WEEKEND PREVIEW - NOV 12
The Isuzu FA Vase leads the way again this week with six Wessex League Clubs involved in the Second Round with one all-Wessex tie.
Both Brockenhurst and Andover New Street head to Devon and will be playing some 20 miles from each other, Brockenhurst visit Bovey Tracey who are in eighth place in the South West Peninsula East Division while New Street are at the picturesque harbour Town of Brixham who lie fourth in the same Division.
On paper Brockenhurst look to have the better chance though it is difficult to be aware of the standard of the League. The Western League Premier Division provide the opposition at Laverstock & Ford where Falmouth Town are the visitors. They are 14th but will provide strong opposition as well as no doubt bringing a lot of supporters.
Shaftesbury head to the other side of Cirencester to face Hellenic League side Brimscombe & Thrupp and must have every chance of progressing while the all-Wessex tie sees Cowes Sports travel to Division One New Milton Town where their rather poor away record will be very much put to the test.
The top game in the Premier Division is at Moon Park where second place Bemerton Heath host third place Horndean. A difficult match to call with Bemerton’s ability to score goals set against Horndean’s very impressive away record. Leaders AFC Portchester should be too strong at home for bottom Club Alresford and similarly AFC Stoneham, in fourth place, must be favourite to take the points when Portland come visiting. Hamble Club’s fine start to the season should continue against visitors Pagham, who have slipped to nineteenth place in the table, but Hythe & Dibden, on the fringe of the top six, may find points difficult to come by against visitors Moneyfields.
Baffins Milton Rovers make the short journey to Fareham and with both sides being somewhat inconsistent the result could go either way. Two games left and not very far apart. Christchurch entertain the much improved Blackfield & Langley, who will be hoping to continue their current winning run, while Bournemouth host US Portsmouth and their home record should see them prevail.
Division One leaders Downton welcome Verwood to Wick Lane with the visitors not having the best of away records and with second and third placed New Milton and Andover New Street engaged in the Vase, Newport could make up ground when Andover Town cross to the Island. Town have not yet quite matched last season’s form, especially away from home, and Port may well have the upper hand.
Petersfield are now up to sixth place and proving a difficult side to beat and should take advantage of visitors Romsey’s poor away record, Hamworthy Rec should come out on top against visitors Ash United and Millbrook will be slight favourites at home to East Cowes Vics.
Whitchurch and Fleetlands look evenly matched but the latter have struggled away from home all season while Amesbury, may gain at least a point when Totton & Eling visit Bonymead Park. This just leaves Fleet Spurs’ visit to Fawley where they will still be seeking their first point of the season.
Good luck to all our sides in the Vase and hopefully the weather will play ball this weekend.
Clubs are reminded to hold a minutes' silence ahead of their fixtures on Saturday, as The Wessex League remembers the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms.
