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.
It completes a cup double for the Stoneham Lane outfit, following their Hampshire Senior Cup triumph over AFC Portchester - and ends three years of AFC Totton dominance in the Southampton Senior Cup to bring the trophy back to a Wessex League side.
Photos: Robin Caddy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 April 26 - Fareham Town (2) v Andover New Street (1) (at Cams Alders, 3pm k.o) Att: 1,103 ________________________ Division One dates as follows: April 29 - Frimley Green (2) v (1) Fleetlands - 7.45pm k.o April 30 - Alresford Town (1) v (2) East Cowes Victoria - 7.45pm k.o Play-Off Final May 3 - Frimley Green v East Cowes Victoria - 3pm k.o
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
