WEEKEND PREVIEW - SEPT 17
A virtual complete League Programme this week with the addition of one important Cup fixture as Laverstock & Ford travel to meet Taunton Town in the Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.
It is a daunting task for the Wessex League club, who have never reached this stage of the Competition before, with their opponents now playing in the National League South after their promotion last season and they currently sit in twelfth place in the table.
Taunton reached the First Round Proper in 2016/17 drawing at home with Barrow before making the long journey to the fringe of the Lake District, presumably on a midweek evening, to lose in the replay so they have some Cup pedigree. All good wishes to Laverstock for what is surely the biggest day in their history.
On to the Premier Division and with last week’s scheduled meeting between the two Clubs postponed, both Bemerton Heath Harlequins and AFC Portchester still have 100% records at the top of the table. Bemerton face doughty opponents in AFC Stoneham at Moon Park and may find their recent free scoring somewhat reined in while Portchester travel north to Alresford Town and will be favourites for the three points.
Hamble Club have moved quietly in to third place and could maintain their position after their visit to US Portsmouth while fourth place Fareham Town meet the improved Bournemouth at Cams Alders. Completing the top five in the albeit fledgling table at present are Horndean who journey to Blackfield & Langley (pictured) and could return home with all three points.
Staying on the Waterside, another side much improved from last season, Hythe & Dibden entertain Shaftesbury who are slowly putting their season together after a slow start and the result could go either way.
Baffins Milton Rovers have only played three League games to date and could get off the mark when Christchurch come visiting while Brockenhurst should be too strong for Cowes Sports, who are much happier on home soil.
Finally in the Division, Moneyfields make the long haul to Portland United and should ensure at least a share of the points.
In Division One the leaders, Folland Sports, face a tough home game with fifth place Andover Town while their two closest rivals are both on the road. New Milton Town travel to bottom placed Fleet Spurs and should take the three points while Ringwood Town head for Fleetlands who are slowly adjusting to the Wessex League and the points could be shared.
Verwood Town, in fourth place, host Millbrook who gained their first win in midweek and there could well be a close game at Totton & Eling where Downton are the visitors with the two sides having identical records to date.
Two of last season’s pace setters, Newport and Andover New Street, are already playing catch up in terms of games played and the Island side will not have an easy afternoon at Romsey who have won their last two home fixtures.
New Street entertain Ash United with memories no doubt of winning both of last season’s meetings by seven goals to one, and whilst that score line should not be repeated a home win is on the cards.
Petersfield are another side enjoying a good start to the season and should prove too strong for Hamworthy Recreation at Love Lane with the visitors still seemingly struggling to find their feet in their new environment.
Amesbury Town, who have already played seven League matches, travel to Fawley where their perhaps brittle away form will be put to the test and, on the Island, East Cowes Vics host Whitchurch United. Both sides have six points to date and home advantage may be the difference between them on the day.
The weather looks set fair, good luck to all, especially Laverstock and Ford.
* Clubs are reminded that black armbands should be worn and a two minute silence observed prior to this weekend's fixtures, as we pay our respects to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Article Photo: Steve Ross/ Those White Lines
