Ground-Hopping
15/05/2010
 
 
Congratulations
 
AFC STONEHAM
 
Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier League
 
Cup Winners 2009/10
 
26 Dave Harding (Paulsgrove)
24 Steve Harding (Liphook United)
20 Ben Penfold (QK Southampton)
20 Liam Horsted (Paulsgrove)
19 Dean Higgins (Colden Common)
16 Simon Waters (Colden Common)
16 Wayne Emery (Fleetlands)
15 Lee Chambers (Fleetlands)
15 Matt Northcott (Liss Athletic)
13 Ben Boyce (Lyndhurst)
13 Jack Kirby (Fleetlands)
13 Luke Musselwhite (Sporting BW)
(League only – FINAL TABLE)
 
08/05/2010
 
QK have to settle for third spot
QK FINISH SEASON WITH PRIDE INTACT

CLANFIELD 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON 4

By Ken Babey reporting from Peel Park

QK were left to reflect on what could have been this season after a disastrous last few games.
They just had their pride to play for now and this proved to be just the game to do it. From the whistle they ransacked the Clanfield defence and in the first minute (well to be exact 46 seconds) Danny Smith chased a hopeful ball down the right, and managed to send an inch perfect ball which was met by Leon TATAVOSSIAN (right) to smash the ball past the keeper to give QK the perfect start.

Just five minutes later, Shane FLOOKS lobbed the ball over the keeper but from where I was standing it looked like it would just miss the goal, but it had everyone deceived including the Clanfield keeper as it tucked just in the corner to make it 2-0.

QK were on a high and were causing the home side all sorts of problems and on 15 minutes, with the Clanfield defence in disarray Flooks was the provider when he put a neat ball to his right which was met by SMITH to smash home.

Clanfield did not rest on their laurels and they were awarded a penalty on 20 minutes for a foul just inside the zone. Maybe it was the keeper Phil Spreadborough ‘s imposing presence but the Clanfield man sent the ball far wide of the mark.

However, they were rewarded in the 39th minute when, following a goalmouth scramble, the ball was somehow put in the back of the net by Gary FIRBANK to make it 3-1. This is how it stayed till half time with QK pushing for more goals but not managing to penetrate the Clanfield defence.

The second half should have been the prelude to a rout but QK were making hard going of it and it wasn’t until the 70th minute when SMITH (pictured right) received a well weighted pass from Randall and he again smashed the ball into the net giving the Clanfield keeper no chance. All in all QK were left to reflect on what could have been, but they ended this game with their pride intact.
 
Stoneham up for the Cup !
PUMA ENGINEERING HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE CUP FINAL

AFC STONEHAM 5
PAULSGROVE 1

John Gorman reporting from the Denplan Ground

THOUGH this was only the third year of the Competition both sides came into the game with previous Final appearances behind them – AFC Stoneham having been defeated two years ago and Paulsgrove being the current Cup holders.

But helped by a goal in the opening minute Stoneham ensured the result followed the respective League placings of the two clubs with an ultimately comfortable victory on a cold afternoon at Winchester City’s Denplan ground.
The game got under way in something of a sensational manner with a goal in just 49 seconds as Paulsgrove keeper Aaron Holden kicked at, but failed to make contact with, a long clearance and Lee HEWETT turned the ball into the empty net.

Bouyed by that early success the Southampton-based side enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with their tall back four dominating the Paulsgrove attack but it was twenty minutes into the game before they increased their lead further.

The ball was won in midfield, Dan Sillence made ground down the right, pulled the ball back from the byline and Mark GARDNER’s cool finish beat Holden inside the near post.

The keeper then saved well at close range from Ollie Forbes and was happy to see a header from Liam Hall flash by the post before Paulsgrove carved out their best chance of the half but Louie Green could not make sufficient contact with a clever Jake Warlow free kick.

Warlow sent a header wide and Green’s shot lacked power as Paulsgrove sought to reduce the deficit but after both captains had been cautioned after a minor flare up it was Stoneham who headed for the dressing rooms and the half time break with a two-goal advantage.

Stoneham were again quicker into their stride after the restart with Hewett catching Holden in no mans land but his lob from distance bounced wide. Paulsgrove responded with two corners in quick succession before Holden rescud his side by saving at Hewett’s feet after the striker had fastened on to an underhit back pass, and then holding on to a long range effort from Luke Strange.

The ever dangerous Dave Harding lacked support for Paulsgrove and too often was simply denied by weight of numbers and it was Stoneham who scored again after twenty minutes to seemingly put the tie out of reach. The imposing Ryan Cross played the ball forward, one defender stayed back leaving FORBES onside, and the ball was coolly slotted past Holden for goal number three.

Holden saved from Gardner and Hewett in quick succession before three goals inside four minutes around the half hour mark completed the scoring. Paulsgrove pulled a goal back when John CRIPPS fired a Harding cross low past Andy Harris in the Stoneham goal but any thoughts of a revival were swiftly quashed.
Forbes got away on the left, the defence failed to deal with the cross and GARDNER was in hand at the far post to make it four.

Holden saved from Hewett when the striker looked somewhat offside but in the next attack the Paulsgrove defence again failed to move forward as a unit and HEWETT beat the advancing Holden to take his side’s tally to five.
Warlow perhaps might have done better with a header from Liam Horsted’s cross and when the Paulsgrove offside trap foundered again Stoneham failed to take advantage of a three on one situation before beginning their celebrations on referee Kevin Willey’s final whistle.
On the day Stoneham were worthy winners as the score suggests and proudly accepted their medals from Colin Burdle, the Managing Director of the League’s Sponsors, Puma Engineering, with skipper Ryan Cross taking the Man of the Match Award to complete an enjoyable afternoon.
 
 
03/05/10
 
COMMON JUST 90 MINUTES FROM RETAINING TITLE

LISS ATHLETIC 1
COLDEN COMMON 3

 By Ian Steele reporting from Newman Collard

REIGNING champions Colden Common travel to Lyndhurst next Saturday knowing that victory will see them retain the Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier League title in the closest-ever championship chase.

If Common fail to win and Team Solent are victorious at Sporting BW, then the Students will sensationally snatch the crown from the Commoners.
Prior to the game all were aware that two wins from our final two games would secure the championship but that the two opposing sides would make life extremely difficult.

After coming to terms with a hard dusty pitch (such a contrast) Common had the better of things and, after a couple of chances spurned by Dean Higgins, Common took the lead some 16 minutes in.

Higgins again found good space and crossed for Jordan PARKER to rise majestically and nod home.

The referee then had to leave the field due to injury and Common’s Lance Bowie took the whistle before an official referee from the crowd took over to cover the rest of the match.

Liss worked hard to level matters but, in truth, they could not get past a resilient Colden defensive line.
On 38 minutes, Common missed a great chance to double their advantage when they were awarded a penalty for handball but the normally reliable Scott Waters saw his penalty saved by the Liss keeper who also beat away the follow-up shot from Waters.

Further chances for the visitors went astray before, on 41, WATERS made amends for his earlier miss by converting Dave Egerton’s cross-field ball.
Liss fell further behind on the stroke of half-time when Richard LANG curled his corner from the right directly into the net.
After the break, Liss were fired up and controlled the opening ten minutes but, again, without breaching the back four. However, on 63 minutes, the hosts did find the net, an excellent header from Jordan NEAL to reduce the arrears.

Common then regained a measure of control but despite good chances for Lang, Higgins, Rood, Scott and Simon Waters the scorers were not troubled again.
With ten minutes remaining Jordan Parker had to leave the field through injury thus Common played out the final minutes with ten men.
 
 
 
QK TITLE DREAM IS OVER

QK SOUTHAMPTON 0
LIPHOOK UNITED 0

Ken Babey reports from Five Acres

QK played today’s game to regain some pride after their previous performance. They showed some real promise and took the game to Liphook but the prevailing wind did not make for a classic.

For the first half hour, it was real end to end but then QK went down to 10 men when Craig Shrimpton was dismissed for a second yellow having been previously booked only two minutes earlier. For the rest of the half it was backs to the wall to hold out the expected Liphook onslaught. The defence did hold well but up front QK were continuously thwarted by the Liphook backs.

The second half started well with QK attacking from both flanks but again the wind was playing havoc with the ball, with shots going high and occasionally deceiving the Liphook keeper.

The visitors’ back line were doing an admirable job keeping QK out but in the last 15 minutes were lucky not to concede several times with the ball hitting the woodwork on both sides but luck was not on the home side today and the game ended goalless, but it proved to the players that they could play better than they had done and with one game to play they will go all out to win.
 
 
 
TEAM SOLENT 3
PAULSGROVE 2

Report by Gary Day at Hardmoor

TEAM Solent kept up their bid for the Hampshire Premier League title with what turned out to be a narrow victory over Paulsgrove. Solent went into a sixth minute lead when Jack SMYTH bundled the ball over the line after ‘Grove keeper Clark had kept out a goal-bound effort.
Solent created further chances before SMYTH netted his second ten minutes later with a well-placed shot. SMYTH got a further goal when he latched onto a good pass that left him free to slot home and complete a 26 minute hat-trick.

Things were looking good for Solent at this stage but Paulsgrove won a free-kick and Liam HORSTED placed the ball directly into the far corner to pull a goal back with 35 minutes played.

Paulsgrove made two substitutions at half-time and one of them was in goal. New keeper Aaron Holden produced fine saves to deny first Smyth and then a Leo Churms close range shot, who had followed-up after Ragnar Hovind’s effort had rebounded from the crossbar. Immediately, Paulsgrove broke down the field and Dave HARDING netted with a low effort to pull the score back to 3-2 with 65 minutes played.

Further saves from Holden kept the goals margin to just one, twice denying substitute Tom Hoskin and also a fine block to prevent Ian Jones scoring. Hoskin was unlucky not to have wrapped things up on 86 minutes but his shot rebounded from the post. Grove almost levelled when a sloppy back-pass put in Horsted whose shot came off the Solent bar, but there were no further scares for Solent in the remaining two minutes.
 
 
 
WAYNE PUTS FLEETLANDS SECOND

FLEETLANDS 3
AFC STONEHAM 2

By Roger Allen reporting from Lederle Lane

FLEETLANDS moved second, their highest league position of the season, after an exciting win by the odd goal in five.

The first chance of the game fell to Stoneham’s Ryan Cross who headed over from a free kick. After this Fleetlands came into the game and Paul Pinder went close with a shot.

Pinder then supplied Chris Cunningham with a neat cross. The latter was in the clear and should have done better than hit Andy Harris in the Stoneham goal with his shot.

It looked increasingly likely that the first half would end goalless but, in the last eight minutes, there were three goals.

First on 37, Harris allowed a Pinder shot to bounce off his chest and Lee CHAMBERS was on hand to score from a narrow angle with the rebound.

Two minutes later Stoneham were back on level terms as skipper Paul LAWRENCE headed in a Nick Judd corner from close range and, on the stroke of half time, Stoneham secured an interval lead. Luke Strange got clear on the right to square the ball for Oli FORBES to score with Fleetlands vainly claiming for offside.

After five minutes of the second half, Fleetlands were back on level terms. Cunningham slid a through ball to PINDER who took it on and finished well.
Both sides had chances to take the lead but on 68 minutes the ball broke to Fleetlands’ top scorer Wayne EMERY who drove the ball past substitute keeper Rich Sims into the corner of the net.

That was the end of the scoring but both sides had chances, the best of which fell to Stoneham’s Mark Gardner in the dying minutes but he delayed his shot and the chance was gone.

Fleetlands are now level on points with Team Solent at the head of the table but it might be too late to secure the title as both Solent & Colden Common have games in hand in a race for first place which looks set to go down to the wire.
 
 
LANGDOWN NICKS IT FOR SOLENT

WINCHESTER CASTLE 0
TEAM SOLENT 1

Mike Crowfoot reports from Chilcomb

FOR the first 25 minutes of the match it was impossible to tell which of these teams was challenging for the league title as Castle had slightly the better of the play but chances were few for either team.

Tom Munday had two shorts easily saved by Team Solent’s keeper Gavin Dunne and Gbolehan Laoshe’s volley from 14 yards was just wide. At the other end Ragnar Hovind outjumped Castle keeper Darren Crowfoot to nod in but was adjudged offside.

As the half progressed Team Solent began to put their passes together and exerted some pressure on Castle’s defence but Crowfoot was not called upon to make a save.

When it looked like the half would be scoreless, a left wing cross on 43 minutes eluded everyone except Louis LANGDOWN at the far post and he slotted into the empty net to give Solent a fortunate half time lead.

The second half was also lacking in goalmouth action. Solent’s passing lacked a cutting edge and Castle’s defence looked secure.

On the two occasions openings were created, on 73 and 88 minutes, Crowfoot produced outstanding saves to tip shots from Jamie Barnett and Hovind around the post.

Castle’s more direct style also failed to produce chances except for a half-hit shot from John Wanless which was easily gathered by Dunne.

However, in injury time, Castle were unlucky not to equalise as Laoshe’s shot was deflected just wide, Dunne then saved Munday’s header and a scorching 20 yard shot from Alex Gard was inches wide with Dunne beaten.
 
 
GRAHAM DEALS DOUBLE BLOW TO QK

QK SOUTHAMPTON 1
OVERTON UNITED 2

 Ken Babey reports from Five Acres
WITH everything to play for thanks to earlier results, QK should have stamped their authority on this game from the start. Instead, what we witnessed was a poor performance from earlier in the season.

The game started well enough with both sides playing well and with QK threatening the Overton goal on numerous occasions, but again the end product was not good enough. When Overton cleared the ball, a long pass was picked up by Jason GRAHAM and, through sloppy defending, he hammered the ball out of reach of the QK keeper and into the net in the 26th minute.

Try as they may, QK just could not penetrate the Overton defence until the 42nd minute when, from a free kick launched in from Martyn Randall, the ball was met by Tony Patten who headed strongly at the keeper and from the resulting rebound was forced into the net by Abbas AGORO.

When the second half started, the manager bought on Ben Penfold to try something new up front but the forward was still recovering from a pulled hamstring and unfortunately could not make a big enough impact.

QK had plenty of attacking left in them but, as in previous games, did not make the final ball tell and it came as no surprise, when in the 70th minute with all the home side pushing for a second goal they were caught cold.

A long ball left them flat-footed and GRAHAM was again left free with only the keeper to beat which they duly did. QK then threw everything at Overton but were well kept out until the final whistle.

It must be highly unlikely that Colden Common or Team Solent will slip up in their last remaining games but we must win the last games to show some respectability.
 
 
HEADLEY UNITED FC

On Friday, Headley United informed the PEHPFL that the club would not be unable to fulfil their remaining three league fixtures of the season.
Indeed, they did not fulfil their Bank Holiday fixtures at Colden Common on Saturday 1 May or at Otterbourne on Monday 3 May and they are scheduled at QK Southampton on Wednesday 5 May.

Please be aware that this matter is being dealt with by the Emergency Committee of the Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier Football League.

 WANTED

HAMBLE Club are on the look-out for a manager to run their reserve team in the PEHPL Combination Division for the 2010/11 season.

Anyone interested in the position can speak in confidence with secretary Colin Williams on 07977 324923 or apply, in writing, to him at 16 Coach Road, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4JW.
 
28/04/10
SOLENT HIT BACK TO RESCUE POINT

 COLDEN COMMON 3
TEAM SOLENT 3.

Roger Allen reporting from Main Road

FOR the neutral this was a cracking game but for the teams it was a result that neither wanted.

Common made the better start and Dean Higgins had a shot cleared off the line by a Solent defender with the keeper beaten. Then Scott Waters was just wide with a header.

Common continued to dominate and on 19 minutes they started a goal rush as Higgins supplied a pass for Peter WINKLE to slip the ball into the net. A minute later Solent were back on level terms as Ragnar HOVIND converted a penalty.

On 23 minutes Common’s Rich Lang found space on the right to cross for Scott WATERS to head back across goal. Twelve minutes later Common took a two-goal lead with a carbon copy goal. This time Higgins crossed for WINKLE to head in at the far post.

Common were still on top when the second half as Dave Egerton clipped the bar with a free kick but slowly Team Solent finally got their game going.

On 57 minutes they pulled a goal back as substitute Jack SMYTHE got between defenders to head in a long through ball. Fifteen minutes later they were back on level terms as Chris BROOKMAN won a challenge on the edge of the penalty area and half volleyed the ball into the roof of the net for the best finish of the night.

From then on Solent looked the more likely side to go on and win the game but Common mounted one final flourish as the game went into stoppage time and only a fingertip save by Solent’s keeper kept the scores level.
 
FLEETLANDS 4
LISS ATHLETIC 0
Report by George Mason

LEE Chambers’ first-half hat trick and one from Colin Rich saw Fleetlands extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches as the Copter men maintained their pressure for a top three finish.
 
QK cash in after the top two share the points

QK SOUTHAMPTON 2
SPORTING BW 0

THIS game promised plenty of passion but alas, it was not what we saw.

With the top of the league so tight, it was imperative that QK scored a hatful of goals. However, Sporting were proving to be a difficult side to play against and although QK threatened their goal on numerous occasions the defence somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net.

Once again the QK attack force was left wanting with too many balls going astray, but to be fair with such a dry pitch it was inevitable that there would be the odd bobble. It was a relief when the half time whistle went so that the manager could reshape the formation. From the start of the second half, you could see a much different side and, in the 49th minute, QK attacked with great vigour and when Craig Shrimpton crossed the ball it was met by Andrew MILTON who tucked the ball past the keeper.

This was the buffer that QK needed and set the scenario for a one way deluge. Still the goals would not come partly through bad finishing and strong defending.

However, 28 minutes into the half, with a full on attack Nathan Golden whipped the ball across the goal and supersub Scott BROWN was on hand to fire the ball past the diving keeper on 73 minutes.
The game should have been wrapped up with 10 minutes to go but when Brown was again through with only the keeper to beat, he shot straight at him and it was parried away.

The same happened a few minutes later when Randall was through with the same scenario but rather than do the easy thing and take the ball round the keeper he went for the spectacular and put the ball over the bar.
The game ended with QK winning 2-0 and gaining three very precious points.
DIVISION 1
25 Dave Harding (Paulsgrove)
23 Steve Harding (Liphook United)
20 Ben Penfold (QK Southampton)
19 Liam Horsted (Paulsgrove)
18 Dean Higgins (Colden Common)
16 Simon Waters (Colden Common)
15 Wayne Emery (Fleetlands)
15 Matt Northcott (Liss Athletic)
14 Lee Chambers (Fleetlands)
13 Jack Kirby (Fleetlands)
(League only – up to and including April 29)
24/04/2010
OTTERS’ CUP TRIUMPH IS A FIRST
 
 
OTTERBOURNE 2
STOCKBRIDGE 1

 John Gorman reporting from the Portway Stadium

OTTERBOURNE put their name on the Andover Open Cup for the first time, and ensured Stockbridge took the runners up medals for the second season running, when winning a close game by the odd goal in three at Andover’s Portway Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Both sides found difficulty with the bouncing ball on the hard surface but overall the Hampshire Premier League side deserved both their win and the celebrations that followed. Otterbourne came close to taking the lead in the opening minute when Chris Knight outpaced the Stocks defence in pursuit of a through ball only to see his lob from outside the area clear both the advancing keeper, Alan Ralph, and the crossbar.

A clever run by Stockbridge’s Nick Coates ended with a shot that was wide and when the same player made ground again his low cross passed untouched across the six yard box. The first goal came on thirteen minutes and was a virtual carbon copy of the earlier Otterbourne attack when KNIGHT again got clear but his lob this time cleared the again advancing Ralph and found the back of the net.

The Stocks responded with a cross from Jack Hutchings from which Steve Witt’s shot was saved at close range by James Flood before in their next attack they levelled the scores when COATES headed home from close range.
Both sides were pushing forward at every opportunity but clear cut chances were rare and it was the fortieth minute before the scoreline changed again. A long cross from the Otterbourne left saw Stockbridge defender Sam Coleman tangle with Knight in the area, referee Kevin Willey awarded a penalty and skipper Marc KELLY drilled the spot kick low past Ralph to give the Hampshire Premier League side the half-time lead.

After Otterbourne had strong appeals for a penalty turned down Stockbridge started the second half the stronger and Witt’s header from a corner was only just too high before Otterbourne looked to have increased their lead on the hour mark but Tom Kerr’s header was disallowed after the referee spotted an infringement.

Ralph had to leave his line quickly to deny Wright and the latter then saw a header saved by the goalkeeper before being adjudged offside when it looked as though it was a defender who played the ball back towards his own keeper.
With time running our Stockbridge introduced Ryan Boare and his corner saw Jamie Coleman volley over, Witt was inches too high from some twenty five yards but Otterbourne had the last word with a thunderous effort from Nick Cole that suffered the same fate before the final whistle, after some four minutes of added time, meant that on the night Otterbourne had triumphed over their higher ranked opponents and stepped forward to accept the Cup and medals from Mr Keith Wyatt, the President of the Andover Football League.
SUMMIT MEETING ENDS IN DEADLOCK

TEAM SOLENT 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON 1

 By Ken Babey reporting from Hardmoor

THIS was a crunch game for both teams with Colden Common also in the hunt for the top place. It started much as one would anticipate with neither side willing to give anything away although QK started the brighter.
Solent defended very well keeping QK out and were quick to send the ball back into the visitor’s half. In the 12th minute, with Solent attacking, the ball was not properly cleared and Leo CHURMS who was not picked up on the right slammed the ball past the QK keeper to draw first blood.
For the rest of the half, both sides battled with panache, but neither could make the final ball tell although both keepers pulled off some great saves. The second half started and it was as if there hadn’t been a break as the game continued in the same manner as the first. It was truly end to end stuff and one felt sure there would be another goal coming. In the 57th minute with QK on the attack, Scott Brown managed to overpower the Solent keeper, and the loose ball was crossed for Martyn RANDALL to strike with his lethal left foot to give the keeper no chance.
QK were then down to ten men when Nathan Golden was sent off for a second offence but QK managed to hang on till the whistle and end the game honours even.
 
21/042010
 
BOTTOMS UP FOR TEAM SOLENT !
 
 QK SOUTHAMPTON 1
TEAM SOLENT 2

Report by Ken Babey at Five Acres

 TWO goalkeeping howlers cost QK the game in this table-topping clash.

This was promising to be a classic game with the ball going end to end from the whistle with QK just edging it for the first quarter hour but on one of Solent’s breaks, a shot from Ragnar HOVIND which should have been comfortably collected, saw the ball in the net with the QK keeper caught flat footed after 24 minutes.

However, QK did not let this setback knock them out of their stride and for quite long periods were forcing the students to defend at all costs. As has happened a lot in the last few games, the final touch was not there and so the first half ended with Team Solent one nil up.

The second half started as the first ended and each side cancelled the other out but Team Solent’s break came in the 65th minute when a seemingly simple clearance from the keeper hit Ben KNELLER on his backside and looped over and under the bar to make it 2-0 to the visitors.

This still did not make heads drop and when substitute Scott Brown was thrusting forward into the penalty he was duly bought down and QK were awarded a penalty. This was taken twice by Dan Smith when the keeper was adjudged to have moved before the kick was taken and the keeper had saved, but on the second attempt SMITH put the ball away on 71 minutes.

The last twenty minutes was a niggly affair with clumsy challenges flying in but Solent managed to hang on to take the honours.
 
17/04/2010
Congratulations - LIPHOOK  UNITED - Hampshire Intermediate Cup winners - 2010
Headley’s Barry Parker nods home a Ben Roberts corner in their bottom-of-the-table clash with Sporting BW only for it to be disallowed – Parker and Headley had the last word though with a 3-1 home victory.
Photo: Jeff Wheeler

 Randall returns QK to the summit


RANDALL TWIN STRIKE PUTS QK BACK ON TOP

HAMBLE CLUB 2
QK SOUTHAMPTON 5

 By Ken Babey reporting from the Shell Mex Ground

I don’t know who is the more lethargic, me or the players, but QK laboured to a win in this game which quite frankly they should have won by a hatful against a Hamble team who struggled to get a full side.

The pitch was not ideal to play on with a lack of rain in a few days (for a change!!). It seemed like there would be a rout when Martyn RANDALL latched on to a cross from Nailor to slot the ball past the keeper as early as the 10th minute.
Then, from a rare surge from Hamble, Pete DAVIES was clear when no-one picked him up and fired off a shot which the QK keeper could not see through a melee of players to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes.

It was made worse when just three minutes later the QK keeper fumbled the ball twice and the ball was bundled into the net by Dan JACKSON to put Hamble into an unlikely lead. Luckily QK had a nap hand when ex reserve Abbas AGORO outmanoeuvred the Hamble defence and let off a fierce shot which the home keeper saw too late and bring QK back into the game in the 29th minute.

For the rest of the half it was all QK Southampton but they could not make the final ball tell. With the second half came a revitalised QK side but also the Hamble side. With a few mistakes being made at the back, QK were put on the back foot a couple of times but managed to cope then in the 58th minute Pete SLACK (right) received the ball from a cross and was left with just the keeper to beat which he duly did and this was the point which QK started to stamp their authority on the game.

However it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Scott BROWN was left free to put the game out of reach for the home side when he too was left with just the keeper to beat. With the Hamble side’s heads down, two minutes later RANDALL (RIGHT) unleashed a superb volley from a nearly impossible angle to beat the keeper at the near post.


 Thomas strikes – after just 28 seconds!!
THOMAS IN A HURRY TO BOOST ‘HEATH

WINCHESTER CASTLE 1
LOCKS HEATH 2

 Report by Mike Crowfoot at Chilcomb

CASTLE'S defence has been giving goals away in the last few matches and it took them just 28 seconds to present Locks Heath with a chance they gratefully accepted. Castle played two sloppy balls across their back four, the second of which was seized upon by Locks Heath's Jason THOMAS who laid the ball off to Scott Steel and ran on for the return pass and coolly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper for an early lead.

Just two minutes later Castle should have equalised as George Roberts put John Wanless in behind Locks defence but keeper John Whitfield saved with his legs and the ball was scrambled away. As the game developed Locks Heath were having better possession but lacked any penetration and Castle’s more direct style was also creating few chances but on 15 minutes right winger Alex Gard jinked past three defenders and crossed to an unmarked Tom MUNDAY who shot past Whitfield for the equaliser.

The next attempt on goal after 25 minutes gave Locks the lead as a corner flicked off of three heads before arriving for Joe MORTON at the far post who headed into the roof of the net to restore Locks lead.

The only other worthwhile attempt on goal in the first half was from Scott Steel whose effort was turned around the post by Crowfoot in the Castle goal.

The second half also lacked goalmouth action as Locks bright start saw Ollie Amos set up Simon Rowells but his shot was over the bar and after that Crowfoot in the Castle goal was never troubled despite some neat football from Locks Heath.

Castle with less of the ball were a little unlucky not to equalise as Tom Egerton's freekick was punched, by Whitfield, to George Roberts whose lob was just over the bar and following a Gard corner a scramble at the far post saw the ball rebound into a sprawling Whitfield's arms. In the second minute of added time Castle thought they had equalised as Roberts throw found Warren Kitley who squared the ball to Munday whose shot beat Whitfield but rebounded clear off a post to leave Locks with a narrow victory.

 OVERTON UNITED 0
FLEETLANDS 2
By George Mason at Bridge Street

SECOND-HALF goals by Jack KIRBY after 46 minutes and Lee CHAMBERS on the hour mark secured all three points for Fleetlands as the ‘Coptermen extended their unbeaten run to eight games and maintains its push for a top three finish.

 DOUBLE DUTCH MAKES SENSE FOR QK

QK SOUTAMPTON 3
WINCHESTER CASTLE 1
Ken Babey reports from Five Acres

What a difference a couple of days make!! QK went into this game on the back of a poor showing the previous Saturday but with a couple of changes, were like a re-vitalised side. From the start they harried Winchester and came close to scoring on several occasions. However the visitors were not going to make this an easy game for us and in the 13th minute, with the QK defence shouting for a handball (like you do!!) which was never going to be given, the Winchester forward, John WANLESS sailed through and rounded the keeper to score.

Now, if you’re a QK supporter you’re thinking OH no! Here we go again. But no, QK picked themselves up and were more or less camped in the in the Winchester half.

They were up for the fight and on the 21st minute debutante Abbas Agoro threaded a lovely ball through the Winchester defence for Ash HOLLAND to put past the keeper.

FIRE 1: Ash Holland opens the scoring for QK (left) and Pete Slack completes their good night’s work.

There was dismay though when a little later Penfold had to be replaced after he sustained a possible hamstring problem, but his replacement Pete Slack proved to be worthy.

For the rest of the half the ball was end to end with Winchester hammering long high balls for their tall players but they could not get through a steadfast QK defence led by Andrew Milton.

With the second half came a revitalised QK side and from the whistle, showed why they are vying for first place. The Winchester defence was being turned this way and that by some strong attacking down both flanks but the breakthrough came in the 59th minute when QK were awarded a free kick. Tatavossian floated a beautiful ball into the far side of the box and HOLLAND rose above the defence and managed to loop the ball over the keeper from a seemingly impossible angle.

Just three minutes later, SLACK got on the scoresheet when he picked up on a cross from Danny Smith, turned his man and duly put the ball in the back of the net.

Although both sides battled well the game ended with a well earned victory for the home side. I have to say well done to Marc Johnson and Abbas Agoro who both came through from a reserve game the previous night and more than proved their capabilities.
 
13/04/2010
SOARAWAY STUDENTS REACH THE SUMMIT

TEAM SOLENT 2
LIPHOOK UNITED 1

By Gary Day reporting from Hardmoor

TEAM Solent moved to the head of the Division 1 table on Monday evening with a battling victory over title rivals Liphook United in a top of the table clash that didn’t disappoint as two sides put up a fine display of football.

Team Solent went ahead in the 16th minute when Liphook keeper Tim Howard rushed from his goal to thwart Ben Kneller to concede a corner and Ragnar HOVIND saw his in-swinging wind assisted flag-kick find its way high into the far corner of the Liphook net.

Minutes later, Liphook’s McGrath forced home keeper Ogaga Oteri to a low near post diving save as the visitors attempted to hit back. Team Solent looked for a second goal but Hovind’s shot from a tight angle came off the near post after 27 minutes and Kneller tried an audacious 45-yard effort with Howard out of goal that cleared the bar of the open Liphook net just before half time.

Team Solent began the second half purposefully and two low crosses from the right may have brought opportunities but they were not taken, the second of which saw Alexander Chapman stab the ball wide. Some defensive indecision on 62 minutes gave Team Solent’s Adam Gray a chance but his shot was saved by Howard.

Liphook gradually fought back and eventually got level in the 70th minute when Paul Marshall evaded a tackle on the left and played a good ball to the opposite channel for substitute Adam PIERSON to fire home.

Undeterred, the home side hit back to go in front five minutes later when Kneller’s low cross was touched home by GRAY. Liphook’s Steven Harding had a chance on the right but drove over the bar five minutes later as Team Solent held on to secure an important victory.

Both sides played their part in an excellent game of football; it was also played in a fine spirit throughout and was therefore a first-class advertisement for the Hampshire Premier League.

COMMON CRACKSHOTS AIM FOR REVENGE

PAULSGROVE 1
COLDEN COMMON 3

Ged Magee and Ian Steele report from Marsden Road

WITH a predominantly young side the visitors had cause to thank two long-serving Commoners, who have earned a 'deadly-duo' reputation, to thank for a 3-1 success.

When the two sides met back in October 2009 at Main Road, Paulsgrove secured a 3-1 success so for Common managers Ged Magee and Micky Pratt a 3-1 away win this evening was ample 'revenge'.

As with all games that have to start so early, the two sides usually take time to settle but on this occasion Common ripped into their Marsden Road hosts and were guilty of some glaring first-half misses.

However, Common eventually broke the deadlock after 16 minutes when Dean HIGGINS, one half of the 'Duo', coolly converted his 19th league and cup goal of the campaign – his 158th in 227 first team appearances.

The visitors maintained their momentum but could not find a second goal and it seemed the 'writing was on the wall' when Paulsgrove broke away and levelled the scores just before half time through Liam HORSTED.

Paulsgrove were a lot livelier and more dangerous after the break as the game settled into an end-to-end affair.

Common still looked the more likely and indeed goals from the two smallest players on the park (because the Common managers are just a tad shorter off the park) in the space of six minutes by Liam MAGEE (58) and Rich LANG (64) - the 'Duos' other half - his 189th Common first team goal in 241 appearances - scored the goals that secured an invaluable victory as Common continue the battle to retain the league title.
10/04/2010
Common put one Over United at Main Road

DAVE EDGES COMMON TO VICTORY
COLDEN COMMON 3
OVERTON UNITED 2
 By Roger Allen reporting from Main Road

ON a difficult surface Overton came from behind twice, only to lose after conceding a late free kick. In the first half, it was difficult to tell which side was going for the title and which was threatened with relegation. Common’s Liam Magee was wide early on then Dave Egerton was missed with a pair of free kicks.
At the other end Jason Graham shot straight at Rich Lang, in the unaccustomed position as keeper, and Aaron Cochrane blazed over after being set up by Ben Dibbern. After 31 minutes Common took the lead. Dean Higgins and Overton keeper, Nic Stones, converged on a through ball. The keeper was favourite but a bobbly pitch did for his clearance and HIGGINS was left to walk the ball into an empty net. (see left)
Five minutes later Overton equalised. A corner on the right was squared back across the box by James Winfield and Allan MITCHELL drove the ball home from 10 yards.
At the beginning of the second half Common finally got their game together and a Jordan Parker shot was scrambled off the line by Ross Soper-Dyer.
After 63 minutes Soper-Dyer was penalised for a challenge in the area on Higgins. Alex HUXFORD (pictured right) stepped up to send Stones the wrong way.
However Overton kept plugging away and, on 75 minutes, COCHRANE was fed by James Tennant and he slipped the ball wide of Lang to equalise.

The final goal came four minutes later as Jordan Parker was brought down near the edge of the box.

EGERTON took the kick (left) which beat the wall and keeper Stones.

The game ended in a number of niggly confrontations which was unfortunate because up to that point the match had been played in a good spirit.

 LIPHOOK PROFIT FROM SECOND HALF GOAL RUSH
LIPHOOK UNITED 5
WINCHESTER CASTLE 2

 Mike Crowfoot reports from London Road

THE first half showed no sign of the goal glut that was to follow as both defences had the upper hand. Castle had the first chance on seven minutes as Ross Brimfield played Dan Bapty in behind the Liphook defence and his drive, heading for the top corner, was tipped over by keeper Matt Collins.
On 11 minutes Liphook had their only real chance of the half as a corner by Adrian Moger caused confusion in the Castle defence and, when the ball fell to a Liphook forward, Castle keeper Darren Crowfoot could only deflect the shot down and full back Tom Egerton was on hand to clear off the line. Liphook took the game to Castle at the start of the second half but with little penetration until the 50th minute when Crowfoot could only parry a powerful shot and Ben TRAVISS was on hand to head the rebound into the net.
Six minutes later with their next meaningful attack Liphook doubled their lead as right back Rick Williams cross was headed in by Dominic COPE. Liphook seemed comfortably in control without looking likely to increase their lead but on 75 minutes there was a goal rush with three goals in as many minutes.
First Matt Storey won a tackle in Liphook’s half, slipped the ball to Peter Walker who played Matt Boast in behind the defence and his cross to the far post was crashed in by John WANLESS to reduce the lead.
However, Liphook quickly responded as a minute later from a well-flighted Moger cross, TRAVISS glanced the ball just inside the far post to restore Liphook’s two-goal advantage. But a minute later slackness in their defence allowed Wanless to rob the keeper and cross for WALKER to slot in from eight yards to once more reduce the lead to a single goal.
Liphook were now rattled and Castle looked as if they could find an equaliser but on 85 minutes it was Castle's turn to be caught out as Warren Kitley was unnecessarily caught in possession and conceded a free kick wide on the left from which MOGER reacted quickly to nip in at the near post to head home to secure the points for Liphook. Worse was follow for Castle's defence as on 88 minutes another dangerous Moger cross was deflected into his own net by George Roberts. With QK losing to Fleetlands the title challenge may still be on Liphook.


FLEETLANDS 2
QK SOUTHAMPTON 1

 Report by George Mason
TABLE-TOPPING QK were undone when, the smallest player on the pitch, Jack KIRBY outjumped the two QK central defenders within a minute of the restart to head the ball past the outstretched QK keeper Tim Ndowola to put Fleetlands one up. Determined QK pressure went unrewarded and Fleetlands went two up on 70 minutes when Paul PINDER was on hand to drive home a ball from Sean Snelling who had driven into the heart of the QK defence after he has seized on a loose ball in the mid field.

Ash HOLLAND grabbed a late consolation goal for QK in injury time.
 
07/04/2010
CHAMBERS DOUBLE ENOUGH FOR COPTERMEN
  
FLEETLANDS 2
SPORTING BW 1

Roger Allen reports from St George’s Barracks

AT the unfamiliar surroundings of St George’s Barracks, Fleetlands came from behind to beat Sporting BW.
The away side made the better start and they took the lead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot. James Ritchie was penalised by the referee for an untidy challenge and Matt EDWARDS converted the kick.

Fleetlands drew level in the 19th minute when a snap shot by Lee CHAMBERS from the edge of the penalty area evaded Adam Faulkner in Sporting’s goal.

A minute later Fleetlands were ahead. If Faulkner was disappointed with the opening goal, he was unlucky with the second. He made a good blocking save from Jack Kirby but the rebound ran to CHAMBERS who slipped the ball into the empty net.
That was the end of the scoring for the day but Sporting carried the game to Fleetlands and had a golden chance to equalise with 12 minutes to go.

Matt Pryke was penalised for a push but Matt Edwards slid the penalty wide.
 
LEE-THAL: Fleetlands two-goal hero Lee Chambers (red)
  
 QK SOUTHAMPTON 1

By Jim Garcia reporting from Marsden Road

QK’s title challenge remains on course after an enthralling 1-1 draw with Paulsgrove – the club that soundly beat them in the semi-finals of the PEHPL Cup recently.

Paulsgrove took the lead midway through the first half following good work by Dave Harding and Liam Horsted with Dave DONALD driving home from 18 yards.

The visitors levelled just before half time when a poor clearance by the ‘Grove keeper was seized upon and Danny SMITH pounced to equalise.

 MATT FINISH PROVIDES LISS GLOSS
  
LYNDHURST 1
LISS ATHLETIC 3

 Derek Hawkins reports from Wellands Road

TWO first-half Matt Northcott strikes saw Liss Athletic come from behind to avenge their 3-1 home defeat at the hands of the Foresters earlier in the season.

Uninspiring early exchanges were finally illuminated after 20 minutes, a well-flighted Kevin CUTTER free-kick sailed over the heads of the assembled players and took one bounce in the six-yard box before skipping into the corner of the net.
The lead lasted just seven minutes as Liss responded with a similar goal, Jordan Neal’s left-wing delivery eluded everyone except NORTHCOTT who calmly slotted the ball past Matt Sturgess in the Lyndhurst goal.

Another seven minutes later, Ollie Neal played the ball over the top of the Foresters’ rearguard and NORTHCOTT again supplied the finish.

Despite dominating long spells of the second half, some bad luck combined with bad finishing was punished after 73 minutes when Andy Neal knocked in a deep free kick for an unmarked Ollie NEAL to ghost in and wrap up the points for Liss. 
Action from Easter Monday’s clash between Clanfield and Overton United at Peel Park which saw Clanfield pair Russ Noble and Darren Ferguson both score four times apiece in the first half to give an incredible 8-0 score line !

Photographs by: Rob Doig
 
 Wednesday evening’s action

OVERWHELMING SOLENT EDGE VICTORY
 
 OTTERBOURNE 1
TEAM SOLENT 2

 By Roger Allen at Oakwood Park

ONCE again Team Solent had overwhelming possession and countless chances but still struggled to put opponents away convincingly.

Both sides had early chances but none hit the target. Ragnar Hovind came closest for the students when his header glanced off the bar.

Just seven minutes remained in the first half when Solent took the lead. A free kick was awarded near the right touch line which was taken by River HATELY-RICHARDS. He curled the ball into the penalty area and the kick was missed by everyone including keeper James Flood.

After half time it was one-way traffic. Jamie Barnett had a shot pushed onto the post by Flood with the rebound scrambled away. Then Adam Gray had three chances to score in as many seconds. Each effort was blocked by a different defender. Gray was again at fault with two further misses, one of which came back off a post then Jamie Barnett was again thwarted by Flood. 

Just when it looked as though they would never score, after 78 minutes the Students managed the decisive second goal. Flood blocked an Alex Chapman shot and the ball ran clear to Adam GRAY who slid the ball into an empty net. Six minutes later Otterbourne got a consolation goal when Andy KERR got on the end of a long free kick to beat Ben Kneller.
SHUT OUT: Otterbourne’s Jamie Nash (white) under pressure from Team Solent's Jamie Clark

Prolific Penfold at the double for QK

LEAGUE LEADERS BACK ON TRACK
  
LYNDHURST 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON 4

Ken Babey reporting from Wellands Road
QK needed to win this game in style after the previous match was such a disaster.
From the whistle, they showed what they are capable of and the signs were there that they were going to show Lyndhurst no mercy. With the forwards chasing every ball it was inevitable they would eventually score a goal.

Within a quarter of an hour after some neat interplay Mike NAILOR received the ball from Pete Slack and fired a shot past the keeper on 15 minutes. Lyndhurst were in disarray and, seven minutes later, Ben PENFOLD cleverly turned his defender and, with only the keeper to beat, shimmied to his right and put the ball away on.

The Lyndhurst keeper was in sparkling form and kept his side in the game with a string of fine saves and the first half ended with QK just the two goals to the good.

The second half saw QK bursting into the Lyndhurst half at every opportunity and the home side’s keeper was called on again to save his side with balls coming at him from all angles.

But one clever through ball saw Pete SLACK with just the keeper to beat and, like Penfold in the first half, took the ball to the right of the keeper and slotted it in the 60th minute.

Lyndhurst, to their credit never gave up and they were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Ben BOYCE waited calmly for the QK wall to be moved to their ten paces and then he hit a screamer through the defence and just out of reach of the keeper in the 80th minute.

However, just two minutes later during another QK raid into the home side’s box, Liam Weeks was fouled and QK were awarded a penalty. Leading scorer PENFOLD took the responsibility and hammered the ball past the keeper.
With light fading fast it was with a sigh of relief when the final whistle went. QK have got their self-belief back again and should take this to the next game.