FA CUP ROUND-UP
The Emirates FA Cup made a welcome return to Velocity Wessex League club schedules on Saturday, however it proved to be a challenging afternoon for many, with four of our sides guaranteeing themselves a Preliminary Round place on August 16.
Last season's Premier Division runners-up, AFC Stoneham, were looking to emulate last season's run to the Second Round Qualifying - with the Purps once again overcoming Fleet Town, 2-0 and booked another home date with Paulton Rovers next.
FA CUP - FIXTURES & RESULTS (Wessex League only)
Christchurch overcame returning Wessex side, Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 at Hurn Bridge and will have home comforts once more in the Preliminary Round against Tadley Calleva, while in other all-Wessex affairs, New Milton Town came away from Andover New Street with a solitary goal to nil victory to set-up a meeting with Hythe & Dibden - themselves beating Portland United 3-1.
Above: Petersfield Town (in red) do battle with Thatcham Town in their Extra Prelininary Round tie at Waterside Park - the hosts ran out 2-0 victors (courtesy: Thatcham Town FC)
Baffins Milton Rovers, Cowes Sports and Laverstock & Ford will all try again on Tuesday night replays - Cowes and Laverstock a further all-Wessex tie which ended 2-2, while Baffins held Shaftesbury to a 1-1 draw at the PMC Stadium.
Hamworthy Recreation, East Cowes Victoria and Brockenhurst were all narrowly beaten against higher opposition in Hartley Wintney, Bashley and Moneyfields respectively.
Paulton Rovers progressed with single goal victory over Hamble Club; Westbury United hit Sherborne Town for seven, while Alton dispatched of Wincanton Town, 5-0.
Millbrook exited at Tadley Calleva by four goals to one, with Bournemouth also bowing out, 3-1 at Bradford Town.
Last season's Premier Division play-off winners, Fareham Town, got the better of Downton and will meet Hamworthy Recreation's conquerors, Hartley Wintney in the Preliminary Round.
Main Photo: courtesy Pitch Side Photo
