REVIEW - FEB 25
Friday night attracted close to 200 at the Moneyfields Brockenhurst game, and an eight goal bonanza, that Moneyfields won 6-2. Interestingly Silvano Obeng scored a late Badgers consolation having scored the night before for the Stags of AFC Totton.
Saturday saw the top four in the Premier Division all acting as hosts and in three cases that advantage proved the difference. AFC Portchester and Bemerton Heath Harlequins both hit four goals and Horndean also collected the points. Of the four only AFC Stoneham dropped points; sharing them with visitors Baffins Milton Rovers.
The big win of the day came though at the Hythe Garage Services Stadium where it was the visitors, Hamble Club, who hit five without reply to help keep a hold on sixth place. It is difficult to see the top four being caught though. Christchurch and Cowes Sports both won on their travels, and both kept clean sheets.
Pagham defeated Bournemouth 1-0 to help their fight against ending in a relegation spot, but with Alresford still adrift, just eight points separate the next seven sides. Close.
Top attendance was at Wicor where just over 300 came through the gates and there were 215 at Bemerton Heath (their best since 2015/16 aside from the derby with Laverstock last term). Both Horndean and Hythe & Dibden cleared the hundred barrier as well.
The top of Division One saw Newport defeat Andover New Street hitting four without reply. New Street slip two places because New Milton Town and Petersfield Town both hit wins . The former at Andover Town despite going behind; the latter at home against Verwood Town 3-1, with it being 1-0 as we hit the 89th minute.
With both Downton and Hamworthy Recreation picking up points again- the Robins 2-0 on the Island and Rec hitting Ringwood with five second strikes in a 5-0 victory; the play off spots are certainly too close to call.
Even the champions is still a difficult call. The basement clash saw Amesbury Town win 2-0 (pictured) but are still in the bottom two with six points separating the next five sides. Close here as well. Just two gates over the hundred mark in Division One, 142 at Newport and 179 at Petersfield.
Article Photo: Ian Grainger
