7-UP FOR PITMAN

AFC Stoneham held their nerve to edge-out Haywards Heath Town on penalties and reach the FA Vase quarter finals for the first time. Duarte Martins put the Purps ahead early in the second half, before the hosts levelled through Henry Watson with six minutes remaining in front of 674 at Hanbury Park Stadium. However, Martins scored the decisive spot kick to continue Stoneham's run in the competition, and join fellow Wessex side, Downton in the last eight. Stoneham's victory sets-up a tie against United Counties League Premier Division South side, Coventry United. Downton meanwhile are also just two wins away from Wembley, reaching the quarter finals last week in beating Lymore Gardens 3-0 - they travel to SCEFL Premier Division side, Punjab United - ties to be played on February 28. Photo: Tommy McMillan

Grassroots football clubs across the country are preparing for one of the most anticipated days in the non-league calendar as Non-League Day 2026 on Saturday, March 28 . The annual event, founded in 2010 by James Doe to celebrate and promote community-run football, is designed to fall on a weekend during the football international break — giving fans of Premier League and Football League clubs without fixtures the chance to explore non-league action. Non-League Day encourages supporters to head to local grounds up and down the country to watch live matches, meet volunteers who run their local clubs and experience the unique atmosphere of grassroots football. Find Wessex League Fixtures On Non-League Day With hundreds of fixtures traditionally taking place at Step 1–6 levels of the football pyramid, clubs often use the day to offer special incentives such as reduced admission prices and community activities to draw in new fans. For many clubs, Non-League Day is more than just a matchday — it’s a chance to spotlight the heart and soul of English football, where volunteer efforts and local pride keep the game thriving far from television lights. Organisers and club officials alike are expected to unveil specific fixtures, offers and events in the weeks leading up to the event. As anticipation builds toward March 28, the non-league community is gearing up for a celebration of football in its purest form — one that brings supporters together, strengthens club-town bonds and champions the grassroots game at every level.

Downton swept aside Eastern Counties League side, Lymore Gardens 3-0 to reach the last eight of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time in the club's history. Sam Davidson gave the Robins the lead just before the break (photo below), before Brett Pitman's header made it two, four minutes into the second half.

The Velocity Wessex League are pleased to announce that the annual Football related Trade Show and General Meeting will be held at Eastleigh FC, Silverlake Stadium, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HT on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6-9pm. The event will be similar to last year's format with hopefully an increase in the number of football related exhibitors for Club representatives to talk to and discuss their requirements. A General Meeting will commence at 7.30pm, all Clubs must attend with each Club expected to send up to three delegates, two of whom should be the Chairman and Secretary, the Agenda will be distributed nearer the time. A complimentary buffet will be provided and each Club will be given a free Velocity Wessex League match ball on departure.

The annual Football v Homophobia Month of Action will be held in February 2026, in what is also LGBT+ History Month; every year, hundreds of FvH Champions amplify the anti-discrimination campaign’s message; find out why and how you can be part of it. Sign up for the FvH Month of Action here ‘Football for Everyone’ – it’s a simple message, but one that bears repeating. Since 2010, this has been the slogan of the Football v Homophobia campaign, which raises awareness of the damage caused by discrimination at all levels of the game. February is the annual FvH Month of Action , during which clubs, leagues, teams, fan groups and organisations are encouraged to focus their efforts and make a difference. Hundreds sign up to be FvH Champions at this time every year to help amplify the campaign’s message and reaffirm a commitment to creating safe and welcoming football spaces for all. See the list of 2025 Champions here , and those who have so far signed up to be 2026 Champions . Everyone can play their part. FvH makes free resources and assets available, and you can purchase items including T-shirts, flags, match balls, captains’ armbands and badges from the FvH Shop . So why is Football v Homophobia an important initiative to support in 2026? Here are 10 reasons why stepping up to be an FvH Champion makes sense…