WEEKEND PREVIEW - AUG 13

A virtually full League Programme but very little to go on at this early stage as regards form, good or otherwise, so the games will be taken in alphabetical order starting with the Premier Division. 

Bemerton scored seven in their only League game to date and then conceded five in the FA Cup but home advantage may give them the edge over Christchurch whilst Blackfield & Langley have had a similar up and down start and will do well to get a point when AFC Portchester, who have won both their games to date, visit Gang Warily. 

Bournemouth have three points and were unlucky to go out of the FA Cup to a late goal at Westbury and they host Pagham in the latter’s first away game in the League. Perhaps honours shared. Brockenhurst, short on firepower compared to last season, host Fareham who have made a confident start, a description that could also be applied to Cowes Sports, A single goal loss at Portchester followed by a win in the FA Cup should see them in high spirits for the visit of Alresford who suffered a heavy defeat in midweek. 

Hamble Club started their League season with a fine win at Baffins Milton Rovers and may be too strong for visitors Portland while Horndean entertain Shaftesbury at Five Heads Park. The Deans defeated Moneyfields in their opening League fixture before pulling off a superb win at higher ranked Thatcham in the Cup and may be too strong for their visitors for whom the game comes between two Cup clashes with Camberley.

Hythe & Dibden could take all three points against US Portsmouth and Moneyfields could come out on top at Laverstock & Ford though it will be far from easy. Laverstock give little away on their own pitch. 

In Division One Amesbury are having to adapt after relegation and after taking a point at East Cowes they now entertain Verwood who scored four on Saturday and may have a little too much for the home side. Andover New Street, after a good Cup win at Warminster will be favourites against visitors Fawley while Ash, who have amassed seven goals in their two games to date have a long journey and a possibly difficult afternoon at Downton. 

Another with a long journey is East Cowes Vics with a trip to Fleet Spurs where it could end all square while new boys Fleetlands have their first home fixture with Totton & Eling the visitors. Fleetlands had a tough start at New Street but scored three at Ash and a sharing of the points could be the outcome.

Fellow new boys Hamworthy Recreation acquitted themselves well at Andover Town and could get off the mark at Millbrook while based on last season the clash between Newport and Follands could be the Division’s Match of the Day. The game is being played at East Cowes Vics with Newport perhaps slight favourite. 

Petersfield held Downton to a draw last week (pictured) and now face another Club, Andover Town, who could be in the end of season shake up and may have to settle for a point again. Romsey against New Milton is too difficult to call with the final game being Whitchurch against Ringwood with a home win perhaps on the cards.

Good luck to all – and if you're involved in a fixture in any capacity, please take sensible precautions throughout, with the amber weather warning present.

Article Photo: Ian Grainger