OPENING WEEKEND FIXTURES

Hamworthy Recreation completed a league-and-cup double in defeating Premier Division side, Shaftesbury, in the final of the Dorset Senior Cup on Tuesday evening. Tyler Rudd (2) and Eddie Hodge put the Division One champions three to the good within an hour, before Brett Pitman pulled on back for Shaftesbury - who can be consoled in claiming a promotion of their own, having won the Premier Division play-offs just days prior. Elsewhere, Millbrook will host Downton in the Division One play-off final on Saturday after both came through their semi-final ties in midweek against Fleetlands (5-1) and Alresford Town (2-0), respectively. The IOW Gold Cup will be contested between Newport IOW and Cowes Sports - both seeing off Isle of Wight League opposition in Brading Town and Shanklin. The final takes place on Friday, May 10 at Westwood Park (7.30pm). While in the Portsmouth Senior Cup, Portsmouth's Academy edged out Fleetlands 4-5 on spot-kicks after the sides drew 2-2 in normal time at Powder Monkey Park. Pompey will now visit Gosport Borough (09/05) for the right to face Royal Navy FA in the final at Baffins Milton Rovers on May 15. Bank Holiday Monday sees the Wessex League Cup Final take place at AFC Portchester - the Royals taking on Hamble Club (3pm). Entry at the OnSite Group Stadium is £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions) with a printed programme, £2 available at the turnstile.

**UPDATED** The Division One play-offs have been confirmed as follows: Tuesday April 30 Millbrook (5) Fleetlands (1) 7.45pm k.o Wednesday, May 1 Downton (2) Alresford Town (0) 7.45pm k.o Saturday May 4, 3pm Millbrook v Downton

Brett Pitman was one the mark once again to ensure Shaftesbury claimed a promotion berth at the expense of play-off hosts, AFC Stoneham. Pitman's solitary strike proved to be decisive in the Premier Division play-off final on Saturday, to give the Rockies a narrow 1-0 victory - the talisman's 61st goal in all competitions. Our congratulations to Shaftesbury on achieving Step 4 football for the first time.

The Premier Division play-offs have been confirmed following Saturday's results . Tuesday, April 23 (7.45pm) AFC Stoneham v Baffins Milton Rovers Wednesday, April 24 (7.45pm) Shaftesbury v AFC Portchester Saturday, April 27 (3pm) Final (To be played at the highest placed club within the regular season) Photo: Robin Caddy

For the 2024/25 season, there will be mandatory changes to the safeguarding affiliation requirements for Open-Age Football. The Club Welfare Officer (Adult Teams) and all team officials (excluding the Team Secretary) will now be required to undertake the Player Welfare in Open-Age Football Course in order to affiliate. This is a FREE, 45-minute eLearning course covering general welfare concerns which are relevant across the whole Open-Age game as well as more specific safeguarding considerations, including those related to U18s within the Open-Age football. This course has been created to empower those working in Open-Age Football and enhance understanding, so that together we can continue to support those involved and create positive environments. You can access the course via the link below: FA FREE eLEARNNG COURSE - 2024/25 SEASON Photo: Paul Paxford