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

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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