HORNDEAN CROWNED CHAMPIONS

April 25, 2023

Horndean have been crowned Wessex League champions for the first time.

Zack Willett's injury-time header proved to be decisive for Michael Birmingham's side against a resilient Portland United on Tuesday evening, in front of bumper crowd of 1,359 at Five Heads Park.

It's been one of the most hotly contested title races in Wessex League history, with the top four sides within three points of one another, going into the final round of fixtures.

HOW THEY FINISHED - LEAGUE TABLES

The Deans only ousted long-time leaders AFC Portchester last Thursday, having been in the hunt all season - winning 32 of their 38 fixtures, and ending the campaign with a remarkable 105 goal difference, having conceded just 21 League goals, amid a demanding end of season schedule.

Portchester were out-gunned 3-0 at Bemerton Heath Harlequins - the Wiltshire side clinching the runners-up spot, and following an FA update on Wednesday afternoon, have also been promoted alongside Horndean to the Southern League Division One South next season, by virtue of their points-per-game.

Bemerton finish with the only unbeaten home record in the Premier Division - one of just eight clubs across the top nine tiers of English football - and secure their second promotion in consecutive seasons after winning Division One in 2021/22.

Zack Willett celebrates his injury time winner for Horndean against Portland United to seal the title (Photo: Martin Denyer)

AFC Stoneham, along with Bemerton, leapfrogged AFC Portchester in the final reckoning – the Purples finished third after a 7-1 romp at rock bottom Alresford.

At the other end of the table, Pagham’s first season in the Premier ended with relegation.

Joe Clarke scored an 86th minute winner for the Sussex club against Baffins, but Bournemouth Poppies – the only other side that could go down – beat Moneyfields 2-0. Baffins were reduced to 10 men on 72 minutes when Dillon North was sent off.

Elsewhere, Laverstock & Ford ended their campaign with a 3-1 home success over US Portsmouth, who finish just above the drop zone.

In Division One, there was play-off heartbreak for Newport IOW for the second season running, as Petersfield Town prevailed 8-9 on penalties after the sides were goalless after ninety minutes.

The Rams will travel to either New Milton Town or Hamworthy Recreation in the final on Saturday, after the second semi-final on Wednesday evening.

An expectant crowd of 1,359 saw Horndean's final match against Portland United at Five Heads Park (Photo: Robin Caddy)

Header Photo: Robin Caddy

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