WEEKEND PREVIEW - FEB 11
A full programme in both Divisions and some interesting fixtures across the board.
The Premier Division kicks off on Friday evening when Moneyfields (pictured) host Pagham at Havant and Waterlooville’s ground. The visitors claimed their best win of the season in midweek but may find the home side too strong.
No question as to the Match of the Day on Saturday as second plays first - AFC Stoneham versus AFC Portchester.
Given the merits of the respective sides the result could go either way but a win for Portchester would greatly strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Horndean put their almost one hundred per cent away record to the test at Shaftesbury. The Dorset side are not quite the power of last season and the “Deans” could just take the points.
Free scoring Bemerton Heath travel to Bournemouth where a win will add to the “Poppies” relegation worries while Hamble Club, who scored six in midweek will be favourites for the points when Cowes Sports come calling.
Fareham Town are much happier at home and may have to give best to Hythe and Dibden and while Portland have pulled off some unexpected results, a trip to Baffins Milton Rovers will be very much a test.
After a torrid start to the season Blackfield and Langley can now be classed as mid table, but they will find the points hard to come by at Gang Warily against Laverstock and Ford and with both Brockenhurst and US Portsmouth having somewhat up and down seasons picking a winner there is difficult.
Lastly Alresford, marooned at the bottom, will do well to avoid defeat at Christchurch who have won five of their last six home matches.
Division One also commences it’s programme on Friday evening with the visit of Follands to Totton and Eling. Follands are only of the fringe of the push for play off places but could take the three points.
The top of the table is rather congested and three of the top four are on the road on Saturday. The only side with home comforts, so to speak, are New Milton and in what is probably the top match on the day they entertain Hamworthy Recreation.
Could there be an upset on the cards? Newport, their goal tally boosted by the seven scored in midweek, travel to Verwood who give little away at home, but the Island side may just be the winner over the ninety minutes. Andover New Street head in the opposite direction – to the Island to meet East Cowes Vics.
The latter have taken ten points from their last twelve but Street should bring the points back to the mainland.
Petersfield Town could face a difficult afternoon at Andover Town who are much happier at home than away and may have to settle for a share of the points.
Downton go to Fawley and can take all three points with Fawley having conceded seven in midweek and lost their manager.
Fleetlands could well add to Whitchurch’s relegation worries, given their strong home record, while Romsey and Ash United, who meet at the ByPass Ground are level on points so home advantage could be decisive.
at the bottom of the table Amesbury will have hopes of a result at Ringwood and Fleet Spurs travel to Test Park where Millbrook’s better scoring power should prevail.
Article Photo: Dave Bodymore
