FA CUP PREVIEW
Despite it being for many Leagues the first Saturday of the season, it is also the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup which involves all our Premier Division Clubs and three from the First Division so a much restricted Wessex League programme.
The Cup involves five all-Wessex ties and thirteen in which opposition from surrounding Leagues are involved. In the “local” matches Alresford take on newly promoted Laverstock & Ford and the result could go either way while Hamble Club cross to Cowes Sports where a home win is a possibility.
Christchurch were drawn at home to Blackfield & Langley but with cricket tasking precedence at Hurn Bridge the game has been switched to the Waterside which may not concern Christchurch after their win in midweek.
An interesting tie at Cams Alders where Fareham entertain Hythe & Dibden. The latter only just avoided relegation last season and have seemingly strengthened their side but the home fire power may prevail on the day.
Lastly the other promoted side, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, will face Moneyfields at Moon Park, in a switch due to the ongoing work to the ground at Dover Road. Bemerton will, hold their own at the higher level but this is a very difficult game with which to start the season.
Two of the remaining ties see Clubs who left the League at the end of last season are returning to Wessex soil. Promoted Bashley cross to AFC Stoneham for what could be a close encounter while Alton, now in the Combined Counties South, head south to Baffins Milton Rovers; with the game being played on Friday evening, and will be hoping to get a result.
Bournemouth, despite their midweek win, may struggle when they travel to Westbury United who, like Bashley, were promoted to the Southern League in the close season.
Christchurch feature in one of five all-Wessex FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties, with a reversed fixture at Blackfield & Langley (Photo: Les Chase)
AFC Portchester head to Wiltshire and should be too strong for Hellenic League Corsham Town while Horndean have an away tie at former Wessex League Club Thatcham Town and could well get a favourable result.
Brockenhurst venture to Surrey and Badshot Lea near Farnham while Camberley Town go in the other direction to meet Shaftesbury. Could well be two Wessex League victories. Portland United were initially drawn away to Lymington Town but again cricket takes precedence and the game will be played at Portland, increasing the home side’s chances though victory will still be difficult.
League new boys Pagham face Erith Town from Kent and on last seasons form the sides look equally matched but US Portsmouth could have a difficult afternoon at Welton Rovers, newly promoted to Division One of the Western League.
The three Division One Clubs included in the draw all face away ties. Follands probably have the most difficult tie with a trip to the picturesque ground of Southern League Larkhall, near Bath, while both Andover New Street and Newport, both having scored four in the week, face former Wessex League opposition.
Street travel to Warminster with both Clubs having missed out on promotion in the play offs while Newport go to Fleet Town. Both matches are winnable but the Island side probably has the better chance.
With three Clubs on the road to Wembley, Division One is reduced to eight matches and, in alphabetical order, new boys Hamworthy Recreation have a tough opener with a visit to Andover Town who give little away at the Portway. Ash United and Fleetlands both have the benefit of having played on Tuesday when both conceded four and home advantage may prove decisive.
Amesbury Town start life in Division One with a trip to East Cowes Vics and will be hopeful of a result while New Milton Town entertain Millbrook. The home side can be very good on their day whilst Millbrook fell away last season after a good start and a home win must be a possibility.
Downton, favoured by many to do well this season, make the cross-country journey to Petersfield Town and could come out on top in a low scoring game and Fleet Spurs are another with a lengthy journey as they head for Ringwood Town. The visitors must have a better start this campaign without having to play so many early fixtures away from home and will recall that they won the corresponding fixture last time round.
Something of a local derby as Romsey welcome Totton & Eling with the hosts likely to come out on top while Whitchurch United complete the set with a trip to Verwood Town and perhaps a sharing of the points.
