WEEKEND PREVIEW - DEC 10
A full League programme initially scheduled but two important changes as regards the Premier Division.
The match between LAVERSTOCK AND FORD and ALRESFORD TOWN has been postponed and will be played at a later date.
The match between SHAFTESBURY and PORTLAND UNITED has been bought forward to Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick off.
A number of games in both Divisions have a change of kick off time on Saturday afternoon in order that those having to travel can return home in time to watch the World Cup tie between England and France. Latest kick-off times can be found via the fixtures link below:
On with the normal business and the Premier Division leaders, AFC Portchester, who have dropped only two points on their travels to date, cross to meet Cowes Sports where they must be favourites to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Their closest challengers, Horndean, have in turn only dropped three points at home and, whilst they will not find it easy by any means, may well maintain that record when Baffins Milton Rovers make the short journey to Five Heads Park.
Bemerton Heath seem to have lost their early season goalscoring form but may still have enough to win at Christchurch while Hamble Club entertain Moneyfields in what will surely be a committed ninety minutes from all concerned. That was fourth versus sixth and it will be fifth versus seventh at Stoneham where the visitors are Hythe and Dibden.
The latter can score goals but the home defence may come out on top on the day. Shaftesbury and Portland met in the Dorset Senior Cup on Tuesday with visitors Shaftesbury going through on penalties, and on their own pitch they could again take the spoils.
Bournemouth won the earlier meeting with Fareham at Cams Alders and will be looking for the double at Victoria Park while Brockenhurst, despite their inconsistent form, could return from Pagham with all three points.
Blackfield and Langley’s recent mini-revival seems to have subsided with Southampton Senior Cup defeat to Hampshire Premier League side, Clanfield, in midweek - giving visitors US Portsmouth every chance of a share of the points.
Division One leaders New Milton return to League duty with the visit of Verwood. The Potterne Park Club do not have the best of away records, though they won last week, and The Linnets should add three more points to their tally.
Second place Andover New Street, unbeaten to date, make possibly their first ever visit to Fleetlands and may find it tough going against a side with an impressive home record. Downton head to Ash United. who tend to score goals but too often concede more and an away win is on the cards while Newport should be too strong for Whitchurch when they head to the North of the County.
Petersfield could have a difficult afternoon at Hamworthy Recreation, with the result liable to go either way, but Follands should take the points at Test Park when they visit Millbrook.
Andover Town are nigh invincible at home but have often struggled away from the Portway so a trip to relatively near neighbours Romsey Town may be approached with some foreboding. Fawley scored seven in midweek and now entertain local neighbours Totton and Eling and may be just favourites while East Cowes Vics, who conceded the seven in midweek, and are in need of points, host Ringwood and may have to be content with a draw.
The bottom two meet at Kennels Lane where Fleet Spurs host Amesbury Town and, while both need the points, they will mean a lot to the visitors as they struggle to climb the table.
Article Photo: Steve Ross/ Those White Lines
