WEEKEND PREVIEW - NOV 26
There's a full-house of League encounters across both Divisions to whet the appetite in the Wessex League on Saturday.
The top two in the Premier Division are both away with leaders AFC Portchester at Brockenhurst and second placed Bemerton Heath Harlequins heading for Baffins Milton Rovers. Brockenhurst have had their fair share of injuries, which has prevented consistency, but even at full strength they may find their opponents too strong. Baffins perhaps do not always get the results they deserve but they have only one win to their name at home so far meaning that the visitors are probably favourites on the day.
Horndean, in third place, have won four out of five at home and may continue their winning ways against Laverstock & Ford. Though it will not be easy.
Hamble Club dropped two points in midweek and will not find visitors Hythe & Dibden an easy proposition while AFC Stoneham, with games in hand, have pushed their way into the top five and should maintain their position when US Portsmouth come visiting.
Moneyfields, on the fringe of the top five are playing their 'home' game at Bournemouth as they continue to work on their ground problems and could take all three points.
Shaftesbury travel down to the rejuvenated Blackfield & Langley and may have to settle for a point, while Fareham could just have the edge on Christchurch at Cams Alders.
Both Cowes Sports and Pagham picked up a point in midweek and they meet at Westwood Park where a home win may be the most likely outcome while Portland, after a run of games against sides at the top of the Division, could get back in the points again when they make the long haul to basement club Alresford (pictured, in black).
Things are a little tighter at the top of Division One with New Milton Town leading the way and they follow their seven goal victory in midweek with the long trip to Ash United and should maintain their position.
Second placed Andover New Street, still unbeaten, entertain Follands and with matches between the two always close, predicting the outcome is just chance.
Downton have to pick themselves up from last week’s home defeat and travel to Millbrook who, on their day, can mix with the best while Petersfield Town should continue their current excellent run of results when they host Totton & Eling at Love Lane.
Newport cross to Amesbury, who lost heavily in midweek, and the points will surely go back to the Island while Hamworthy Recreation have now settled fully in to the League and will provide a strong test for visitors Andover Town. Whitchurch have strengthened their attack and may have the edge over visitors Fawley and East Cowes Vics will be hoping for their first win when currently out of form Romsey Town cross to Beatrice Avenue.
Fleetlands have won all but one of their home matches to date and could add to that when Verwood, not the best of travellers, come calling while Fleet Spurs will continue to seek their first point when Ringwood travel to the north of the County.
So, a full programme. All we want is the weather to be onside.
Article Photo: Ian Grainger / VI Shooter
