HAMWORTHY'S PPG JOY

PAR002_123 • April 7, 2022

The rules this season over who goes up from Step 5 (our Premier Division) to the Southern League is rather complicated.


The 16 Step 5 League champions all take promotion, in addition, in a nutshell, the top 10 points per game ranked teams will be automatically promoted, whilst the six sides finishing second with the lowest points per game record will play an inter-division play-off against sides from Step 4, we hope we shall not need to think about that, not least as the game(s) look to be scheduled the same weekend as our League Cup Final. 


For us, Hamworthy United (pictured) with the 3-1 win at Hurn Bridge on Tuesday earns them a top two finish this season. With a superior points per game figure, even if they end as runners up, they will be promoted automatically in the Summer. They remain on course to pick up the title though so in any event that would secure the promotion. Three points from three games will suffice, currently their points per game tally is 2.432.


However, lurking in second spot are Bashley- looking to jump at the opportunity to overhaul the Hammers- they too have a good points per game tally (namely 2.243), which at time of writing gives them an eighth placed slot, so it looks like we shall potentially see two of our members moving up the ladder this Summer.


On behalf of the League, I send our best wishes to the Hammers on their progress after two difficult seasons both on and off the pitch and wish them well going forwards. The seeds were sown when the late Steve Harvey was in the Chair and it is a tribute to him as much as anybody that sees the club where they are today.


Similarly, we wish Bashley the best of luck in their return to the Southern League after a short break.


However, should the New Forest side fail to collect the points in their remaining three games, Shaftesbury are also still in the hunt for a runners up berth. So, even now there is something to play for this weekend.


Other teams already “promoted” are United Counties South Harborough Town and Hinckley LR (from the same Division as Newport Pagnell Town) and Southern Counties East’s Sheppey United, whilst from Combined Counties North, Hanworth Villa have already secured the title as have Walthamstow in the Essex Senior and Bishops Cleeve from the Hellenic Premier.


PPG DATA - 2021/22 - AT A GLANCE


Article Photo: Ian Middlebrook

STONEHAM SEAL WEMBLEY DATE

April 4, 2026
AFC Stoneham are off to Wembley for the first time in their history after completing a 6-1 aggregate victory over Hallam in their FA Vase semi-final. Captain, Alex Welch scored twice in the first half and came agonisingly close to completing a hat-trick in added time. Tyrell Sampson did find a third midway through the second period, as the Purps took the second leg 3-1 in front of a club record gate of 851 at Stoneham Lane.

FA VASE SEMI-FINAL DRAW

March 2, 2026
The Isuzu FA Vase semi-final draw has seen Velocity Wessex League leaders, AFC Stoneham, paired with Bristol-based Hallen. 

AGM NOTICE

February 28, 2026
The Velocity Wessex League 2026 AGM will be held at AFC Totton, Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 2RW on Saturday, 20th June 2026 commencing at 11.00am. Clubs have one vote each and should be represented by the Chairman, Secretary and Team Manager or their deputies, plus an optional additional Club Representative is allowed to attend if required. Please be reminded of FA Rule 2.26 which states "Any Club failing to be represented throughout an Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff." The Agenda and any supporting documents will be circulated to member Clubs nearer the time.

PURPS INTO VASE QUARTERS

February 15, 2026
AFC Stoneham held their nerve to edge-out Haywards Heath Town on penalties and reach the FA Vase quarter finals for the first time. Duarte Martins put the Purps ahead early in the second half, before the hosts levelled through Henry Watson with six minutes remaining in front of 674 at Hanbury Park Stadium. However, Martins scored the decisive spot kick to continue Stoneham's run in the competition, and join fellow Wessex side, Downton in the last eight. Stoneham's victory sets-up a tie against United Counties League Premier Division South side, Coventry United. Downton meanwhile are also just two wins away from Wembley, reaching the quarter finals last week in beating Lymore Gardens 3-0 - they travel to SCEFL Premier Division side, Punjab United - ties to be played on February 28. Photo: Tommy McMillan

NON-LEAGUE DAY 2026

February 8, 2026
Grassroots football clubs across the country are preparing for one of the most anticipated days in the non-league calendar as Non-League Day 2026 on Saturday, March 28 . The annual event, founded in 2010 by James Doe to celebrate and promote community-run football, is designed to fall on a weekend during the football international break — giving fans of Premier League and Football League clubs without fixtures the chance to explore non-league action. Non-League Day encourages supporters to head to local grounds up and down the country to watch live matches, meet volunteers who run their local clubs and experience the unique atmosphere of grassroots football. Find Wessex League Fixtures On Non-League Day With hundreds of fixtures traditionally taking place at Step 1–6 levels of the football pyramid, clubs often use the day to offer special incentives such as reduced admission prices and community activities to draw in new fans. For many clubs, Non-League Day is more than just a matchday — it’s a chance to spotlight the heart and soul of English football, where volunteer efforts and local pride keep the game thriving far from television lights. Organisers and club officials alike are expected to unveil specific fixtures, offers and events in the weeks leading up to the event. As anticipation builds toward March 28, the non-league community is gearing up for a celebration of football in its purest form — one that brings supporters together, strengthens club-town bonds and champions the grassroots game at every level.

DOWNTON'S VASE DELIGHT!

February 8, 2026
Downton swept aside Eastern Counties League side, Lymore Gardens 3-0 to reach the last eight of the Isuzu FA Vase for the first time in the club's history. Sam Davidson gave the Robins the lead just before the break (photo below), before Brett Pitman's header made it two, four minutes into the second half.
More Posts