A FESTIVE PREVIEW...
Nearly all the matches over Christmas are being played on Tuesday 27th with a 15:00 kick off. Any alterations to that are shown in the following.
Having said that, the Programme starts on Monday on the Isle of Wight with East Cowes Vics hosting Newport in Division One and the game kicks off at 11.00am. Given the positions in the table and Newport’s record in past matches between the two, an away win looks a distinct possibility in front of what is bound to be a good attendance.
Tuesday and the Premier Division and some local derbies that may also attract good crowds. League leaders AFC Portchester make the short journey to Havant & Waterlooville to face Moneyfields and the three points will in no way come easy.
From Portsmouth to Salisbury and the meeting of Laverstock & Ford and Bemerton Heath Harlequins. The visitors have fallen away slightly from their early season form and Laverstock can be difficult to beat at home. A sharing of the points like last season could be the outcome.
Shaftesbury entertain Brockenhurst and the latter’s away form may count against them while in the final game Christchurch could come out on top against Bournemouth, in a contest where several players have played for both teams.
On to Division One where leaders New Milton Town will be hoping for the three points when Ringwood Town come visiting, but the big game is at The Portway where Andover Town and Andover New Street clash. Games between the two are always good value and whilst overall, Town have not matched last season’s standard, their home record is strong and in a fixture that usually features goals a draw may be the end result.
Follands travel to Petersfield – the game kicks off at 2.00pm - and given both side’s seasons to date it is tempting to again sit on the fence and suggest a sharing of the points. Romsey and Millbrook are separated by just one point in the table, but the visitors are in better form of late, and for the same reason Hamworthy Recreation may just shade matters at Verwood Town.
Lastly can Fleet Spurs break their duck? They host Ash United who have only one away win to their credit and will surely feel they are in with a chance.
The programme finishes on Thursday evening (19:45) when Baffins Milton Rovers play host to United Services Portsmouth. The visitors have shown improved form of late but the home side may still just be the winners.
Finally, a Happy Christmas to all at all the Clubs in the League.
