DERBY SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD

November 17, 2024

A new Wessex League attendance record was set on Saturday in the top-of-the-table clash between local rivals, AFC Portchester and Fareham Town.


A crowd of 1,630 saw the Royals run out 3-1 victors at their OnSite Group Stadium, surpassing the previous best of 1,598 in the same fixture, set in 2022/23.

Ryan Pennery gave Gav Spurway's side the perfect start after eight minutes, but parity was quickly restored a minute later through Elliot Holmes.


Marley Ridge put the hosts back in front just before the half-time interval, with a third arriving late on via Kane O'Keefe to keep Portchester at the summit of the Premier Division table, while the Creeksiders reside in third with three in hand.


See our latest newsletter below for a round-up of all things Velocity Wessex League from the past seven days, while looking forward to what's coming up in the week ahead:


DOWNLOAD - NEWSLETTER 21 (16/11/24)


*attendance data since records began in 2004/05


Photos: Nathan Lipsham

September 20, 2026
We are delighted to announce Badgeman Limited as our Official Merchandise Supplier on a two-year agreement. As a preferred supplier, Badgeman can offer all football related merchandise such as hats, scarfs, mugs, pin badges, keyrings, pennants, stickers and towels as well as flags, banners, sponsorship banners, corner flags, printed gazebos and much more. 
September 2, 2026
Newport IoW were back on 'home' turf on Tuesday night, with the inaugural fixture at their new WightFibre Park ground.
August 22, 2026
We are thrilled to announce Industrial Boiler Services as the new sponsor of the Wessex League Cup for the next three seasons. The competition will be known as the 'Industrial Boilers Wessex League Cup'.
August 15, 2026
We’re delighted to welcome Scorza as the Wessex League’s new Performance Partner. Scorza's wearable technology helps footballers turn their existing Apple Watch or Garmin into a football-specific performance tracker, providing insights including distance, sprints, heatmaps and heart-rate data. The new 2026/27 Laws of the Game permit players to wear a smartwatch in matches, provided it is not dangerous and is safely and securely covered. This means the smartwatch you already own can be turned into a pro tracker.
August 6, 2026
The Wessex League is encouraging its member clubs to explore the opportunities available through the Premier League Stadium Fund , which continues to invest in improving football facilities across England and Wales. Having invested more than £226 million into over 1,000 clubs , the Premier League Stadium Fund is helping transform the non-league matchday experience by supporting projects that enhance facilities for players, volunteers and supporters alike. Funding is available for a wide range of projects, including floodlights, spectator accommodation, pitch improvements, changing facilities, barriers and other essential infrastructure that helps clubs meet ground grading requirements and provide a better environment for their local communities. Clubs considering improvements to their facilities are urged to engage with the Fund at the earliest opportunity to discuss their project and determine eligibility. Investment in facilities not only strengthens clubs on matchdays but also helps secure their long-term future, enabling them to grow participation, improve accessibility and continue serving their local communities for years to come. For further information and to begin an application, visit the Premier League Stadium Fund website or speak to your County FA or League representative for guidance. Premier League Stadium Fund - Poster
July 25, 2026
AFC Stoneham have started the season where they left off the last - collecting more silverware in the form of the Wessex League Charity Cup, following a 3-1 success over Hamble Club. Proceeds from the occasion supported the Geoff Smith Legacy Fund - supporting young children in local communities on their football journeys, set-up in memory of the long-serving AFC Stoneham Chairman who sadly passed away in May. Kian Towse and Braydon Douglas gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage into the interval, before Harry Hamilton pulled one back for the League Cup winners without around ten left to play.
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