sydenhams football league news 2019/20 ......saturday, 30 may 2020 page 1 of 13 sydenhams football...

Saturday, 30 May 2020 of 13

SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS 2019/20 EDITION NUMBER 48

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of your Newsletter, if you have anything to contribute, please do get in touch by email- [email protected] You can keep up to date with all the news from around the League by following us on Twitter at - @Sydwessex You are more than welcome to use any material (excluding attributed photographs) but it would be appreciated if any material used is acknowledged. It is hoped you enjoy reading this each week. With readership quite widespread, not only within our own competition, but across the three counties and beyond- if ANY club has anything they’d like to have published in here, whether that be a request for helpers, promotion of forthcoming events, items required or available for sale please contact the Newsletter Editor. As a general reminder- Match Reports, player news and photos are always welcome- it is your Newsletter!

mailto:[email protected]



BEST FA CUP VICTORIES- CURRENT MEMBER CLUBS

TEAM SEASON STAGE OPPONENTS SCORE

AFC PORTCHESTER 2013/14 1st Qualifying Horndean 5-0

AFC STONEHAM 2018/19 Extra Preliminary Replay AFC Portchester 3-0

ALRESFORD TOWN 2009/10 Extra Preliminary Shaftesbury 8-0

ALTON 2011/12 Extra Preliminary Replay New Milton Town 6-0

AMESBURY TOWN 2017/18 Extra Preliminary Eversley & California 4-0

ANDOVER NEW STREET 2018/19 Extra Preliminary Romsey Town 4-0

ANDOVER TOWN 2016/17 Extra Preliminary Royal Wootton Bassett Town 5-2

BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS 2018/19 Extra Preliminary Tadley Calleva 3-1

BASHLEY 1988/89 2nd Qualifying Pagham 4-3

BEMERTON HEATH H’QUINS 1992/93 1st Qualifying Abingdon United 5-0

BOURNEMOUTH 2002/03 Preliminary Round Bridgwater Town 3-0

BROCKENHURST 2007/08 1st Qualifying Replay Wootton Bassett Town 5-1

CHRISTCHURCH 2019/20 Extra Preliminary Amesbury Town 7-2

COWES SPORTS 2003/04 Preliminary Round North Leigh 5-0

DOWNTON 2000/01 Preliminary Round Bournemouth 4-0

EAST COWES VICTORIA 2012/13 Extra Preliminary Verwood Town 3-2

FAREHAM TOWN 2016/17 Preliminary Round Replay Verwood Town 4-0

FAWLEY AFC - - - -

FLEET TOWN 2019/20 Preliminary Round Baffins Milton Rovers 3-0

FOLLAND SPORTS 2014/15 Preliminary Round AFC Portchester 4-1

HAMBLE CLUB 2019/20 Extra Preliminary Romsey Town 5-1

HAMWORTHY UNITED 2011/12 Extra Preliminary Elmore 5-1

HORNDEAN 2013/14 Extra Preliminary Calne Town 7-2

HYTHE & DIBDEN 2019/20 Preliminary Round Horndean 2-1

LAVERSTOCK & FORD 2010/11 Extra Preliminary Hook Norton 6-1

LYMINGTON TOWN 2009/10 Extra Preliminary Harrow Hill 6-0

NEW MILTON TOWN 2003/04 2nd Qualifying Clevedon United 8-2

NEWPORT (IOW) 2014/15 Preliminary Round Winterbourne United 5-2

PETERSFIELD TOWN 2013/14 Extra Preliminary Blackfield & Langley 4-3

PORTLAND UNITED 2002/03 Extra Preliminary Welton Rovers 6-2

RINGWOOD TOWN 2010/11 Extra Preliminary Cowes Sports 5-0

ROMSEY TOWN 1991/92 2nd Qualifying Selsey 6-1

SHAFTESBURY 2018/19 Extra Preliminary Wells City 5-2

SOLENT UNIVERSITY FC 2016/17 Extra Preliminary Lydney Town 6-0

TADLEY CALLEVA 2013/14 Extra Preliminary Ascot United -

TOTTON & ELING 2009/10 Extra Preliminary Lydney Town 5-0

US PORTSMOUTH 2018/19 Extra Preliminary Andover Town 5-2

VERWOOD TOWN 2016/17 Extra Preliminary Replay Hengrove Athletic 3-1

WHITCHURCH UNITED 2003/04 Extra Preliminary Blackfield & Langley 4-3



In the instances of clubs achieving their highest win on several occasions only the most recent record is shown in this table. Supplementary notes to accompany the best results table-

ALTON The Cup games were when the club was known as Alton Town.

AMESBURY TOWN Only the second win in the Competition.

EAST COWES VICTORIA The Verwood win is the only success in the competition.

FAWLEY AFC Sadly, the club have yet to win in the FA Cup after six attempts.

LYMINGTON TOWN The win over Harrow Hill was played at Bashley.

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

SOLENT UNIVERSITY FC The win at Lydney is the only win enjoyed by the club.

TADLEY CALLEVA The club have yet to "win" in the FA Cup but were "awarded" this win.

US PORTSMOUTH The victory over Andover was played at AFC Portchester.

GOAL BONANZA

SEASON HOME RESULT AWAY TOTAL

2004-2005 Yateley Green 0-16 Farnborough North End 16

2009-2010 Whitchurch United 14-1 Shaftesbury 15

2000-2001 Andover 14-1 Swanage Town & Herston 15

1994-1995 Fleet Town 15-0 Petersfield Town 15

2019-2020 Portland United 12-2 Amesbury Town 14

2016-2017 Hamble Club 14-0 East Cowes Victoria 14

2013-2014 Petersfield Town 14-0 Andover New Street 14

2005-2006 Horndean 5-9 Downton 14

2013-2014 Sholing 12-1 Downton 13

2006-2007 Hythe & Dibden 8-5 Petersfield Town 13

2004-2005 Colden Common 12-1 QK Southampton 13

2017-2018 Alton 8-4 Ringwood Town 12

2016-2017 Christchurch 11-1 Pewsey Vale 12

2013-2014 Newport IOW 12-0 Christchurch 12

2013-2014 New Milton Town 10-2 Fleet Spurs 12

2013-2014 United Services Portsmouth 7-5 Stockbridge 12

2009-2010 Amesbury Town 9-3 Andover New Street 12

2007-2008 Farnborough North End 12-0 Andover New Street 12

2006-2007 Fawley 6-6 East Cowes Victoria 12

2005-2006 Micheldever 4-8 Fleet Spurs 12

2004-2005 Hayling United 12-0 Yateley Green 12

2004-2005 Micheldever 10-2 Yateley Green 12

2004-2005 Liss Athletic 9-3 Shaftesbury 12

2004-2005 Christchurch 6-6 Cowes Sports 12

2003-2004 Winchester City 9-3 Andover 12

1999-2000 Andover 12-0 Portsmouth Royal Navy 12

1992-1993 AFC Lymington 11-1 Romsey Town 12

All those high scoring games from the start of the Wessex League back in 1986/87 found in one place. By way of reference, there have been 39 games where 11 goals have been scored, and a further 86 with 10 goals.



IN OTHER WORDS #5

1 CAR SMOCK

2 GOOD LAWMEN

3 I EVACUATE BERNE

4 LONE VALE

5 OUR MASTODON PATH

6 POT WARY

7 RAW PORK SLAB

8 SAD SPONGY RUB

9 TREETOP PRANK

10 TREK PAST

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

TADLEY CALLEVA

League Record:

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

04/05 T3 38 21 7 10 84 43 41 70 8th

05/06 T3 30 16 4 10 52 40 12 52 7th

06/07 T3 30 23 5 2 103 33 70 74 2nd

07/08 T2 40 33 3 4 134 45 89 102 1st

08/09 T2 40 11 6 23 66 102 -36 39 16th

09/10 T2 40 12 11 17 68 75 -7 47 15th

10/11 T2 36 11 3 22 69 101 -32 36 16th

11/12 T2 34 8 4 22 39 82 -43 28 17th

12/13 T2 30 15 3 12 69 45 24 48 7th

13/14 T2 30 15 7 8 64 43 21 52 5th

14/15 T2 28 20 3 5 86 33 53 63 3rd

15/16 T2 34 22 6 6 98 41 57 72 3rd

16/17 T2 40 20 8 12 79 58 21 68 7th

17/18 T2 34 22 4 8 96 45 51 70 3rd

18/19 T1 38 14 10 14 61 68 -7 52 8th

Total 522 263 84 175 1168 854 314 873

Identify the Wessex League

ground- answers below

Answers to Number 4.

1, Bashley Road; 2, Cams Alders; 3, Grigg Lane; 4, Calthorpe

Park; 5, Fiveheads Park; 6, Bonnymead Park; 7, Moon Park;

8, Victoria Park; 9, Arlebury Park; 10, Westwood Park

T 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 is now in the home straight. 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.



Year Formed 1989 – Tadley FC Total Wessex Seasons 15

Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 1

Duration in Wessex 2004 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 11

Current Member Premier Division Tier Three (2004-2007) 3

Note – when the club joined the Wessex League in 2004 they also changed their name from Tadley Town.

One from Gary’s archives. When Tadley Calleva were awaiting their move to Barlows Park they used an

outside pitch at the ground of neighbouring AFC Aldermaston.

Date: 17/03/2007 Wessex League – Division 2 At: AWE Aldermaston (pitch 2)

TADLEY CALLEVA (2) 4 BAT SPORTS 0 Tadley Calleva: Maunder; Perry, Smith; Stockwell, Oatway, Worsfold; Blenkarn (sub: Johnson 70) Chapman, Aldridge (sub: Blake 60), Chambers, Walker (sub: Childs 60). Sub (not used): Jeffrey

Notes: This was first against second in the division and if BAT were going to catch their opponents, who were well placed with matches in hand, then they needed to win this one. The trend of this game was set early on and didn’t really swing any other way as Tadley dominated. Tyronne Aldridge had two chances for Tadley early in the game whilst BAT’s Luke Chapman had an effort saved by Darren Maunder in the home net but this proved to be their only worthwhile effort on goal in the afternoon. Tadley took the lead on 23 minutes when the dangerous Aldridge was tripped by Dave Vivier and Luke Walker sent BAT keeper Nick Cremin the wrong way from the penalty spot. Lee Chambers should have increased the Tadley lead but shot wide but a second goal materialised in first half stoppage time when Gary Blenkarn challenged the keeper, the ball went loose and Chambers shot in. Aldridge netted a well-deserved goal ten minutes into the second half when Maunder’s drop-kick got a touch on and sat up nicely for him to strike firmly home from 25-yards. It was pretty comfortable for Tadley from there as a few petty niggles crept into the game. Ashley Childs came close late in the match, but the substitute did score, getting clear and a tidy finish from Dan Oatway’s header on. Footnote: Fleetlands caught Tadley to take the top spot in Wessex Division 2 at the end of this campaign but it proved to be the last season of the league’s third tier. As well as runners-up Tadley, AFC Portchester (4th), BAT Sports (5th), Fleet Spurs (11th), Whitchurch United (12th) and AFC Aldermaston (13th) had (or were going to have) the facilities to remain in the league. BAT did have ground uncertainties but were able to satisfy the league that they could remain at their ground until a move was made (which proved to be the case). The champions and eight other clubs in Division 2, who could not satisfy ground grading requirements going forward, moved to the newly formed Hampshire Premier League for the 2007/08 season.

Team Solent – can be found under Solent University FC

THATCHAM TOWN

Year Formed 1894 Total Wessex Seasons 20

Joined Wessex From London Spartan League Tier One (currently Premier) 20

Duration in Wessex 1986-2006 Tier Two (2004 - date) 0

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



League Record:


86/87 T1 32 15 6 11 53 33 20 51 6th

87/88 T1 36 14 7 15 50 53 -3 49 11th

88/89 T1 32 17 7 8 60 26 34 58 4th

89/90 T1 36 15 12 9 56 45 11 57 7th

90/91 T1 38 19 11 8 68 32 36 68 6th

91/92 T1 36 22 4 10 85 45 40 70 3rd

92/93 T1 40 24 10 6 104 45 59 82 4th

93/94 T1 42 25 7 10 96 51 45 82 4th

94/95 T1 42 29 9 4 104 44 60 96 3rd

95/96 T1 40 28 8 4 73 27 46 92 1st

96/97 T1 40 26 5 9 91 45 46 79* 3rd

97/98 T1 38 16 6 16 64 54 10 54 10th

98/99 T1 38 23 9 6 92 46 46 78 2nd

99/00 T1 40 15 7 18 62 69 -7 52 13th

00/01 T1 44 24 9 11 81 58 23 81 6th

01/02 T1 44 19 8 17 94 77 17 65 12th

02/03 T1 42 18 13 11 68 58 10 67 9th

03/04 T1 42 16 10 16 70 72 -2 58 10th

04/05 T1 42 24 13 5 95 51 44 85 3rd

05/06 T1 42 29 7 6 92 37 55 94 2nd

Total 786 418 168 200 1558 968 590 1418*

* denotes points adjustment

One from Gary’s archives when Thatcham had moved back to step 5 in the National League System but not

to the Wessex League but to the Hellenic League.

Date: 27/10/2015 Hellenic League – Premier Division At: Waterside Park

THATCHAM TOWN (3) 7 BRACKLEY TOWN SAINTS (0) 2 Thatcham Town: Rackley; Hughes, Browne (sub: Jewell 84); Melledew, Thomas, Moran; Baines, Gerrard, Helmore, Morris (sub: Steward 81), Willmoth (sub: Burt 71). Subs (not used): Mackie and Taplin

Notes: Thatcham got off to a flyer on three minutes when Josh Helmore netted with a low shot and in off the inside of the post. It was looking like a long night for Saints, even before Thatcham were awarded a 14th minute penalty when Callum Willmoth was tripped in the box but the visitors were reprieved as their keeper Dan Farrell parried both Adam Morris’ spot-kick and his follow up effort. The Kingfishers second goal came on 37 minutes when Tom Melledew’s pass found Morris who belied a tight angle to shoot home. Helmore and Melledew went close for the home side but a third goal was added in first half stoppage time when Josh Baines got past Farrell on the right and, despite the keeper’s recovery, he neatly slotted the ball home. Thatcham went 4-0 in front five minutes after the restart, Morris providing the assist to Baines who was clear, he attempted an audacious flick over Farrell, the keeper got a touch but it dropped into the net. Saints contributed to Thatcham’s fifth goal, a defender took a poor touch on receiving the ball from his keeper and Helmore seized upon it and coolly finished past the luckless Farrell. Saints got a goal back in the 68th minute through Josh Bowden, his initial close-range header came off keeper Chris Rackley but it fell back to him to nod home. Thatcham looked for more goals but a Gareth Thomas header from Morris’



corner was cleared off the line. Saints made it 5-2 on 79 minutes when possession was lost and Matt Hammond netted. But the Kingfishers were back on the hunt for goals in the closing minutes. The busy Farrell made a good save to deny Jordan Seward but it was that man Helmore who scored twice more. First, he hit a fancy overhead kick that went in off the post (and not a bad way to complete your hat-trick) and Helmore then took a pass from Chris Gerrard and placed it beautifully into the Saints net. Soon after, a miserable night weather-wise and a similar one on the field for Brackley Town Saints, came to an end. Footnote: Brackley Town Saints were fifth in the Hellenic League Premier Division when it was halted due to the Coronavirus outbreak and, for financial reasons, they became one of the first clubs to announce they were discontinuing. Hopefully not too many other clubs will follow suit before football is eventually restarted.

TOTTON & ELING

League Record:


89/90(a) T1 36 21 7 8 74 35 39 70 3rd

90/91(a) T1 38 16 10 12 54 48 6 58 8th

91/92(a) T1 36 9 4 23 41 57 -16 31 16th

92/93(a) T1 40 9 9 22 59 83 -24 36 18th

93/94(a) T1 42 17 10 15 66 66 0 61 9th

94/95(a) T1 42 15 8 19 62 82 -20 53 13th

95/96(a) T1 40 10 12 18 44 58 -14 42 15th

96/97(a) T1 40 8 9 23 43 74 -31 33 19th

97/98(a) T1 38 12 7 19 60 82 -22 43 14th

98/99(a) T1 38 10 13 15 55 65 -10 43 15th

99/00(a) T1 40 24 8 8 88 48 40 80 5th

00/01(a) T1 44 14 10 20 52 75 -23 52 13th

01/02(a) T1 44 13 8 23 46 67 -21 47 19th

02/03(a) T1 42 18 6 18 57 65 -8 60 11th

03/04(a) T1 42 13 7 22 57 68 -11 46 15th

04/05(a) T1 42 17 12 13 63 60 3 63 9th

05/06(a) T1 42 10 6 26 61 109 -48 36 18th

06/07(a) T3 30 15 6 9 61 49 12 51 5th

07/08 T2 40 22 8 10 80 50 30 74 5th

08/09 T2 40 31 8 1 124 34 90 100* 1st

09/10 T1 42 22 8 12 69 52 17 74 7th

10/11 T1 42 11 9 22 67 88 -21 42 18th

11/12 T1 42 17 8 17 80 77 3 59 11th

12/13 T1 40 14 8 18 66 81 -15 50 12th

13/14 T1 42 12 0 30 54 117 -63 36 18th

14/15 T1 40 8 7 25 53 107 -54 31 20th

15/16 T2 34 9 4 21 67 72 -5 31 15th

16/17 T2 40 12 11 17 64 68 -4 47 15th

17/18 T2 34 9 6 19 55 82 -27 33 14th

18/19 T2 36 6 7 23 48 80 -32 25 19th

Total 1188 424 236 528 1870 2099 -229 1507*

* denotes points adjustment. (a) denotes as BAT FC or BAT Sports FC.



Year Formed 1925 – Bramtoco FC Total Wessex Seasons 30

Joined Wessex From Hampshire League Tier One (currently Premier) 23

Duration in Wessex 1989 to date Tier Two (2004 - date) 6

Current Member Division 1 Tier Three (2004-2007) 1

One from Gary’s archives when the club won the Russell-Cotes Cup for the first time, under their previous

guise of BAT.

Date: 16/05/1990 Russell-Cotes Cup - Final At: Ten Acres EASTLEIGH (1) 1 BAT (0) 3

BAT: Bowers; Felton, Dempsey; Hayward, S Hurst, Baxter; Burdle, Russell (sub: Pike 67), Palmer (sub: Brett 81), Wells, R Hurst. Sub (not used): Maton Notes: This was a strange game as Eastleigh outplayed a very ordinary looking BAT side for well over an hour and had they turned superiority into goals then the rest of the game would have been no more than an academic exercise. All they had to show for their efforts was a single goal lead, given to them by an excellent strike by Cliff De-Gordon who sent a fine lob over Paul Bowers in the BAT goal. But it all turned sour as BAT finished up with what appeared to be a comfortable win. The equaliser came on 67 minutes when Richie Hurst shot through a ruck of players and into goal after Eastleigh had failed to clear effectively. With eleven minutes remaining the Tobacco Men took the lead when substitute Julian Pike followed the ball home after an initial shot had come back to him from Eastleigh keeper Julian Viggars. Andy Palmer completed the scoring with five minutes remaining. This capped a great first season in the Wessex League for the Totton-based BAT club as a third-place finish was capped with this cup victory. Footnote: Third place at the end of their first season remains BAT/ Totton & Eling’s best finish in the top tier of the Wessex League.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY- SUNDAY 28 JUNE .

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.

Answers to Number 5- 1, Cockrams; 2, Longmeadow; 3, Beatrice Avenue; 4, Love Lane; 5, Southampton Road;

6, Portway; 7, Barlows Park; 8, Bypass Ground; 9, Potterne Park; 10, Test Park



WESSEX AT WEMBLEY PART FOUR We have covered the three occasions when Wessex League Clubs triumphed in Vase Finals and we now look back at the 2006-07 FA Vase when AFC Totton fell at the final hurdle, though that in no way diminishes their achievement in reaching the Final. Totton had finished fourth in the Wessex League the previous season, were pipped on goal difference in the season in question and gained promotion twelve months later. Their opponents, Truro City, had won the South Western League the previous season, won Western Division One as well as the Vase and followed that with the Western Premier Division and the Southern League West to achieve four consecutive promotions. All this funded by a Benefactor but the story had the usual ending – in time the money run out! In theory Truro were a level below Totton but such was their playing strength the difference in status counted for nothing. TRURO started one Round earlier than Totton with a Visit from fellow Cornish Club Wadebridge Town in the Second Qualifying Round and eased to a five one victory over the South Western League side. The First Round Proper saw both Clubs drawn at home with TOTTON playing host to Chipping Norton Town from the Hellenic Premier League. A 4-0 defeat did nothing for the Oxfordshire side and their season worsened to the extent that the Club withdrew from the League without completing their fixtures and now play in the Witney and District League (Division 3). Bitton, from Bristol- and a familiar name to some readers, and the Western League Premier Division, made the journey down to TRURO but were defeated by the odd goal in three despite being a Division higher. Both Clubs again came out of the hat with a home draw in Round Two and both were confronted with local opposition. Gosport Borough travelled the A27 to TOTTON and made the return journey with a 4-1 loss to ponder, but in a sense they had the last laugh as they pipped Totton for the Wessex League Title on goal difference – theirs being a mere two goals better. TRURO welcomed another Cornish side, St. Blazey, to Treyew Road with their visitors going on to win the South Western League (for a 13th time no less!) and they gave Truro a difficult afternoon before going down by the odd goal in five. Round Three and more local opposition for TOTTON as Moneyfields re-traced Gosport’s steps and achieved a marginally better result, losing 3-0. TRURO meanwhile took to the road for the first time and visited Wessex Country and Lymington in particular where a single goal win ensured their continued progress in the Competition as Lymington failed to build on a fine win over Frome Town in the previous round. Round Four and a first away trip for TOTTON as they headed for Potton in Bedfordshire and something of a commentator’s nightmare – Potton v Totton. The home Club were in the United Counties League, finishing fourth at the end of the season, and it was a hard fought 2-1 victory for the Stags. TRURO were drawn at home with their opponents making probably the longest journey of the Competition that season. Newcastle Benfield, as the name suggests, come from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and any form of regionalisation in the Draw had obviously gone out of the window as they endured a nine hundred miles round trip – and lost 3-1. Their name was actually Newcastle Benfield (Bay Plastics) but they dropped the bracketed part at the end of the season after finishing fifth place in the Northern League. With Round Five next up the Quarter Finals were in sight and TOTTON found themselves on the road again with a trip to Suffolk to meet Ipswich Wanderers who played in the village of Rushmere, just outside Ipswich itself. This was the furthest that the home side had ever progressed in the Vase but the run came to an end as Totton triumphed, as per the previous round, by the odd goal in three. TRURO were also away with a visit to Gloucestershire and Hellenic League side Slimbridge who had perhaps caused a few raised eyebrows by overcoming the always fancied Whitley Bay in the Previous Round. Slimbridge itself is best known for its association with Sir Peter Scott and what are known as the Slimbridge Wetlands and the football Club enjoyed a successful season. However, the Vase run came to an end as Truro score three times without reply but they finished as Champions of the Hellenic League and gained promotion to the Southern League – only to withdraw just before the season started and return to Gloucestershire County Football- in the Northern Senior Division. The last eight and the new Wembley Arch almost in sight, and the draw again could be called in to question by those with suspicious minds. Eight Clubs from seven different Leagues with the Wessex League the only



one boasting two Clubs – so inevitably they were drawn together! TOTTON versus Wimborne. The two League meetings had ended in a draw and a Wimborne victory and the Dorset side had scored thirteen goals in reaching this stage of the Competition but it was Totton who came out on top on the day, winning by two goals to one for the third tie in a row. TRURO had a long haul along the South Coast to Sussex and Brighton in particular for a meeting with Whitehawk, who were to finish runners up in the Sussex League and have since climbed a couple of levels in the Pyramid. Games at this stage of the Competition are always going to be close affairs and this was no exception, a single goal sending the Cornish side in to the last four. The semi-finals over two legs and a hefty away trip for both sides. TOTTON came out of the hat first with Billingham Synthonia from Teesside their opponents with the first leg at home. In reaching this stage the Northern League club had only played once away from home, and that was only forty miles down the road, but they travelled south and on what they described as a “bumpy and uneven surface” scored a goal in the eighty sixth minute to return home with a 2-1 victory and an advantage for the second leg. Totton in turn made the three hundred mile journey and made the best possible start by scoring in the first minute. They added a second ten minutes from time only or the home side to score in stoppage time to force a further thirty minutes. This bought no further goals, though Billingham missed a penalty, and Totton triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shoot out to make the long journey home a no doubt happy affair. Local Press reports suggested Totton’s pink shirts did not go down to well with the hard boiled Northerners! TRURO also headed north, the first leg being away, to Curzon Ashton in Greater Manchester which was a mere three hundred and thirty miles from the Cornish city. The Mancunians scored the only goal of the game but in the second leg, seven days later, Truro secured a three one victory to claim their place at Wembley.

The 13th May, hopefully not an omen, and an overcast and occasionally damp day for the second Final to be played at the new Wembley, preceded only by the Stevenage Kidderminster Trophy encounter 24 hours earlier. An attendance of 27,754 – a record for a Vase Final – made the walk along Wembley Way with the Totton colours possibly more in evidence. The game was very even from the outset before, to the delight of those from Hampshire, Danny Potter put Totton ahead after twenty eight minutes. If you score first hold the advantage until the break is an oft quoted maxim but that was not to be as Truro found an equaliser a minute before the break through Kevin Wills to perhaps give themselves a psychological advantage. Mike Gosney saw a shot cleared off the line but it was Truro who went in front for the first time just ten minutes in to the half with Wills again being the marksman. The free scoring Stewart Yetton; 219 goals in 309 appearances for Truro- hit the bar with a header before the game was effectively settled six minutes from time by a third Truro goal, this time from Joe Broad and the FA Vase headed to Cornwall for the first time. A press report from the day stated that “neither side defended well but both made chances at the other

end, the difference being that Truro took theirs.” The AFC Totton line up was:- Iain Brunnschweiler, Kevin Reacord, Matt Troon, Danny Potter, Ross Bottomley, Jamie Austen, James Roden, Mike Gosney, Fouad Hamodu. Mark Osman and Gareth Byers. Dave Goss, Richard Gregory and Lee Stevens came on in the second half whilst Richard Zammit and Joe McCormack were unused substitutes. A disappointing outcome in terms of the result for Totton but a wonderful experience and a financially rewarding day. My thanks to an anonymous donor (at his request) for information that greatly improved the above. Will there be a part five, sometime in the near future? Let’s hope so.



A LONG WAY – FOR VERY LITTLE! This weeks Programme piece does not relate to our League -apologies – but rather is a follow up on the Vase article above and a trip to one of Football’s “outposts”, Truro City. In season 2008-09 Truro took their place in the Southern League South and West Division having been Champions of the Western League the previous season. Their inclusion did not meet with universal approval – the close season League Meeting was acrimonious to say the least with Clubs voicing their disapproval of the travel and cost – one Club threatened to sign on a local Cornish Youth team for the visit there and not attend themselves in any shape or form - but the FA, for once, stuck to their guns and Truro took their place. Andover’s first meeting with the Cornish newcomers came on a Tuesday evening in November at the Portway and did not really go very well. In all honesty, and strange as it may sound, Andover did not play badly – they had played worse and won – but Truro were absolutely superb on the night winning by nine goals to one. As their Secretary said afterwards “that was always going to happen at some stage this season and unfortunately it happened to you”. [Ed- I was at that one…Andover’s goal a 78th minute consolation by Jamie Barron. The White Tigers were helped by a Stewart Yetton hat trick and Shane Tolley hitting a brace- with singles from Joe Broad, Andy Taylor, Matt Hockley and Scott Walker]

Forward to Saturday February 14th and the return meeting between the two Clubs. We left Andover by coach at 08.00 – fortunately for February it was a pleasant day in terms of the weather – but I am not sure we went with revenge in mind – self-preservation was probably more to the point. A good journey down and we were at the ground by 12.30 and were treated superbly throughout our stay. Manager Mick Catlin was “suited and booted” in the stand rather than track suited in the dugout due to pointing out the error of a referee’s ways after an earlier game – the Authorities backed the referee. The Andover line-up included Rory Williams, who has since gone on to greater things with such as Gosport Borough and Havant & Waterlooville, Jamie Barron, current Winchester City kingpin, Lloyd Webber and present Lymington boss Dave Lewis. At the time, some two thirds of the way through the season, AFC Totton topped the table by two points from Truro and Windsor & Eton, despite having visited Truro seven days earlier and been defeated 2-0 in front of an attendance of 636. Mick made the strange (sorry Mick) decision to leave skipper Bobby Swayne, the epitome of all Andover was about, on the

bench but memory suggests that his side gave a decent display before two late goals meant a 4-0 score line in favour of the home side and three more points as they moved on to be Champions, two points clear of Windsor and three ahead of Totton. From there they went straight through to the Conference South, meaning four successive promotions, but the money ran out though in fairness the club has largely recovered though the long suggested building of a new ground shows no signs of coming to fruition. Even then there worries with one Home Official saying “everybody was taking the owner for a ride, nobody did anything for nothing”. Another memory of the day is one of the Andover Officials downing a meal at each stop as well as tucking in to the hospitality before and after the game, not to mention half time! We arrived back at Andover at 10.00 pm – fourteen hours for ninety minutes football but as a one off it was enjoyable – and at least it was a Saturday. I seem to recall our esteemed Editor went down there on a midweek evening with Bournemouth [Spoiler alert- you’ll have to wait until next week for that one…].



CLUB NEWS Folland Sports require an enthusiastic new Club Secretary to handle administrative matters for our Wessex League One and Hampshire Combination teams. The club also anticipate entering an under 18s team in the CSYL. This provides an exciting opportunity to take a route into local football administration with a very long-established and respected club. The outgoing secretary, in his continuing role at the club as Treasurer, will provide all necessary instruction and support to the successful candidate. Would those interested please contact Jason Simmonds (Vice Chairman) on 07920 513552 or [email protected] Whilst talking things secretarial, Tadley Calleva Have unveiled Wayne Chivers as new Secretary, currently in a similar role with the Basingstoke & District Football League, he’s been involved in the game for several years, welcome aboard Wayne.

THE GLEN MEX STADIUM: LOCAL BUSINESSMAN PAUL LUCAS TO SPONSOR BASHLEY

Bashley Football Club is thrilled to welcome Paul Lucas as our stadium sponsor. Paul is MD of several specialist construction and finance companies. He is a Chartered Surveyor with Construction Qualifications; FCA regulated and a Member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance and a bit of a football fanatic. Originally from Watford, Paul moved to the New Forest in 2002 and now lives in the Ringwood area. Football is very much part of the Lucas tradition, Paul’s Great Grandfather played for Watford whilst his Father was with Tottenham Hotspur from 1966 to 69. Paul attended Watford Boys Grammar School and at one time it appeared that their young sport-mad protégé would follow in the family tradition but, unfortunately, this was not to be as playing both soccer and rugby resulted in injury ending a promising career. His thirst for soccer was not dampened and his love of watching Watford was cemented when he became a sponsor of the Premier League Club. A club he still follows passionately. On moving to Ringwood, Paul was introduced to Wessex League football and sponsored the Wessex One club for a few seasons. So why Bashley? A chance meeting with Bashley FC's Chief Steward Iain Roberts, and not surprisingly their conversation soon turned to football and especially Bashley FC. Soon afterwards, Paul attended a few games to see for himself what the fuss was all about. The Bashley players played brilliantly and after a few discussions with the Bashley executive team sponsorship became a possibility. This became a reality soon after Covid-19 struck when Paul witnessed the loyalty and determination of the club’s management, supporters, and players to weather the storm In future the Bashley Road Stadium will be known as the Glen Mex Stadium. There is sadness and pride in Paul’s decision as his Glen Mex company is named in honour of Paul’s cherished son who died in infancy. Paul, now very much a man of the New Forest, said that he could not think of a better area or more suitable club for this tribute to the memory of his son. He is looking forward to a Black and Gold Future and hopes that his support will be a of benefit to all associated with the club.

WEEK FORTY FOUR ROUND UP

Last week we carried a feature about our teams in the FA Cup, perhaps it wasn’t that clear, but the data covers the seasons whilst the current member club was actually a member of the League. There are a handful of notable comments to make here, Petersfield Town’s best ever run was in 2015/16 when the Rams were in the Southern League- when they reached the 3rd Qualifying Round losing 1-0 at home to National League South side St Albans City in front of a crowd of 370. Before merging with Bass Alton, Alton Town reached the 1st Round Proper back in 1972/73 but lost 5-1 at then 4th Division Newport County. Fareham Town have made the 1st Round Proper on three separate occasions whilst members of the Southern League (Premier Division). 1985/86 a home defeat against Maidstone United prevented progress with a 7-2 away defeat next season at Dean Court against AFC Bournemouth. The last time was an away draw at Torquay United where they shared four goals before losing by the odd goal in five in the replay.



Bashley reached the 2nd Round Proper when in the Southern League, losing at the Recreation Ground to Swansea City 1-0 in front of a crowd of just under 2,050. Newport IOW also reached the 2nd Round way back in 1945/46 going down against Aldershot 12-0 over the two legs. The island side made the 1st Round in 1952/53 going down 5-0 at the County Ground home of Swindon Town. In a quirk of fate the very next season they again travelled there for a 1st Round tie but again failed to go through, but a much tighter affair- going down by the odd goal in three. They reached the same stage a couple of more times but their last time was in 1958/59 when Shrewsbury Town were held to a goalless draw on the Island but the replay saw the hosts through 5-0. Finally, Portland United just fell short at the last hurdle taking Yeovil Town to a 4th Qualifying Round replay at Huish after a 1-1 draw at the Grove before tasting defeat 1-0, back in 1965/66 whilst members of the Western League.

LEAGUE NEWS Clubs are reminded over the agreement the League have with MJM Sports. It is a three year one, and we are now entering the second year, a reminder then of Rule 34 as under- Each Club shall be obliged to utilise any match boards provided by the Competition’s sponsor and further shall be obliged to procure that any bench kit provided by a sponsor shall be worn during competitive and first team matches. In the event of any Club having an existing agreement with a competitor to the Competition’s sponsor in respect of match boards, bench kit and other commercial or advertising obligations, they should be entitled to honour that agreement on an ongoing basis.

Hampshire County FA have got the Wyvern Combination Football League and the Hampshire County Youth League to merge in order to provide a pathway from under 18's to Adult football. The League currently has three Divisions:- two Saturday Divisions; East and West together with a new under 23 Midweek League. Find out more from their website: www.hcdl.co.uk You may also find them on Twitter at @wyverncombfl The county have used the Wyvern template to create the new League within the Whole Game System and therefore Full Time. So if you want to find any previous Wyvern data on either system you need to use the Hampshire Combination &

Development League title. The Secretary of the HCDL will be Lisa Kitcher who can be reached at [email protected]. Lisa has previously been Secretary of the Youth League and will be issuing the application forms for the new League soon if they’ve not already been distributed.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcdl.co.uk%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3DpIOvNjZqkFLi7CUwX3LiSLgHB_DnLBjUmgH-rODvEjtodnVsvy7t-Yw&h=AT3ZdzCaoeYIbgOifuhnIZk8p3kcrjVEEfry6gkHFvX7_PqgJ1Ur3bwWeupxM7pcWL7POSgQmrBghNDz6zJDEl0LeflBd0t0XFZ1_WK3EjzIY1rQD9E1nxGF170OQ7M_ig

mailto:[email protected]

sydenhams football league news 2019/20 ......saturday, 30 may 2020 page 1 of 13 sydenhams football...

Documents