then continue along Shakespeare Avenue, right Blendon Drive, left Harrow Way and at sharp bend to left walk forward into Caxton Close, then right East Portway, over roundabout into West Portway, ground on right (13 minutes). Bemerton Heath Harlequins - Moon Park, Western Way, Salisbury, SP2 9DR Rail Station Salisbury 1½ miles. Salisbury Reds bus, route number R1 from Salisbury (Fisherton Street, 5 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Salisbury (Pembroke Road, Pullman Drive) six times per hour, journey time 16 minutes. Return bus runs from same stop. Then retrace up Pembroke Road, left Western Way, ground at end (5 minutes). Downton - Brian Whitehead Sports Centre, Wick Lane, Downton, SP5 3NF Rail Station Salisbury 6½ miles. Morebus bus, route number X3 from Salisbury (Blue Boar Row, 11 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Downton (The Headlands, Bull PH) half hourly, journey time 16 minutes. Then retrace along The Headlands, left Wick Lane, ground on left (6 minutes). East Cowes Victoria - Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6PA Ferry East Cowes 1¼ miles. Southern Vectis bus, route number 4, 5 from East Cowes (Well Road, 5 minutes walk from Ferry) to East Cowes (Whippingham Road, Barton Lodge) four times per hour, journey time 7 minutes. Then return to roundabout, left Saunders Way, right Beatrice Avenue, ground on right (7 minutes). Fawley - Aliport Arena, Long Lane, Holbury, SO45 2PA Rail Station Southampton Central 12 miles. Bluestar Bus, route number 9 from Rail Station to Holbury (Long Lane, Southbourne Avenue) three times per hour, journey time 43 minutes. Then retrace along Long Lane, ground on left behind cricket ground (5 minutes).



Folland Sports - Folland Park, Hamble Lane, Hamble le Rice, SO31 4NF Rail Station Hamble ½ mile. Right out of station Hamble Lane, continue into village and ground on right. Hythe & Dibden - Hythe Garage Stadium, Claypits Lane, Hythe, SO45 5TN Rail Station Southampton Central 9½ miles. Bluestar Bus, route number 9 from Rail Station to Hythe (Claypits Lane, Applemore Tesco) three times per hour, journey time 25 minutes. Return bus runs from same stop. Then retrace to roundabout south of supermarket, left Claypits Lane, left to remain in Claypits Lane, over roundabout and ground on right (14 minutes). Laverstock & Ford - The Dell, Church Road, Laverstock, SP1 1QX Rail Station Salisbury 2 miles. Salisbury Reds bus, route number R6 from Salisbury (Endless Street, 12 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Laverstock (The Green) half hourly, journey time 9 minutes. Return bus runs from same stop at 1647, 1747. Then continue along The Green, becomes Church Road, ground on left (5 minutes). New Milton Town - BBX Stadium, Christchurch Road, New Milton, BH25 6QF Rail Station New Milton 1¼ miles. Morebus bus, route number X1 from New Milton (Whitefield Road, 5 minutes walk from Rail Station) to New Milton (Christchurch Road, House Martin PH) at 1302, 1402, 1432, journey time 13 minutes, return at 1837 (last). Then retrace along Christchurch Road, ground on left (5 minutes). For return bus, left Sea Road and bus stop on left (5 minutes). Newport IOW - Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, PO32 6PA Same as East Cowes Victoria- above Petersfield Town - SureFix Home Improvements Stadium, Love Lane, Petersfield, GU31 4BW Rail Station Petersfield ½ mile. left out of station Lavant Street, right Station Road, right just before community centre, then left Love Lane and ground on right. Ringwood Town - MACRA Community Stadium, Long Lane, Ringwood, BH24 3BX Rail Station Bournemouth 11 miles. Morebus bus, route number X3 from Bournemouth (Christchurch Road, St Swithun’s Roundabout, 10 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Ringwood (Meeting House Lane) half hourly, journey time 34 minutes. Then Morebus bus, route Ringo from Ringwood (Meeting House Lane) to Ringwood (Christchurch Road, Lidl) at 1215, 1315, 1415, journey time 15 minutes. There is no return bus; the ground is 1½ miles from Ringwood town centre. Then continue along Christchurch Road, left Moortown Lane, right Long Lane, ground on left (14 minutes). Romsey Town - Bypass Ground, Bypass Road, Romsey, SO51 8GJ Rail Station Romsey ½ mile. Up Station Approach, then left Alma Road, left Mountbatten Avenue, continue on footpath at end and turn right at junction, then take subway across roundabout into Southampton Road, right at next roundabout Bypass Road, ground on left. Totton & Eling - Millers Park, Salisbury Road, Totton, SO40 2RW Rail Station Southampton Central 5¾ miles. Bluestar Bus, route number 12, First Southampton bus, route number 1 from Rail Station to Totton (Calmore Drive, Coppice Road) six times per hour, journey time 29 minutes. Return bus runs from same stop. Then retrace up Calmore Drive, right Cooks Lane, and cross Salisbury Road to see ground of AFC Totton, pass this on right and ground at end of drive (6 minutes).



United Services Portsmouth - Victory Stadium (HMS Temeraire), Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2HB Rail Station Portsmouth and Southsea ½ mile. left out of station Commercial Road and under bridge, take footpath on right beside council offices, bear left at fork and emerge by Isambard Kingdom Brunel PH, then left Guildhall Walk, left to stay in Guildhall Walk, cross road and pass college, then forward onto A3 and pass university, right Burnaby Road, left into HMS Temeraire and ground is behind buildings. Verwood Town - Potterne Park, Potterne Way, Verwood, BH21 6RS Rail Station Poole 13½ miles. Morebus bus, route number X6 from Poole (Bus Station, 8 minutes walk from Rail Station) to Verwood (Manor Road, Potterne Bridge) at 1105, 1205, 1305, journey time 60 minutes, return at 1721, 1808 (last). Then retrace along Manor Road, left Potterne Way, ground at end (7 minutes). Whitchurch United - Longmeadow, Winchester Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7RB Rail Station Whitchurch 1 mile. Up Station Approach and left to Evingar Road, becomes Station Road, right Newbury Road, take second exit at roundabout Winchester Street, and ground on left.

THE A TO Z OF THE WESSEX LEAGUE CLUBS IN MEMBERSHIP 1986-2020

SALISBURY

Year Formed 2015 – new reformed club Total Wessex Seasons 1

Joined Wessex From N/A Tier One (currently Premier) 1

Duration in Wessex 2015 to 2016 Tier Two (2004 - date) 0

Moved to (League) Southern League Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

Note: Salisbury was a new club. The previous Salisbury City FC folded in the summer of 2014.

League Record:

Season Tier Played Won Drew Lost G For G Ag G Diff Points Pos.

15/16 T1 40 34 3 3 126 29 97 105 1st

Total 40 34 3 3 126 29 97 105

One from Gary’s archives when Salisbury were reformed and began their new existence in the Wessex

League.

Date: 13/11/2015 Wessex League – Premier Division At: Test Park

TEAM SOLENT 0 SALISBURY (2) 6 Salisbury: Barfoot; Colson, Perrett; Whelan, Walker, Brockway; Demkiv, O’Keefe, Wilson (sub: Matthews 66), Mundy (sub: Jarvis 66), Young (sub: Roberts 57). Subs (not used): Maloney and Herbert

S 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 renamed Division 2 in its final campaign.



Notes: These two teams had been poles apart a few years ago but a club bearing the city of Salisbury’s name didn’t exist in 2014/15 meaning this phoenix side began at step 5 of the non-league pyramid (the Wessex League). It was a chilly Friday evening in Southampton. Most of the 387 spectators were present at Test Park prior to the kick-off for the opening of the new covered standing area at the school end of the ground with former Southampton FC stalwarts Lawrie McMenemy and Paul Bennett doing the honours. The teams proved to still be poles apart on the field in this match too. Solent had been promoted from Division 1 in the summer and had made a reasonable start in the Premier Division going into this game, and they started well but Salisbury always looked dangerous. It was an error by Solent keeper George Passingham that put the Wiltshire side on their way to this resounding win as his miscued drop-kick only found Sam Wilson at close quarters who was left with a simple finish. A second was added when Daniel Demkiv played a dangerous ball in and Brandon Mundy was at the far post to net with a stooping header. Solent avoided further concession before half-time but had to thank ‘Pip’ Nolan and Ellis White in their defence who were putting in a great shift. Passingham did well to push away a George Colson effort early in the second half but a third goal soon came when Demkiv’s low ball was diverted into the net by a defender for an own goal. Goals number four and five soon followed, a further dangerous Demkiv ball and Wilson escaped his marker and netted. Next, Demkiv scored, Mundy finding him, and it was a blinding effort into the top far corner (keepers don’t save those!). To their credit, Solent kept going and there were close chances at both ends until substitutes were involved in Salisbury’s sixth goal as Ashley Jarvis found the experienced Robbie Matthews who regularly featured as the Whites ‘impact sub’ in the season, and it was a simple finish for him on this occasion. Solent sniffed a consolation when Martin Johnson latched onto a rare poor visiting pass and set-up Jesse Waller-Lassen who ‘put his laces through it’ but Gareth Barfoot made a good save to retain his clean sheet. Footnote: As can be seen in the season summary shown above and of no surprise to any local football follower at the time, Salisbury FC took the Premier Division title in their one and only season as a Wessex League side. Salisbury won the return game with Team Solent too (2-0), but the students got a modicum of revenge though as they defeated the Whites 3-1 at Test Park in the quarter-final of the League Cup competition. Solent went on to win the cup too with a solitary goal against Newport … the final taking place at Salisbury’s Raymond McEnhill Stadium. In 2019/20: Salisbury were playing in the Southern League – Premier South.

SHAFTESBURY

Year Formed 1888 Total Wessex Seasons 10

Joined Wessex From Dorset Premier League Tier One (currently Premier) 2

Duration in Wessex 2004–2010; 2014 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 8

Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 0



League Record:


04/05 T2 42 15 9 18 65 85 -20 54 13th

05/06 T2 42 10 10 22 53 96 -43 40 16th

06/07 T2 36 15 9 12 58 47 11 54 9th

07/08 T2 40 14 9 17 73 63 10 51 12th

08/09 T2 40 11 9 20 61 92 -31 42 15th

09/10 T2 40 5 5 30 53 151 -98 19* 20th

10/11 T2 36 4 9 23 39 95 -56 21 19th

16/17 T2 40 26 4 10 127 65 62 82 3rd

17/18 T1 42 16 8 18 63 75 -12 56 12th

18/19 T1 38 14 6 18 57 59 -2 48 14th

Total 396 130 78 188 649 828 -179 467*

* denotes points adjustment

One from Gary’s archives in the days when the Cockrams pitch was sited differently to as it is today.

Date: 22/08/1992 Dorset Combination League At: Cockrams

SHAFTESBURY (2) 4 WAREHAM RANGERS (1) 1 Shaftesbury: Cook; Scammell (sub: Olsen 78), Naylor; Samways, Burt, Churchill; Plumley, Royal, Wookey (sub: Andrews 78), Alford, Forward. Notes: This was nothing like conditions you would expect for an early season game as wind-swept rain fell throughout the proceedings. Shaftesbury took an early lead when Danny Alford’s well taken shot from the edge of the box went high into the top corner. Late in the first half Regan Churchill sent Gary Forward through and he was blocked by Rangers keeper Martin Ford but the loose ball fell to Gary Wookey who, despite having an open chance and plenty of time, appeared to handle it into the net, the award of a goal understandably upsetting the visitors. Still, they responded in the best possible way, having immediately got a goal back when Darren Churchill controlled the ball well and fired low inside the near post and Shaftesbury led 2-1 at the break. Wareham had a great chance to level the scores early in the second half when Darren Naylor handled a cross but Andy Griffiths’ penalty was saved by home keeper Cook. Shaftesbury made it 3-1 on 75 minutes when Regan Churchill’s free kick into the box was missed by everyone except Alford at the far post to apply the finish. Adey Royal’s cross was then met by a firm close-range header by Alford to complete his hat-trick and his side’s impressive 4-1 victory. The ref found nine minutes stoppage time from somewhere (still just in the days when anything over a couple of minutes was a rarity) but there were no further goals. Footnote: Shaftesbury finished ninth and Wareham 18th (out of 20) in the league at the end of the season. The league is now known as the Dorset Premier League.



SHOLING

League Record:


04/05(a) T1 42 16 7 19 69 80 -11 55 12th

05/06(a) T1 42 13 15 14 65 66 -1 54 13th

06/07(a) T1 38 24 8 6 76 44 32 80 3rd

07/08(a) T1 44 32 6 6 106 35 71 102 2nd

08/09(a) T1 42 31 8 3 141 35 106 101 2nd

13/14 T1 42 33 5 4 134 29 105 104 1st

15/16 T1 40 26 7 7 80 38 42 85 2nd

16/17 T1 42 25 9 8 80 33 47 84 3rd

17/18 T1 42 28 7 7 100 34 66 91 3rd

18/19 T1 38 34 3 1 117 24 93 105 1st

Total 412 262 75 75 968 418 550 861

Note: (a) as V.T. FC, the name being changed to Sholing FC whilst in the Southern League in 2010. The club

moved up to the Southern League three times having returned to the Wessex League twice. One from Gary’s

archives when Vosper Thornycroft (one of Sholing’s previous names) played a Hampshire Intermediate Cup

tie.

Date: 08/01/1994 Hampshire Intermediate Cup – Round 3 At: Vosper Thornycroft Sports Ground

VOSPER THORNYCROFT (0) 4 SHERBORNE ST JOHN (1) 2 (after extra time – 2-2 after 90 minutes)

Vosper Thornycroft: Kneller; Brockway, Lewis; McEwan (sub: Parker 69), Martin, Horsham; Pearce, Kitcher, Channell, Gorman, Walsh. Sub (not used): Spence.

Notes: This was a day of a local trip due to bad weather, but I didn’t have to go far as Vospers gave a thumbs up as Andy Gradidge (a Southern League referee at the time) passed the pitch fit. Visitors Sherborne St John (near to Basingstoke) were in their debut season in the North Hants Senior League. They certainly edged the first half and held a deserved 1-0 advantage at the break with an early goal by Darren Clapson, a neat first-time finish. Vospers levelled early in the second half and it came from Richie Channell, a serial goal-getter around these parts, a fine turning shot over the keeper, who was off his line, and just under the crossbar. They went in front when good play by Walsh and McEwan produced a shooting chance for Shawn Kitcher who fired home. Sherborne hit back when defender Larry Berry’s free kick from just outside the box nestled high into the top far corner. This was, of course, the days of extra time if the scores were level (and replays too) but it was Channell who restored the Vospers lead five minutes into the added period, receiving a Kitcher pass he shot firm and in off the far post. That was followed by a fortuitous goal for Graham Walsh which was fumbled over the line by the visitors keeper. Vospers progressed comfortably into the next round from that point. In 2019/20: Sholing FC were members of the Southern League – Division 1 (South).



Year Formed 1960– Thornycroft’s (Woolston) Total Wessex Seasons 10

Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 10

Duration in Wessex 2004-09; 2013-14; 2015-19 Tier Two (2004 - date) 0

Moved to (League) Southern League (x3) Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

SHOLING SPORTS

Year Formed Circa 1880 Total Wessex Seasons 7



Moved to (League) Disbanded – August 1993 Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

One from Gary’s archives when Southern League Gosport Borough visited Hampshire League giants Sholing

Sports in front of a bumper crowd for a Hampshire Senior Cup tie.

Date: 12/12/1984 Hampshire Senior Cup – Round 1 At: Birch Lawn

SHOLING SPORTS (1) 3 GOSPORT BOROUGH (0) 1 (after extra time: 1-1 after 90 minutes)

Sholing Sports: Brown; Jones, Finn; Morton, K Roberts, French; S Barnes (sub: Maskell 89), T Roberts, Barber, Randall, D Barnes. Sub (not used): Hillman

Notes: Sholing Sports dispensed with their traditional black and white stripes in this campaign and opted for a silver shirt, which became a mid-eighties fashion with some clubs, albeit briefly. There was an old fan who would bring a bell with him, shake it and call out “Come on you stripes”; I think they called him ‘Mr Ding-A-Ling’ but I think he’d dispensed with his ringer in this campaign and quite probably, agreed with my way of thinking and didn’t like silver shirts! The ‘Silvers’ got off to a fine start with a debated opening goal against their Southern League opponents. Mark Barber latched onto a pass and controlled the ball well to sweep past Borough keeper Tony Stares and got in a shot from a wide position. It seemed to be hacked off the line by a defender and, although the linesman didn’t suggest it was a goal, after a slight delay referee Mr Love subsequently awarded it. In a gripping first half, Sholing were edging it and although Gosport’s approach play was technically good, the Sports held on to the lead at the break. Gosport controlled most of the second half and it got awfully late but they eventually netted when Arthur McGoff, looking suspiciously offside, got in a shot that was blocked by Paul Brown, who’d advanced from his goal but the ball fell to Andy Lowman, who withstood a heavy defensive challenge to stay on his feet and knock home. I don’t think Steve Barnes was particularly impressed with being substituted as the noise of the dressing room door being slammed firmly shut at one end of the ground seemed to cause vibrations in the valley beyond the other end! Kevin Randall edged Sholing back ahead in the second minute of extra time, a poacher’s goal too, being in the right place to fire home from a free kick. A competitive additional thirty minutes produced a third goal for Sholing in the second period and it was Barber who scored again, completing a good build-up down the left with a shot that Stares, at full length, got a hand to but could only help the ball on its way into the far corner. It was one of the great nights at Birch Lawn. What a tremendous side Len Wolfe’s Sholing Sports were back then; the line-up practically picked itself as only the shirt colour was different!



Footnote: By the end of this featured campaign, Sholing Sports reached the Hampshire Senior Cup final whilst Borough finished second in the Southern League – Southern Division and were promoted to the Premier Division.

League Record:


86/87 T1 32 10 8 14 41 45 -4 38 9th

87/88 T1 36 15 12 9 50 45 5 57 7th

88/89 T1 32 6 6 20 29 65 -36 24 15th

89/90 T1 36 16 8 12 57 51 6 56 9th

90/91 T1 38 6 8 24 39 84 -45 26 19th

91/92 T1 36 9 7 20 43 81 -38 34 15th

92/93 T1 40 7 10 23 46 94 -48 31 19th

93/94 T1 0 0 N/A+

Total 250 69 59 122 305 465 -160 266

+ Note: Sholing Sports started the 1993/94 season but lost the use of their ground having played only one

game and consequently disbanded.

SOLENT UNIVERSITY FC

Year Formed 2005 – Team Solent Total Wessex Seasons 8

Joined Wessex From Hampshire Premier Tier One (currently Premier) 4

Duration in Wessex 2011 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 4

Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

League Record:


11/12(a) T2 34 19 7 8 75 52 23 64 3rd

12/13(a) T2 30 20 4 6 65 37 28 64 3rd

13/14(a) T2 30 16 5 9 82 51 31 50* 6th

14/15(a) T2 28 22 1 5 83 38 45 67 1st

15/16(a) T1 40 21 4 15 78 71 7 67 7th

16/17(a) T1 42 20 7 15 89 62 27 67 7th

17/18(a) T1 42 12 10 20 95 107 -12 46 17th

18/19(a) T1 38 14 8 16 83 77 6 50 11th

Total 284 144 46 94 650 495 155 475*

* denotes points adjustment. (a) denotes as Team Solent, the club played in the voided 2019/20 season as

Solent University FC.

One from Gary’s archives: “I turned to poetry to celebrate Team Solent’s 2-0 home win over Tavistock in

the FA Vase with goals from Hisham (‘Hish’) Kasimu and Silvano Obeng”.

Date: 14/11/2017 FA Vase – Round 2 At: Test Park TEAM SOLENT (1) 2 TAVISTOCK 0

Team Solent: Banda; Orvis, Armstrong; Thorn, Olumuyiwa, Mitford; Dacres-Smith, Wiseman, Obeng (sub: Wilson 90+2), Kasimu, Stahler. Subs (not used): Black, Landu, Byrne, Morella.



Notes: VASE IN VERSE

There was a cup tie at Test Park In defence there was Orvis In the FA Vase Round 2 With Armstrong, Addie and Thorn It was Team Solent v Tavistock Tavvy tried very hard A side from Devon, that’s who The Sparks goal they could not adorn They were all there assembled Tavvy kept pressing Including vice-chancellor and ‘Bish’ In defence, Solent were often penned What Tavvy didn’t bargain for Then came a late one Was a goal from our ‘Hish’ A superb shot from Silvano Obeng In midfield they fought hard Stoppage time ticked over With Mitford and Dacres-Smith It went all the way to eight Also Wiseman and Stahler And for those from Team Solent What more could you wish? At the whistle, the feeling was great Then there was Bradley Banda When it came to possession He saved them centre, left and right Tavvy took it, we all agree It was a performance of such greatness But disciplined Solent scored twice A most wonderful sight And move into Round Three And when Brad didn’t get there We now go to Bradford They hit the post and hit the bar That seems a very long way Was a Tavvy goal coming? Ah, not from Yorkshire, but from Wilts No, like their journey, it was so far Hip hip hooray!

Footnote (1): The inspiration was provided by J Pollard of Causton’s FC, who reported by verse in the

Eastleigh Weekly News in November 1938.

Footnote (2): Solent’s next round game at Bradford Town was similar to the Tavistock one, but this time

Solent had most of the possession and the home side scored the goals (4-0).

Footnote (3): The Newsletter Editor opted for a more traditional means of writing for the match report in

the next edition (much to my disappointment) but I knew I would get this into a newsletter someday (even

two years or so on)! So, if our regular reporters are suffering from ‘lockdown boredom’ then how about

writing match reports to poetry next season?! The bar hasn’t been set very high so a rally cry to our

Newsletter Editor, John Gorman, Roger Allen et al to do a bit of rhythmic research and let’s bring some quality

stanzas for our readers edification when normality resumes! Yes ….?!!!

STEYNING TOWN


Joined Wessex From Sussex County League Tier One (currently Premier) 2


Moved to (League) Combined Counties Tier Three (2004-2007) 0



League Record:


86/87 T1 32 10 8 14 45 47 -2 37* 11th

87/88 T1 36 6 8 22 24 81 -57 26 17th

Total 68 16 16 36 69 128 -59 63*

* denotes points adjustment

One from Gary’s archives when all the talk around The Shooting Field was a possible move into the Wessex

League.

Date: 28/04/1986 Sussex County League – Division 1 At: The Shooting Field

STEYNING TOWN (1) 2 ARUNDEL (1) 1 Steyning Town: Howells; Gerry, Robinson; Phillips, Rollings, Anderton; Burrows, Perkins, David, Quigg, Deans. Subs (not used): King and Siveyer. Notes: Steyning were challenging for the Sussex County League title and this late season game brought them some welcome points against Arundel. All the pre-match talk seemed to be from locals chatting keenly about a new challenge of a possible move to the new Wessex League which was to be formed in the summer. Most interesting indeed! The programme reported that Danny Deans recently netted his 31st goal of the season to set up a new club goalscoring record. Anyway, on the day it was the Mullets from Arundel who took the lead with an eighth minute goal and a sloppy one from Steyning’s viewpoint as a long ball sent Keith Kirkham on a chase. Home keeper Mark Howells raced out from his goal and completely miskicked his clearance and therefore allowed the visiting player to dribble the ball forward and shoot into a gaping net. Steyning were soon level though and when Arundel’s Stuart Foster put in a bad challenge on Jimmy Quigg, Brighton referee Terry Washington had a simple decision to make and, following treatment to the injured player, up stepped Neale Phillips to score (off the underside of the bar) from the spot. An entertaining affair did veer Steyning’s way when, ten minutes into the second half a cross was headed on at the near post and Quigg scored with a 20-yard shot that went like a bullet into the roof of the Arundel net. Steyning held onto a vital win, helped by having former Brighton defender Andy Rollings in defence, although Arundel were unlucky when Mark Bennett’s shot came off the bar. All the chat on the drive home – could Steyning Town be Wessex bound? With this line-up they looked like potential champions too (see Footnote below). Footnote: Steyning did join the Wessex League and their successful team, beaten only twice in the league in 1985/86 and champions for the second successive season, gradually broke up. They withdrew after two Wessex seasons with the high cost of travelling being an unsurprising factor. They moved to the Combined Counties League before returning to the Sussex County League in 1993. In 2019/20: Steyning Town played in the Premier Division of the Southern Combination League and were in the top division for the first time since leaving for the Wessex League (the Sussex County League having been renamed in 2015).



STOCKBRIDGE



Duration in Wessex 2004 to February 2014 Tier Two (2004 - date) 9

Moved to (League) Withdrew February 2014 Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

One from Gary’s archives when the Robins from Hampshire League Division 1 met Basingstoke Town

Reserves from the Suburban League Premier Division in the final of the North Hants Senior Cup.

Date: 10/04/1999 North Hants Senior Cup - Final At: Longmeadow, Whitchurch

STOCKBRIDGE (2) 4 BASINGSTOKE TOWN RES (1) 3 (after extra time: score after 90 minutes 3-3)

Stockbridge: Whitcher; Hibdidge, S Smith (sub: Andrews 77); Thomson, Savage, Sibley; Nichols, Poultney, R Smith (sub: Collins 84), Sanders, Anderson (sub: Atkins 115).

Notes: The North Hants Senior Cup final often took place on a late season Saturday evening and this was one such occasion with the match having a 7pm start at neutral Whitchurch. Basingstoke would have been the favourites and they got off to a great start when a corner taken by Jamie Scrivens was met by a deft flicked header into the net by Adrian Green. The young Basingstoke side seemed to settle far better but Stockbridge hit back in the 21st minute when Roger Smith headed the ball on to Paul Sanders who took a touch and buried a low shot past the advancing keeper. The two players swapped roles as Stockbridge edged ahead, this time Sanders was the provider, getting to the dead-ball line and pulling back to Roger Smith to hit it first time into the net. Stockbridge held a 2-1 advantage going into the break. This game had a regular twist and turn as within 14 minutes of the re-start ‘Stoke turned the deficit into a lead. Green latched onto a hopeful ball into the box and finished well, firm and low and the same player then posted his hat-trick, having been left unmarked at the far post to head home from Paul Anderson’s free kick. Green was undoubtedly the best forward on the park, not just because he’d scored three goals, but he used the ball intelligently too. Surely now, I thought, the youthful Basingstoke team would go on and complete a resounding win – but what did I know? There was a key part of the game when Tony Cleeve headed just wide of the Robins goal and then keeper Steve Whitcher did well to push a dangerous Scrivens free kick clear and Stockbridge remained in the game. It wasn’t all Basingstoke though as Phil Anderson beat their keeper with a shot but it was cleared off the line. The game moved into the latter stages and sub Barry Andrews crafted the Stockbridge leveller, a pin-point cross supplying Dean Savage who got up well to head into the far corner in the 88th minute. Into extra time and Stockbridge kept competing with the younger opponent. A corner aimed to the far post and was nodded back across goal where Phil Anderson sent a lunging header into goal and his side were back in front again. John Sibley’s effort bounced off the ‘Stoke bar. Stockbridge used their experience well in the second period of extra time with Andrews, a canny campaigner, keeping possession well. Green headed a late chance wide but the hat-trick man would end up on the losing side. What a see-saw game … fitting of a cup final. In 2019/20: Stockbridge played in the Hampshire Premier League – Senior Division.



League Record:


04/05 T2 42 19 9 14 91 71 20 66 8th

05/06 T2 42 18 13 11 82 52 30 67 8th

06/07 T2 36 17 8 11 64 54 10 59 7th

07/08 T2 40 11 12 17 47 61 -14 45 13th

08/09 T2 40 16 12 12 68 66 2 60 10th

09/10 T2 40 16 10 14 81 75 6 58 13th

10/11 T2 36 5 9 22 44 95 -51 24 18th

11/12 T2 34 7 12 15 34 63 -29 33 15th

12/13 T2 30 10 2 18 48 80 -32 32 11th

13/14 T2 0 0 N/A+

Total 340 119 87 134 559 617 -58 444

Note: + denotes club withdrew from the Wessex League in February 2014 having played 13 matches. They

joined the Hampshire Premier League for the next (2014/15) campaign.

Stoneham – can be found under AFC Stoneham

SWANAGE TOWN & HERSTON

Year Formed 1898 – Swanage Albion Total Wessex Seasons 8

Joined Wessex From Western League Tier One (currently Premier) 8

Duration in Wessex 1990 – 1996; 2000 - 2002 Tier Two (2004 - date) 0

Moved to (League) Dorset Combination (x2) Tier Three (2004-2007) 0

League Record:


90/91 T1 38 24 6 8 88 41 47 78 2nd

91/92 T1 36 20 7 9 78 38 40 67 5th

92/93 T1 40 11 11 18 65 78 -13 44 14th

93/94 T1 42 10 7 25 53 89 -36 37 20th

94/95 T1 42 11 6 25 49 112 -63 39 19th

95/96 T1 40 6 4 30 32 138 -106 22 21st

00/01 T1 44 11 4 29 52 123 -71 37 20th

01/02 T1 44 3 6 35 31 174 -143 15 23rd

Total 326 96 51 179 448 793 -345 339

Pictured right is the main

stand at Days Park, the

home of Swanage Town

& Herston



One from Gary’s archives and a trip to Dorchester to watch the Swans in a Dorset Senior Cup tie.

Date: 07/12/2002 Dorset Senior Cup – Round 3 At: Recreation Ground

DORCHESTER UNITED (1) 2 SWANAGE TOWN & HERSTON (2) 4 (after a reduced period of extra time: score at 90 minutes 2-2)

Swanage Town & Herston: Tullock; T White, Viney; Marsh, P Horlock, Knight (sub: R Horlock at half-time); Jones, Turner, Lay, Harrop, Harvey. Sub (not used): D White Notes: A trip to Dorchester where the Swans, back in the Dorset Premier League (DPL) following a two-season spell in the Wessex League, visited Dorset League Senior Division outfit Dorchester United. It was a dark and rather dismal December afternoon in Dorchester. This game was even more interesting in the respect that Swanage were struggling in the DPL and a possible shock result looked on the cards. The attendees were treated to a good game. The Swans went into an early lead when Jacob Harrop was left an open chance that took a couple of deflections before finding the net. United settled and netted a deserved equaliser on 31 minutes. It was Micky Greeno (mentioned in the letter ‘P’ section when playing for Portland United) who got it, fed by a Regan Churchill pass, he struck a blinding 30-yarder that Marcus Tullock in the visitors goal did well to get a touch to, but only helping it on its way. One goal apiece was probably the right outcome going into the break but the Swans regained the lead when a cross was headed out by a defender into the path of Harrop who hit a fine low volley straight in from 18-yards. United pushed hard to get back into the game in the second half and they did so on 61 minutes when Greeno crossed and the tall Brian Leneghan’s header drifted into the far corner. It was now anybody’s game as Harrop hit the bar with a 20-yard drive and Tullock made a good save to deny Andy Cleal’s shot for United. So, at 2-2 it was a case of extra time, but it was clear (or perhaps not so clear!) that the light, never good from the start, was going to cause problems. A Dorset FA official was present, and it was agreed that twelve minutes each-way could be squeezed in. A minute before the change around Rob Lay got a touch to a low cross from the right and Swanage were back in front. Tullock provided a great diving save from Greeno in the second period of extra time and strive as they did, United couldn’t force that third equaliser. With United throwing caution to the wind it was all wrapped up in stoppage time when the ball was played to Lay whose first effort was blocked but he made no mistake with his second chance and Swanage went through. Footnote: There were 43 entries in the Dorset Senior Cup in the 2002/03 campaign and these included Royal Oak Cougars, Barwick & Stoford, Piddletrenthide United and Weymouth Post Office. Dorchester United had defeated Dorset Knob in the previous round. Swanage lost heavily at Bridport at the next stage. But, after all that, the finalists were familiar clubs as Dorchester Town defeated Weymouth 2-0; a game played just a few hundred yards further down the road at the Avenue Stadium.

Errata, from last weeks edition [Number 46], we indicated on page 14 that Ryde Sports disbanded in November 1987, it should of course be 1997, apologies for that.



DATE FOR YOUR DIARY- SUNDAY 28 JUNE

CLUB NEWS

There’s a new Manager at Alresford Town coming in at Arlebury Park is Luke Turkington. He makes the 21 mile trip south west down the A31 having picked up some two year’s experience in the hot seat at Combined Counties Division 1 side Farnham Town. The Surrey side finished 4th in his first year in 2018/19 and last term ended 2nd behind run away leaders Jersey Bulls some twenty points adrift, but ten points clear of third spot. Welcome Luke. Off the pitch, AFC Portchester have officially launched a Supporters Group- The Arancione – you can find them on Twitter at @arancionefans the word comes from Italian for orange. East Cowes Victoria have appointed Ian Potts as new Assistant Manager, to work alongside Manager Richie Woodburn at Beatrice Avenue.

WESSEX AT WEMBLEY

At the start of the season SHOLING had returned to the Wessex League, were promptly installed as favourites for the League Title and justified that position by amassing 104 points and topping the table.

Four hundred or so miles north WEST AUCKLAND were setting out on another season in the Northern League. Thoughts of the FA Vase? The North East side had been successful in reaching the Final two years earlier, and then fallen at the first hurdle a season later, while Sholing must have considered a good run in the Vase a distinct possibility. Both sides entered the Competition in the First Round with SHOLING making the short journey to Winchester and coming away with a single goal victory. WEST AUCKLAND were drawn at home to South Shields, a Division lower in the Northern League, and cruised into the next round, scoring five without reply. Extremely close derbies were on the menu for both in Round Two with SHOLING travelling a couple of miles south to Hamble and defeating Follands by the odd goal in three. WEST AUCKLAND entertained Shildon from four miles down the road and won one nil over a side who were to finish in third place in the Northern League First Division table at the season’s end. The trend continued in Round Three with SHOLING drawn away again while

WEST AUCKLAND enjoyed a third successive home tie. SHOLING faced Hellenic League opposition and a trip to Tilehurst in Reading and enjoyed a comfortable four one victory over Reading Town who sadly have since folded. It was Northern League against Northern League again for WEST AUCKLAND with a visit from the delightfully named Billingham Synthonia with the home side coming out on top by two goals to one. Thankfully for SHOLING the positions were reversed in Round Four with them receiving a welcome home tie and WEST AUCKLAND having to travel. Sholing found themselves facing completely unknown opposition in Hullbridge Sports from the Essex Senior League. Hullbridge itself is some ten miles north of Southend but despite a fighting performance they went down by three goals to one - two goals from Lee Wort and one

The AGM this year will be held on line through video conferencing. Clubs have been emailed, as regards this and who will attend for their club, with the contact details for that nominee being requested.

Clubs will have to reply within seven days of receipt. Please make sure you do.



from Byron Mason – as Sholing took another step along the Vase trail. WEST AUCKLAND met yet another Northern League side – the FA’S totally unwarranted predilection for pairing sides from the same League together very much in evidence – and they also recorded a three one win after making the thirty mile journey to Whickham. Round Five and both sides were drawn against Western League opposition. SHOLING found themselves paired with Larkhall. The Bath based side had defeated Newport in the Second Round and were on their way to the Western League Title and promotion to the Southern League. The game was every bit as tight as expected in front of just over 300 spectators and went to extra time before Lee Wort scored what was to be the only goal of the game to ensure a quarter final place. WEST AUCKLAND, playing their fourth of five ties at home welcomed Hallen to the North East – a long haul from Bristol – and made sure of their own place in the last eight with a two nil victory. The Quarter Final draw paired SHOLING with Wisbech Town from Cambridgeshire whilst WEST AUCKLAND again faced local and well known, to them, opposition with a visit to Gateshead based Dunston UTS. Wisbech had moved from the Eastern Counties League to the United Counties League in the close season and their visit to Southampton meant they had been away in every round including a 4th Round trip to Ashington in the far North East. As with the previous tie against Larkhall the match was decided by a single Lee Wort goal, though this time in the first half rather than extra time. The meeting between West Auckland and Dunston was the third in the Vase in three seasons. Dunston had triumphed in the Final at Wembley in 2011/12 and then won 5-0 in the second round the following season so revenge was certainly on the West Auckland menu and was achieved with a no doubt very hard won single goal victory. One step left to reach Wembley though that should perhaps be two as the semi-finals are played over two Legs. In terms of the Vase SHOLING drew relatively local opponents with the home leg first against Eastbourne United Association. The Sussex side were actually in Division Two of the Southern Combination but had showed their Premier Division credentials by winning the League. 562 people found their way to Portsmouth Road and saw the home side take the lead through an own goal before a penalty bought the scores level on the stroke of half time. Eastbourne put their noses in front after the hour but concerted Sholing pressure eventually produced an equaliser from Mike Carter with seven minutes left, but the pressure could not produce a winner. On to Sussex a week later and an attendance in excess of 1400 saw a game full of goals – unusual for any semi-final. Sholing took the game to their hosts from the start and an own goal plus strikes from Mike Carter and Byron Mason saw them three up at the break but it was not game over as the home side then scored twice – with Sholing having a goal disallowed in between times – before a Lee Wort finish four minutes from time ensured a trip down Wembley Way. WEST AUCKLAND’s final hurdle was in the shape of St Andrews FC from Aylestone, a suburb of Leicester, who played then in the East Midlands Counties League. West Auckland were also favoured with a home draw but, like Sholing, could not make the advantage count in a goalless draw. But, again like Sholing, they produced the goods when it mattered with a two one win taking them to Wembley again. Wembley looked lovely in the sunshine but, with respect to all, like a lot of Finals it was not the greatest of games. Sholing had slightly the better of an even first half but could not find the finish leaving their own Matt Brown as the busier keeper. The sunshine turned to rain and Sholing began to pose the greater treat with Marvin McClean finally breaking the deadlock some twenty minutes from time. This inevitably caused West Auckland to raise their game but Sholing stood firm and the sun was shining again as the referee blew the final whistle on a great afternoon for Dave Diaper, Sholing and Hampshire football. The Sholing line up was:- Matt Brown; Tyrone Bowers, Pete Castle, Lee Bright and Marc Diaper: Barry Mason, Mike Carter Lewis Fennemore and Marvin McClean: Byron Mason and Lee Wort. - Kevin Brewster, Dan Miller and Alex Sawyer replaced Bowers, Castle and Fennemore during the course of the game with Ashley Jarvis and Nick Watts unused substitutes.

A long to be remembered day for many. Thanks to Greg Dickson for the information that has helped make this more readable.



VICS’ VASE WOES CONTINUE

This week’s Programme, from the not too distant past, takes us back over to the Island and an FA Vase tie involving opposition from a different League which is always more enjoyable. The venue was Beatrice Avenue and the opposition Calne Town from Wiltshire and the Western League, For reasons I cannot recall I made the journey across the Solent as a foot passenger on the Car Ferry and whilst awaiting the promised lift up to the Ground (only twenty minutes Darren) the visiting coach passed containing not only the team but a fair few vociferous supports obviously enjoying a good day out in the Island sunshine.

The FA Vase has not been kind to Vics over the years. It was now season 2017/18 and their last victory, and indeed last goal, in the competition had been in 2010/11. Seven years without success or, in cricketing terminology, troubling the scorers. Calne were members of the Western League Division One, the same level as Vics and both clubs finished in the lower reaches of their respective Leagues at the season’s end so in many ways it was all to play for. The game was end to end, although without too much threat on goal, until Calne took the lead midway through the half to the delight of their travelling support who made up a fair proportion of the total attendance, Without being disrespectful the game was not helped by some strange refereeing. The appointed Official was, I think, Spanish, and seemingly spoke very little English therefore had no real meaningful contact with the players, added to that some of his decisions baffled the players let alone the spectators, so unfortunately the game never actually flowed. The score remained one nil to the visitors at the break and it is here that

my memory may be open to question. My match report was lost in a subsequent major laptop disintegration but as I recall Calne scored twice more within ten minutes of the re-start before a late Jordan Browne goal ensured Vics got on the scoresheet and broke the long run of goalless ties. But it was too late to alter the end result and Vics had fallen at the first Vase hurdle again. The respected Vics chairman told me that the game was actually being played on “royal soil” through Queen Victoria’s association with the area, so it was perhaps rather fitting that two of the Calne goals were scored by Stuart Windsor - for it is difficult to find a more royal name! A first class Programme issued on the day and despite the result a very enjoyable afternoon at one of the most hospitable Clubs in the League. Calne lost 1-0 at home to Downton in the next round while Vics were left to try again the following season. And I walked back down to the Ferry!

WEEK FORTY THREE THE LAST WORDS

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