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

PLAY-OFF DATES

April 19, 2025
Following the conclusion of the regular playing season in the Premier Division on Saturday, we can confirm the promotion play-offs will take place as follows: April 22 - AFC Stoneham (1) v (1) Andover New Street (7.45pm) - ANS won 4-3 on penalties April 23 - Fareham Town (2) v (0) Hamble Club (7.45pm) Play-Off Final Saturday, April 26 - Fareham Town v Andover New Street (at Cams Alders, 3pm k.o) BUY PLAY-OFF FINAL TICKETS HERE - £8 adults/ £4 concessions/ U16 free accompanied by an adult; £1 unaccompanied ________________________ Division One dates as follows: April 29 - (2nd v 5th) - 7.45pm k.o April 30 - (3rd v 4th) - 7.45pm k.o May 3 - (Final @ venue of club finishing highest in regular season) - 3pm k.o The final round of matches in Division One takes place on April 26.

PURPS HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP TRIUMPH

April 16, 2025
AFC Stoneham claimed the Servio Hampshire Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over Wessex League rivals, AFC Portchester, in front of 675 at AFC Totton's Snows Stadium on Tuesday evening. Goals from Oliver Jenkins, Oliver Fee and Mat Bainbridge - all inside an eleven minute spell in the first half - put the Purps into what turned out to be an unassailable advantage against the Premier Division champions, to give James Phillips' side their first Senior Cup victory in the club's 106-year history. The two sides meet once more in the final of the Russell Cotes Cup on May 8 at Stoneham Lane, with AFC Stoneham winning the toss to decide the venue. Our congratulations to all AFC Stoneham! Photo: Robin Caddy

CUP FINAL TICKETS

April 11, 2025
We are pleased to share that advance tickets for the Velocity Wessex League Cup final - between AFC Portchester and Hamble Club on May 5 - are now available to buy online. Priced £8 (adults), £4 (concessions) and £10 for a family ticket of an adult and up to two children. Just click the poster below to be redirected to the ticketing website:

NEW MILTON CLAIM DIVISION ONE CROWN

April 9, 2025
New Milton Town are Velocity Wessex League Division One champions for 2024/25. The Brickmakers came from behind at Hamworthy United to claim a 3-2 victory amid late drama at the County Ground on Tuesday night - Brad Snelling with the title-winning effort at the death. It's been a huge turn around in fortunes at the M.A. Hart Stadium, with the New Forest side finishing nineteenth only 12 months prior. Our congratulations to all at New Milton Town, who make a return to Step 5 for the first time since 2012/13. 

ROYALS ARE CHAMPIONS!

April 9, 2025
AFC Portchester have won the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division title following their 1-0 victory at Cowes Sports on Tuesday night. Marley Ridge's strike on 78 minutes proved to be decisive for Gav Spurway's side, who will grace Step 4 for the first time in the club's relatively short history.

SOUTHAMPTON SENIOR CUP FINAL

April 3, 2025
AFC Stoneham will face Millbrook in the final of the Southampton Senior Cup. The Premier Division rivals will go head-to-head at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday, May 14 (7.30pm). The Purps earned their place with a 5-1 victory over plucky Hampshire Premier League outfit, Broughton, while Millbrook overcame Brockenhurst by the odd goal in three. SOUTHAMPTON SENIOR CUP - ROUTE TO THE FINAL We await details of admission on the night - please keep an eye out on our socials for this information.
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