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

FA COMPETITION PLANNING - 2025/26

June 1, 2025
The FA have released the following dates to support club planning for its competitions in 2025/26: On Friday 13 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; Round dates for The Emirates FA Cup, The Isuzu FA Trophy, The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup. On Friday 27 June 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information for each Competition; List of Clubs accepted into each Competition (Clubs not accepted into a Competition shall be notified separately regarding that Competition on the same date) List of Clubs to receive exemption Prize Fund On Friday 4 July 2025 , we shall be releasing the below information; The Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws The Isuzu FA Trophy – Preliminary Round & First Round Qualifying draws The Isuzu FA Vase – First Round Qualifying & Second Round Qualifying draws The FA Youth Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round draws During the week commencing Monday 14 July 2025 , Clubs shall receive the below; Competition Rules (The Emirates FA Cup, The Isuzu FA Trophy, The Isuzu FA Vase and The FA Youth Cup) (by email) Carbonated team sheets (by post) FA wall planner (by post) *Please note, all dates are subject to change, any changes shall be communicated if required.

CONSTITUTIONS - 2025/26

May 15, 2025
The FA have released their NLS allocations for Steps 2-6 for the 2025/26 season. The Velocity Wessex Premier Division will comprise of 20 teams, including New Milton Town and East Cowes Victoria - both promoted from Division One - and a return for Bemerton Heath Harlequins who have taken voluntary relegation from the Southern League. We also welcome back Petersfield Town following their single-season lateral move from the Southern Combination League. Departing us are Premier Division champions, AFC Portchester - who alongside runners-up Fareham Town, are both promoted to the Isthmian League South Central - a division featuring local rivals and fellow Wessex alumni - Horndean and Moneyfields.

PURPS WIN SOTON CUP

May 15, 2025
AFC Stoneham have won the Southampton Senior Cup in an an all-Wessex affair against Millbrook at St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday night. First half strikes from Alex Welch and Tyrell Sampson put the Purps in the ascendency before Duarte Martins added gloss to complete the 3-0 scoreline with fifteen left to play.

ROYALS AT THE DOUBLE!

May 6, 2025
AFC Portchester made it a Velocity Wessex League and cup double as they beat Hamble Club 2-0 on Bank Holiday Monday. CUP FINAL - PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD Gave Spurway's side avenged for last season's defeat as the two sides met in a repeat of the cup final 12 months prior, with a goal in each half from Marley Ridge and Lee Wort settling the outcome, in front of 652 at the OnSite Group Stadium.

SPOT-ON VICS PROMOTED

May 4, 2025
East Cowes Victoria Athletic claimed their place in next season's Velocity Wessex League Premier Division with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Frimley Green. Elliot Wheeler gave the Vics the lead shortly after half-time before late drama as Adam Mekki levelled things up for the hosts deep into added on time. 

CREEKSIDERS ARE UP!

April 27, 2025
Fareham Town have won promotion to Step 4 after defeating Andover New Street 2-1 in the Premier Division play-off final at Cams Alders. A fantastic crowd of 1,103 watched on as Callie Neil gave Simon Wood's side the early advantage, before Stan Bridgman's spot kick would prove decisive, nine minutes into the second half.
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