AGM ROUND-UP

June 11, 2023

Our AGM at Eastleigh FC's Brooks Suite on Saturday, confirmed Bob Purkiss as the new Chairman of the Wessex League - he steps-up from Vice Chairman to replace Nick Spencer at the helm, who is moving to Spain.


All the at the Wessex League would like to pass on their sincere thanks to Nick for his service to the Wessex League, and we wish him and his family all the very best in their new chapter abroad.


Referees Secretary, Nick Taplin was voted in as Vice Chairman.


Our 2023/24 constitution was also ratified, while the draw for the opening two rounds of the 23/24 League Cup was made.


The 23/24 season start date was confirmed as August 1 for the Premier Division, and August 5 for Division One (*unless FA Cup clash).


The FA subsequently confirmed season end dates for Steps 5-6 as April 27, with play-offs concluded by Monday, May 6.



Season fixtures are being planned for release by the end of June.


The minimum adult admission fee for Wessex League fixtures will remain at £6.


Presentations from both match ball and team wear partner, MJM Sports and EcoClub - our floodlight partner - were also made, alongside prize presentations from the 2022/23 season:


Club of the Month - March

Premier Division: Portland United

Division One: Andover New Street


Club of the Month - April

Premier Division: Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Division One: Petersfield Town


Best Programme Award

Premier Division: Portland United

Division One: Andover New Street


MJM Sports/ Kappa Respect Awards


Premier Division:

1st - Horndean

2nd - AFC Stoneham

3rd - Laverstock & Ford


Division One:

1st - Ringwood Town

2nd - Petersfield Town

3rd - Fawley AFC


Alf Peckham Trophy Winners

Ringwood Town


Wessex League Cup Winners

Baffins Milton Rovers


Premier Division

Champions - Horndean

2nd - Bemerton Heath Harlequins

3rd - AFC Stoneham

4th - AFC Portchester


Division One

Champions - Andover New Street

2nd - Newport (IOW)

3rd - New Milton Town

4th - Hamworthy Recreation


Division One Play Off Winners

Petersfield Town


Article Photo: Tom Mulholland/ Eastleigh FC

PLAY-OFFS 2025/26

October 13, 2025
We can confirm play-off dates for 2025/26 are as follows: PREMIER DIVISION Last game of the season Saturday, 18th April 2nd v 5th - Tuesday, 21st April (7.45pm k.o) 3rd v 4th - Wednesday, 22nd April (7.45pm k.o) FINAL - Saturday, 25th April (3pm k.o) DIVISION ONE Last game of the season Saturday, 25th April 2nd v 5th - Tuesday, 28th April (7.45pm k.o) 3rd v 4th - Wednesday, 29th April (7.45pm k.o) FINAL - Saturday, 2nd May (3pm k.o) As normal in the play-offs, play-off ties will take place at the ground of the club finishing highest in the regular season.

BILLY VIGAR - IN MEMORIUM

September 26, 2025
The Velocity Wessex League extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and team mates of Billy Vigar, following the 21-year-old's recent passing. The former Arsenal academy striker was placed into an induced coma after suffering a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City FC, and tragically passed away in hospital. We fully support member clubs who wish to observe a minute of silence - or applause - ahead of their games this weekend, as a mark of respect and in tribute to Billy.

FA VASE FIRST ROUND DRAW

September 23, 2025
The draw for the first round of the Isuzu FA Vase has taken place with our 14 remaining Wessex League sides featuring as follows: AFC Aldermaston v Infinity Amesbury Town v Highworth Town Bearsted v Cowes Sports Bridgwater United v Hythe & Dibden Cirencester Town v Millbrook Cove v Snodland Town Downton v Sidmouth Town Ivybridge v Totton & Eling Malmesbury Victoria v Portland United Penzance v Hamworthy Recreation Reading City v Baffins Milton Rovers Sherborne Town v Hamworthy United Whitchurch United v Windsor & Eton Ties to be played on Saturday, October 18. Prize money of £825 goes to the round winners, with £250 to the losing sides. The full draw can be viewed here . Article Photo: Baffins Milton Rovers and Hythe & Dibden both face away tasks in the Vase draw at Reading City and Bridgwater Town respectively (Photo: Ian Grainger)

AUGUST - CLUBS OF THE MONTH

September 15, 2025
Laverstock & Ford are our Premier Division 'Club of the Month' for August, following their exploits in the FA Cup, with progression into the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side also enjoyed progression in the FA Vase with victory at US Portsmouth, and commenced their League campaign with a 5-0 success over Baffins Milton Rovers.

LAVVY RELISH FA CUP DERBY DRAW

September 1, 2025
Laverstock & Ford fly the Velocity Wessex League flag in the Emirates FA Cup, with the Bulldog's 2-1 win at Hythe & Dibden earning a local derby against Salisbury in the second round qualifying. Liam McConnell's side came from behind to advance - and equal the club's best ever season in the Cup - courtesy of strikes from Archie Lovegrove and Chae Sykes which cancelled out Ollie Davies free-kick for the hosts. LISTEN - HEAR LIAM MCCONNELL'S FA CUP REACTION ON THE WESSEX LEAGUE PODCAST

HYTHE FACE BULLDOGS IN FA CUP

August 18, 2025
Hythe & Dibden will host Laverstock & Ford in an intriguing all-Wessex League tie, after the Premier Division rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup first round qualifying. It's a third home outing on the spin for Hythe, who have already dispatched fellow Wessex League sides Portland United and New Milton Town on their own patch to reach this stage for only the second time. Meanwhile the Bulldogs needed a replay and penalties to edge past Cowes Sports in the extra preliminary stage, before an impressive 2-0 victory on the road at former Wessex League champions, Horndean - now plying their trade in the Isthmian South Central. Laverstock have reached the first round qualifying in three of the last four seasons - and will be looking to emulate 2022/23 when they went one better, bowing out at the second round qualifying stage by a single goal at Taunton Town. AFC Stoneham are our third representative in the draw - they travel to Southern League Premier South side, Hungerford Town, following home victories over Fleet Town and Paulton Rovers (main picture). The Purps have also previously reached a club-best of the second round qualifying in each of the last two campaigns, with identical 1-7 defeats at higher-ranked Yeovil Town and Salisbury, respectively. Winners of the ties on August 30 will receive £2,250, with the losers netting £750. FA CUP - FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING - DRAW IN FULL Article Photo: Robin Caddy
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