Ground-Hopping

Last-gasp Spencer on Mark for Students

LATE SPENCER STRIKE RESCUES A POINT
 
TEAM SOLENT 1
SPORTING BW 1

Roger Allen reporting from Hardmoor

SPORTING looked anything but a bottom-of-the-table side as they took the game to Team Solent. Luke Musselwhite shot wide when well placed and Matt Spake tested Gavin Dunne in the Student’s goal with a powerful drive.

After Ben Kneller had struck the bar with a rare chance for Team Solent, Dunne was forced into a fingertip save to push round a Spake free kick.
The first half ended without a goal but Sporting started the second where they left off as Paul Hillier went close with a spectacular overhead kick.
The breakthrough finally came for Sporting just after the hour when Musselwhite’s through ball sent SPAKE clear to slide the ball coolly past the advancing Dunne.

MY BALL: Sporting BW goalscorer Matt Spake looks to play in a teammate 
RIGHT: Team Solent No.7 Adam Gray prepares to launch another raid for the Students.

In the final quarter hour, Solent’s superior fitness began to tell and it became a back to the wall effort for Sporting. Keeper Adam Faulkner held firm with everything that was thrown at him including a good save from Tom Hoskins.

In the fourth minute of added time, just when Sporting looked to have weathered the storm, they conceded a free kick. It was taken quickly by Jamie Barnett to Rob SPENCER whose vicious cross shot eluded Faulkner and sailed into the roof of the net to rescue a point for Solent.

QK extend their lead at the summit to four points

LEADERS TOO KNOWLEDGEABLE FOR STUDENTS

QK Southampton's Shane Flooks puts the Bournemouth Uni defence under pressure during the leaders’ 3-1 success this weekend.
Photo: Ken Babey

BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON 3

Ken Babey reports from Chapel Gate

ON a day when most people would rather have been at some local derby in Southampton, QK travelled to Bournemouth on the back of last week’s cup defeat, knowing they had to repay the manager’s faith in them.

However they were put under the cosh from the start by a Bournemouth side bristling with clever ball players. The visitors knew that they would have to fight hard for a result and, although they looked a tad jaded, managed to show some promise.

Mike Thomas received the ball from the left and, with everyone shouting for him to have a shot, calmly passed the ball to Mike NAILOR who sent a thundering shot goalwards on 23 minutes and had the keeper well beaten. Bournemouth continued to play with flair and, in the 31st minute, after some deft footwork from one of their forwards, who then passed the ball wide for Lucas PICKETT to score.

QK must have had a rocket at half time as they pushed forward from the whistle, Leon Tatavossian sent a thundering shot goalwards which the keeper fumbled but Pete SLACK (above) was on hand to follow through and tap the ball in the net on 48 minutes.

The Southampton side were then pummelled by the Students but held them back well. You always felt that Bournemouth would grab another but Andy WOOD received a cross in the 89th minute and sent the ball under the keeper to make it 3-1. QK had to really grind out this win and were relieved when the final whistle blew.

Castle’s storming start too much for Lyndhurst

DAN’S THE MAN FOR CASTLE
 
WINCHESTER CASTLE 4
LYNDHURST 1

Mike Crowfoot reports from The Sports Ground 

LYNDHURST were hit by late arrivals from the Southampton v Portsmouth FA Cup tie and Castle took full advantage as they cruised into a 3-0 lead inside the first 24 minutes.

After seven minutes John Wanless had the ball in the net as he collected a long kick from keeper Darren Crowfoot, brushed off his marker and fired in but the referee harshly pulled play back for a foul on the defender.

However, only two minutes later Castle did take the lead as Peter Walker’s right wing cross was collected by Tom Munday whose shot was blocked by a defender, the ball fell to Matt STOREY who fired into an empty net.

A minute later Munday released Wanless behind the Lyndhurst defence but the keeper turned his shot around the post. But Castle were not to be denied a second as on 12 minutes a clearance was headed back by Dave Burgess to right back Tom Egerton who slipped the ball down the left wing to Rob Kitley who got behind the defence and pulled the ball back for MUNDAY to slot into an empty net.

Castle kept up the pressure on the Lyndhurst defence and an Egerton corner was headed narrowly wide by Burgess before, on 24 minutes, Castle went three up as another Egerton corner was headed in at the near post by Dan BAPTY.

Three minutes later a fourth goal was disallowed after Wanless had headed in a Bapty corner. Lyndhurst now came more into the game but Crowfoot comfortable dealt with his first shot on goal and Castle missed another good chance as Wanless cut in on goal but saw his shot saved when he should have squared the ball to an unmarked Munday.

As half time approached Lyndhurst twice nearly reduced the arrears as the Castle defence hesitated allowing Craig Barker to get in a shot which was just wide and then on 45 minutes Rob Elliott headed Barker's header off the line following a corner.

Lyndhurst made substitutions at half time and came out looking far more determined but the Castle defence led by Warren Kitley and skipper Dave Burgess stood firm and Lyndhurst could not produce the chances their play deserved and it was Castle, against the run of play, who nearly increased their lead as Wanless produced a good save from the Lyndhurst keeper.

After 15 minutes of the half Castle were again finding their passes and the game was end to end but a defensive error on 65 minutes knocked Lyndhurst as Egerton’s right wing cross was met by the Lyndhurst keeper, a defender and Matt Storey and the ball fell to BAPTY who rolled the ball into an empty net.
Lyndhurst did not give up and should have reduced the arrears on 77 minutes when a good run by Barker ended with him pulling the ball back only for the shot from eight yards to be just wide.

The Lyndhurst keeper then made two good saves from Munday who had been set up by Simon Daunter and, then in injury time, Lyndhurst at last opened up the Castle defence as Crowfoot at full stretch could only push away a low shot and BARKER was on hand to fire into an empty net.
 
Small reward for battling Locks ‘Heath
HONOURS SHARED ON FRIDAY NIGHT
 
LOCKS HEATH 1
CLANFIELD 1

Report by Roger Allen at Warsash Road 

DESPITE a cold evening, the Friday night game between Locks Heath and Clanfield provided a good spectacle with honours even. Clanfield started the brighter and Harry Potter dragged a shot just wide when well placed. 

Locks Heath started to come into the game and John Cowley came close to scoring on two occasions; the second effort being cleared off the line by a combination of Jimmy Peters and Clanfield keeper, Gareth Wiseman.

Half time arrived goalless but both sides opened the second period with a new purpose. The goals came in a five-minute period around the hour mark. Clanfield scored first on 56 minutes when Harry Potter fed Russ NOBLE who managed to turn on the penalty spot and shoot low past John Whitfield.

Locks Heath introduced substitute Scott Steele and he made an immediate impact on 61 minutes, getting free on the right and cut the ball back for John SMALL to score from the edge of the penalty area.

Both sides then went for victory but it was the home side that finished the stronger. Several chances went wide and the closest they came to scoring was when Darren Coleman cleared off the line from a corner as Clanfield hung on for a point.
 
 
TEN-MAN FLEETLANDS HOLD ON
 
LIPHOOK UNITED 0
FLEETLANDS 0

by George Mason reporting from London Road 

FLEETLANDS, reduced to 10 men after just 20 minutes of the start, were very much on the defensive throughout, but comfortably held  Liphook at bay limiting them to only a few shots on target which Tom Price dealt with well.

Fleetlands themselves had possibly the best chance of the match when a breakaway in the final few minutes of the game left Paul Pinder with only the goalkeeper to beat but his attempted curling shot was easily taken by keeper Matthew Collins.

A goalless draw was probably the right result.

 
LIPHOOK’S COUNTY CUP FLOWETH OVER
  
LIPHOOK UNITED 2
QK SOUTHAMPTON 1

Ken Babey reporting from The Recreation Ground
SHARP-SHOOTER Steve Harding scored NINE minutes into injury time to secure Liphook United their second Hampshire Intermediate Cup final in three seasons with a battling 2-1 victory over title rivals QK Southampton.
From the whistle it was obvious that Liphook United were up for this semi final against a lacklustre QK side who, just four days earlier beaten their near neighbours Liss Athletic.

With just nine minutes gone, a Liphook foray got the QK defence in a tangle and, from a driven ball across the goal, the visitors fell behind when the ball came off a QK defender and whistled past the helpless keeper.

SHUT OUT: QK striker Ben Penfold (yellow) is denied on this occasion. 		  
Liphook threatened with every push forward and the normally solid ‘Keep defence did not seem to know how to handle them. That said, they managed to hold out until half time.
  After a tongue lashing at half time QK came out with more of a spring in their step. Although they showed more flair they still could not penetrate a very strong Liphook defence. However Liphook’s luck was about to change when a long ball forward sent Scott Brown vying for the ball with the home keeper which resulted in a full on tackle and sadly left the keeper unable to carry on.

This seemed to make the Liphook heads go down a little and let QK push more for an equaliser.


DESPERATE: Dan Smith (yellow) attempts to beat a Liphook defender. 
In the 76th minute, QK were awarded a free kick some five yards outside the penalty area and this was deftly converted by Leon TATAVOSSIAN out of reach of the stand-in keeper and into the far corner of the net. As if this game was not alive enough, tackles were flying in from everywhere with both sides now determined to take the spoils this resulted in a spate of yellow cards which may have been deemed unnecessary but HEY that’s football.

With extra time looming QK pushed from all ways to try and score the winner but were dismayed when Tatavossian went down after sustaining an elbow to the back of his head but the referee played on and, within a minute and confusion in the box, Liphook’s HARDING hammered the ball past the keeper some nine minutes into injury time.  

HIGH AND MIGHTY: QK’S Andrew Milton rises above the Liphook defence 		  
There was not enough time for QK to recover from that and moments later the final whistle was blown. Liphook deserved their victory and QK wish them well in the final.
  
NICE N’ THREESY DOES IT CLANFIELD
 
CLANFIELD 3
LYNDHURST 0

Report by Stuart Walls at Peel Park 

CLANFIELD continued their climb up the table with a third successive win against their visitors from the Forest. The opening 20 minutes were devoid of any decent chances other than an early effort from Buckley that flew wide, then Mike Prew forced a good save from the visitors keeper.
On the half hour mark, Lyndhurst should have taken the lead when a good move saw them have a one on one but their forward dragged his effort wide of the post.

This seemed to wake the home side up and, in the space of five minutes, they had three great opportunities to take the lead, a free kick from Russ Noble went right across the penalty area without anyone able to get a touch then Harry Potter twice forced good saves from the keeper but he should have done better. 
Just before half time a great run by full back Marsden nearly saw the Lyndhurst defender head into his own net but, from the resulting corner, Luke PETTIT managed to force the ball over the line to give Clanfield a 1-0 interval lead. 

Clanfield, lifted by the goal, made a lot of the early running but could not fashion any clear cut opportunities and as the game dragged on there was always the danger of Lyndhurst catching Clanfield on the break.

Eventually the second goal came to make the game safe with Darren FERGUSON, off the bench, hitting a powerful shot from the edge of the box and, although the keeper got both hands to it, could not prevent it from finding back of net.

The third followed five minutes later with POTTER atoning for his earlier misses with a neat finish lobbed over the keeper to finally kill a spirited Lyndhurst side.


HARDING DOUBLE PUTS ‘GROVE INTO SEMI-FINAL
 

OVERTON UNITED 2
PAULSGROVE 3

by Roger Allen reporting from Bridge Street 
  UNDER PRESSURE: Overton United’s Adam Cottis (blue) and Paulsgrove keeper Jack Hampson challenge for the ball and
ON a heavy pitch this was a really entertaining cup tie with the game stretched from the start and goalmouth action at both ends.
With Steve Leigh pulling the strings, Paulsgrove played the more constructive football but Overton’s more direct approach nearly paid dividends.


Just when it looked as if the first half would end goalless, Paulsgrove striker, Dave Harding, knocked down a free kick for Louie GREEN to take one touch and plant the ball low into the net on 41 minutes.

RIGHT: Aaron Cochrane swings another dangerous cross into the Paulsgrove penalty area. 		  
Just after the hour, Paulsgrove doubled their lead. HARDING nearly spurned the chance to score but perseverance paid off as he steered the ball home. Paulsgrove began to run out of steam and Overton came right back into it on 79 minutes. Ravi Estrada squared the ball for Allan MITCHELL who scored with his follow up after his first shot was blocked. 

‘Grove restored their two-goal lead with five minutes to go as HARDING got on the end of a through ball by Dave Sampey but Overton were not finished. In the next minute ESTRADA looped a shot over Jack Hampson in the Paulsgrove goal to set up a grandstand finish.

Two away wins in four days for Fleetlands

EMERY POLISHES UP VICTORY
 
WINCHESTER CASTLE 0
FLEETLANDS 1

by Mike Crowfoot reporting from The Sports Ground 

FLEETLANDS looked surprisingly sluggish and, for most of the first half, Castle looked the more likely to break the deadlock, but chances were hard to come by for both teams. Brimfield for Castle was prominent and his shot from 12 yards was safely gathered by Thomas Price in the Fleetlands goal and then his dangerous near post cross was scrambled away on eight minutes. A minute later Warren Kitley’s shot following a corner was also blocked by a defender close to the line.
Simon Daunter then worked an opening but Price made another comfortable save. It was the 28th minute before Fleetlands created an opening when Chris Cunningham’s near post cross from the right was met by William Coates but his glancing header from eight yards was just wide of the far post.
Two minutes later it was Cunningham again as he ran onto a long clearance but he shot narrowly wide.  The rest of the half produced few chances although Castle always looked the more likely to break through

Fleetlands looked much sharper at the start of the second half and put the Castle defence under more pressure as the game was end to end with both keepers at last having to produce some fine saves. Price saved Ben Morgan’s 25-yarder in the first minute and three minutes later it looked as if Tom Munday’s glancing header from a Tom Egerton cross would creep inside the post but Price at full stretch managed to tip it away for a corner. On 51 minutes it was Darren Crowfoot in the Castle goal who had to make an equally good save as Cunningham was put through after exchanging passes with Wayne Emery and looked as if he must score but Crowfoot managed to deflect his shot from 12 yards around the post with his leg.

Then Price was in action again as he dived full length to turn a low curling shot from Munday around the post. Fleetlands were now also looking as if they may break through the Castle reargard and, on 68 minutes, Paul Pinder put substitute Lee Chambers in behind the Castle defence but Crowfoot was quickly of his line to block his shot. However, two minutes later Fleetlands took the lead, a corner was only cleared to the edge of the area and EMERY drove the ball through a ruck of players and into the net.

For ten minutes it became a midfield battle but the last ten minutes produced further chances as both keepers prevented further scoring. Price was first in action saving from Brimfield and then Emery was through but Crowfoot was quickly off his line to force a hurried shot wide. With four minutes left Price produced the save of the day as he somehow turned a Brimfield shot away for a corner. There was still time for Crowfoot to also produce another fine save as Emery put Chambers in on goal and his shot was also turned around the post. Leaving Fleetlands with a narrow one nil victory over Castle for the second time this season in two evenly contested games.   
 
Common inflict biggest defeat of the season upon ‘Heath

GOAL-DEN COMMON BLITZ SIX
  
LOCKS HEATH 0
COLDEN COMMON 6

Report by Ian Steele at Warsash Road 

DESPITE losing the likes of regulars Alex Huxford and Lloyd Jenvey, Colden Common enjoyed their jaunt to Locks Heath as they secured an emphatic 6-0 victory against traditionally difficult opponents.

Having had to recover from falling going behind in recent matches, it made a pleasant change for Common to take the lead when, after a determined start, Jordan PARKER climbed highest to nod Pete Winkle’s cross over the home goalkeeper.

The game was end-to-end but the hosts could not breach a strong Common defence in which Karl Salmon was outstanding and, after another break down the left flank, Dean HIGGINS defeated the offside claims to waltz the ball into the net.

Still the game was a clash of attack and counter-attack witth Common keeper Dave Nicol equal to all that was thrown at him, while his counterpart had cause to rue Dave EGERTON’S 40th-minute free kick from the right edge of the keeper’s box as the ball sailed past him at the foot of the post and into the net.
A brilliant, vibrant Common display was improved immediately after the re-start when Scott WATERS deftly chipped the goalkeeper to secure a 4-0 advantage for the reigning champions.

Although Locks Heath were determined to recover what was, at this stage, a lost cause, Common continued to cause problems for their hosts.
A fast break from defence saw Scott Waters find Winkle whose crossfield pass was met by EGERTON who, from 23.67 yards, sent an arrow-like drive (87.36mph) beyond the home keeper and into the net.

The final nail was driven in by the outstanding HIGGINS after another 'teamful' flowing move.
The contributions of youngsters Jordy Parker, Liam Magee and substitutes Callum Magee and Harry Davies cannot be understated in an overall team display that was absolutely outstanding.
 
Roger Allen hits the road to bring you the midweek action


QK GIVEN STERN TEST BY LISS
  
LISS ATHLETIC 2
QK SOUTHAMPTON 4

Roger Allen reporting from the Newman Collard Playing Fields

QK were soon off the mark as Michael Thomas sent Danny SMITH clear in the second minute to lob Andy Ewen in the Liss goal.
They doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Ben Penfold won possession on the goalline and laid the ball back for Michael NAYLOR to drill a low shot past Ewen.

Immediately Liss pegged QK back as a speculative shot from 30 yards full back Mike WARD looped over Paul Willetts into the net.
From then to half time QK monopolised possession but were unable to add to their lead and Liss had the occasional chance to draw level.

It was much the same in the second half but Liss were becoming increasingly comfortable in dealing with QK’s efforts until, on 78 minutes, a long ball by Rob Abbott caught the Liss defence square and PENFOLD was allowed to run through to score. 

In the final minute, a Shane Flooks corner found its way through to SMITH whose cross shot from 15 yards found the net.
There was just time for Liss to score a consolation as two QK defenders failed to clear and Ali BADCOCK rammed the ball home from close range.
 
 
MANCELL LOB SEALS FLEETLANDS WIN
  
LYNDHURST 1
FLEETLANDS 2

Report by Roger Allen at Warsash Road 

THIS was the first of a set of midweek fixtures at Locks Heath allowing clubs to catch up with games following the recent poor weather but the match was a disappointing spectacle as both sides lacked a clinical finish.

Fleetlands dominated the early play but Lyndhurst scored first after 10 minutes with their first attack. Tom Price, the Fleetlands keeper, dropped a free kick and Kevin CUTTER stabbed the ball home.

Fleetlands were back on level terms four minutes later as Chris Cunningham made progress through the heart of the Lyndhurst defence. The ball broke to James HARDY on the right side of the penalty area and his powerful cross shot eluded Matt Sturgess in the Lyndhurst goal. 
From then to half time defences were on top and neither side could break the deadlock until 55 minutes had gone. Nathan MANCELL took advantage of a poor clearance by Sturgess to lob the ball into an empty net before the Lyndhurst keeper could recover his position.

Fleetlands had chances to close out the game but failed to convert them giving Lyndhurst hope that they could salvage a point.
 
30/01/2010
RATHBONE IS ON THE CASE WITH A HAT TRICK

BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY 5
HAMBLE CLUB 3

Roger Allen reporting from Chapel Gate

HAMBLE Club made the livelier start with Mark Terry firing just over. However it was the students that took the lead on 13 minutes as Ekow Elliott headed down a Sean Bailey cross for John RATHBONE to score.

On 22 minutes Elliott was again the supplier for RATHBONE to score at the far post. Back came Hamble as Darren Bowman clipped the bar with a drive and then, on 25 minutes, Matt Barnes supplied the pass for Sam HAMMOND to lob the keeper to make it 2-1.

There were chances a plenty at both ends but in the last three minutes of the half there were two penalties and one sending off. First Dan Waldridge the Hamble keeper brought down Rathbone and Ekow ELLIOTT scored from the spot. Then Dan Summons, the Bournemouth keeper was penalised and red carded for fouling Hammond. Sam COCKERILL scored from the spot to make the half time score 3-2.

The second half was as error strewn as the first and on 65 minutes the University restored their two-goal cushion. From a corner the ball fell to Nick Glenday whose shot was deflected into the net by Tom GOODAY.

On 76 minutes a free kick by Hamble’s Callie Culverhouse was converted by Darren BOWMAN to bring the score back to 4-3.
MY BALL! Students keeper Dan Summons about to make a comfortable claim and RIGHT: University scorer Ekow Elliott (blue) retrieves a loose ball on the edge of the Hamble area.

In the last five minutes, Hamble’s discipline broke down as first Culverhouse then both Sam Cockerill and Nick Walters were sent off.
From the free kick resulting after the first dismissal, Hamble’s defence failed to clear the ball and RATHBONE completed his hat trick with a convincing finish from 15 yards.

POTTER PAIR SEALS AWAY WIN

OVERTON UNITED 1
CLANFIELD 2

by Stuart Walls reporting from Bridge Street

CLANFIELD moved into the top half of the table with a second successive win on the road with another battling performance. The home team buoyed by a good win last week went in front early on when Browne brought down the Overton player as he surged into the box and the resulting penalty was converted by Aaron COCHRANE.

Clanfield were nearly level five minutes later when Mike Prew saw his effort come back off the post, but they were back in the game on 19 minutes when a free kick was lofted into the box and the home keeper was injured challenging for the cross but play was allowed to continue and it was the edge of the area where Harry POTTER rifled home an upstoppable shot into the net.

Both teams looked to try and take control of the game but clear cut chances were few and fair between for the remainder of the first half.
The visitors managed to get their noses in front when some good work down the left flank saw Dan Coleman cross to find POTTER who managed to work some space to finish with a slight deflection into the bottom corner.

This gave Clanfield a lift and they were on top and looking to increase the lead and Russ Noble was unlucky on 66 minutes when he also hit the woodwork. As the game wore on Overton pushed hard for an equaliser and had a large amount of the ball but with the Clanfield back line in fine form they held firm without too many scares to secure another three points.


HARDING’S HAT-TRICK HEROICS

PAULSGROVE 0
LIPHOOK UNITED 4

Jim Garcia reports from Marsden Road

TITLE-CHASERS Liphhok United notched their first League success of 2010 with an impressive 4-0 spree away at Paulsgrove.
Yet it was somewhat against the run of play when the North Hampshire club snatched a 12th minute lead when a far post cross was rifled into the bottom corner of the net by Steve HARDING.

Some sustained attacking play brought the visitors a second goal after 19 minutes and it was HARDING again as his effort proved too strong for the home side’s teenage keeper.

Liphook made it 3-0 midway through the second half when a floated delivery to the far post was smacked home by Rick LONG before HARDING duly completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot five minutes from time following a trip in the area.

Leaders QK remain top following awayday derby success

SMITH’S CRISP DOUBLE BAGS THE POINTS

AFC STONEHAM 1
QK SOUTHAMPTON 4

By Ken Babey at Stoneham Park

FROM the first whistle you could see that neither side was going to give much away as is so true of a derby match. Both teams wanted to win this so much and so it proved with good attacking end to end football.

QK showed why they are pushing for the league title with plenty of forays into the Stoneham half and, where neither side had too many tries at goal, both keepers were trying to keep the cold at bay.

However, in the 16th minute, Michael THOMAS latched onto a goalkeeper fumble in the box, rounded him and tucked the ball into the net. As is so often the case the keeper’s lack of activity had let him down and this proved to be a similar situation when in the 39th minute as Dan SMITH rounded the keeper who, despite a valiant effort could not stop the QK winger from beating him and scoring the second.
  STRIKE 1: Michael Thomas pounces for QK’s opener after the Stoneham keeper had fumbled on the edge of his penalty area.
You could not fault Stonehams’ determination but try as they did they could not break the QK defence.

The second half was much the same as the first and the game could have gone either way and in the 57th minute Liam HALL scored a great goal from outside the penalty area to give the away side a scare.
STRIKE 2: QK’s Dan Smith rounds the keeper to score his side’s second goal.

Stoneham pushed forward with good football and had QK on the back foot but were shocked when on 65 minutes - my man of the match - SMITH popped up again to jig his way round a Stoneham defender and loop the ball over the keeper to make it 3-1. Stoneham tried to up their game but it was now all QK who were riding high and they killed the game off when Shane FLOOKS powered through and hammered the ball to the left of the keeper and into the net.
STRIKE 3: Shane Flooks races clear to fire home QK’s final goal in their 4-1 victory at AFC Stoneham.

PARKER PEN IS JUST WRITE !

HEADLEY UNITED 1
WINCHESTER CASTLE 1

Report by Mike Crowfoot at Mill Lane

CASTLE made a flying start in their first game since 28 December as they took the lead after just four minutes when goalkeeper Darren Crowfoot threw the ball to left back Darren Nicholson and the race for his through ball was just won by Headley’s keeper Shane Moody who dived at the feet of Liam Nancholas on the edge of his area, but he spilled the ball and NANCHOLAS gratefully put it into the empty net from 18 yards. This had followed Headley almost taking the lead a minute earlier when Barry Parker’s header from a corner was headed off the line by Nicholson.

Following the goal Castle looked the more likely to score as Moody spilled another Nancholas shot and Peter Walker hit the rebound against the keeper. This was followed by Ross Brimfield beating his fullback and chipping to the far post where Walker turned the ball back to full back Tom Egerton whose shot was just wide of the far post. Headley’s first attempt on goal since the fourth minute came on 31 minutes when they were awarded a penalty as keeper Crowfoot brought down Richard McCann, who had burst through the middle onto a through ball, and Barry PARKER equalised from the spot. The game then became end to end but with few chances.

Castle started the second half determined to retake the lead and Headley keeper Moody who had been the villian for Castle’s first half goal became the saviour for his team as he was in the right spot time and again making repeated saves from close range shots from Brimfield, Walker and Nancholas. Somehow Castled failed to make the most of Brimfield’s ability to beat his markers and as the half passed Headley came back into the game.

Both teams had now come to terms with conditions and were producing some good football. On 75 minutes Moody again denied Castle as Daryl Brimfield's cross picked out an unmarked Ross Brimfield at the far post and his vicious volley was blocked by Moody. This seemed to be the inspiration for Headley who now began to look the more dangerous and it was Crowfoot’s turn to produce outstanding saves to keep the scores level as he dived full length to turn away Mark Corbett's shot and then turn a fierce swerving drive from Parker onto the bar.

Headley had the last chance to win the game as in injury time Parker got behind the Castle defence but his low cross was just in front of two attackers to leave the scores level.

FLEETLANDS OVERCOME BOGEY TEAM

LOCKS HEATH 0
FLEETLANDS 2

Report by Roger Allen at Warsash Road

LOCKS Heath have been something of a bogey side to Fleetlands but goals at the beginning of each half laid that to rest.
Both sides had suffered a long lay off due to the weather but Fleetlands wasted no time in scoring the first goal. After two minutes, Locks Heath failed to clear a corner which eventually dropped to Lee CHAMBERS who scored from eight yards.

Locks had plenty of the ball and played some neat approach football but were unable to provide a final ball to threaten Fleetlands.

Three minutes into the second half Fleetlands doubled their lead. Jack Kirby’s long run ended with him being pushed over by Tommy Vallender and Wayne EMERY scored from the resulting spot kick.

Locks huffed & puffed through the second half but were well contained by Fleetlands who ended up deserving winners
 
23/01/2010
06/02/2010
It’s a bad day’s Knight for the Otters

 
THE LATE, LATE SHOW
 
 
OTTERBOURNE 1
AFC STONEHAM 3 (after extra time)

Roger Allen reporting from Oakwood Park 

NEIGHBOURLY love is usually in short supply in the local derbies involving these two sides and the frantic start with tackles flying in was merely a prelude of more to follow. 

It took the first quarter hour for the game to settle but even then goalmouth action was at a premium in a scoreless first half. 
After the interval Otterbourne started to take control and enjoyed the territorial advantage for a long spell. But Stoneham are nothing if not resilient and both sides had chances to win the game.

   BALL RACE: AFC Stoneham’s Mark Gardner (blue) bursts through on goal chased by defenders
RIGHT: Liam Davies of Otterbourne finds himself surrounded.		  

With eight minutes of normal time left, there was a pivotal moment when Otterbourne’s Chris Knight was sent off for a tackle adjudged to be reckless by the referee.

Stoneham then pressed for a winner and James Chalk had a shot acrobatically cleared off the line by a defender.
So onto extra time and, eight minutes in, the deadlock was broken when Stoneham’s Gary NEWBURY was completely unmarked to head home a corner from close range.

Like the proverbial buses - another goal – an equaliser – came straight afterwards.

Dan Sillence was penalised for blocking Paul Clark on the edge of the penalty area. Otters captain Marc KELLY stepped up and gave Rich Simms no chance with a shot that nestled in the corner. In the second period of extra time, Stoneham scored twice more.

On 111 minutes Matt Lay crossed from the right and Lee HEWETT, on the far post, needed two attempts to beat James Flood.

Then with two minutes left Hewitt caught Kelly in possession on the goal line and crossed for Dan SILLENCE to tap home. 
Stoneham now go on to meet Team Solent in the semi final of the Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier League Cup.
 
 More action photos from Oakwood Park
  LAY IT MATT! Stoneham’s Matt Lay in the thick of the action against rivals Otterbourne at Oakwood Park.

QK set up County Cup semi-final date at title rivals Liphook
NO CUP HANGOVER FOR McMANUS’ MEN
 
TEAM SOLENT 0
QK SOUTHAMPTON 2

Ken Babey reports from Hardmoor

 QK Southampton went into this game with purpose having lost in the Southampton FA Senior Cup only three days before and, despite having sustained some injuries, were still determined to give Team Solent a hard game.

From the start both sides showed their intent with the ball played end to end. QK looked a bit sluggish and Solent picked up on it but the QK defence did their job well in keeping them out.
   
However, in the 17th minute with QK attacking the goal, the ball was pushed forward into the path of Pete SLACK and with a ‘slow motion’ turn he placed the ball neatly to the keeper’s right and out of reach to make it 1-0.
   GOING DUTCH: Ashley “Dutch” Holland of QK Southampton (blue) tussles with a Team Solent defender and

RIGHT: QK’s Leon Tatavossian launches another attack for the visitors who won the match 2-0.

Team Solent were not going to give up easily but although they showed plenty of skill going forward, they could not penetrate the QK defence.
It was a relief for the QK supporters when the half time whistle went.

The second half brought a revived QK side and it showed with lots of forward play, but they could not get through the well-disciplined Solent defence.
Six minutes into the second half there was an almighty goalmouth scramble with the ball pinging all round the goal area before Mike THOMAS got the final touch to slide the ball into the net to make it 2-0 to QK Southampton.

The rest of the half was good end to end football but unfortunately for Team Solent, they just didn’t have their shooting boots on today although they did have a couple of good chances.
 LEFT: Goalscorer Pete Slack finds himself well-marshalled on this occasion and

 RIGHT: Ash Holland in space of the edge of the Team Solent penalty area.		  

SPOT-ON WISEMAN SAVES THE DAY
 
HEADLEY UNITED 0
CLANFIELD 1

By Stuart Wallis reporting from Mill Lane

CLANFIELD secured the three points with hard fought victory at Headley, with the teams having played out a 5-5 draw less than a month ago this time round chances and goals were hard to find as the defences shone.
 
In a rather uneventful first half, Clanfield went close through a Dan Coleman free kick which was well saved and a couple of efforts also from Coleman which the keeper dealt with comfortably. Just before half time Clanfield appeals for a penalty on Macdonald were turned down and Darren Ferguson blasted the loose ball over the bar.

The quality of the game picked up in the second half with both sides looking to find a way through, Headley had an effort disallowed for offside midway through the half, the game looked to be heading for a draw when Macdonald broke clear on the left and his shot come cross was turned in by FERGUSON on 79 minutes to put the visitors in front. Headley were stung by this and applied a lot of pressure to get back in the game and on 85 minutes had the golden opportunity to do that when following a goal mouth scramble Macdonald tripped the Headley forward for a penalty.

However, keeper Gareth Wiseman guessed right from the resulting kick to save the penalty and earn Clanfield the three points.
 
VT  KO  QK
 
VT RESERVES 3
QK SOUTHAMPTON   1

Report by Gary Day at Portsmouth Road

ON Wednesday night, QK slipped to defeat at the hands of Wessex Combination side VT Reserves in the quarter-finals of the Southampton Senior Cup. QK opened well having dominated the early stages and were rewarded with a fine goal as Craig SHRIMPTON received a head back to the near post by Andrew Milton following a corner to strike an excellent overhead kick into the VT net. The visitors held onto their lead at half-time although the home side were gradually getting into the game as the half progressed including hitting the post from a corner and drawing a save from QK keeper Paul Willetts. The game became quite a battle in the second half and Scott Brown headed wide for the visitors after Ben Penfold had headed the ball on. QK held onto their lead until the 74th minute when Lee Wort was tripped in the box and went on to shoot wide but the referee decided to bring the action back and awarded VT a penalty kick. VT sub Chris Manning took it but Willetts got down well to block the shot; Wort got to the loose ball first but incredibly, Willetts also blocked his shot; unfortunately for QK, original taker MANNING was there to fire home to equalise. This was cruel luck on the QK keeper who had done extremely well to keep the ball out twice. From there, Andy GORDON got on the end of a low cross to put VT ahead with 87 minutes played and, deep into stoppage time, VT booked their place into the semi-final when WORT fired home.
02/01/2010

No lucky Churms for Solent as Common snatch a point

LAST-GASP GLEE FOR MAGEE

TEAM SOLENT 2 COLDEN COMMON 2
Ian Steele reporting from Hardmoor

COMMON managers Ged Magee and Mick Pratt acknowledged that this was a crucial clash against genuine title challengers and they emphasised the need to be on our game. Unfortunately, for the first 45 minutes the defending champions were not 'on their game'.

Against a slick, mobile, attacking Team Solent side the visitors all too often found themselves second best as the Students pressed forward. Common's custodian, Dave Nicol, was by far the busier but he was comfortable with all that was thrown at him until the 35th minute.  Another rapid student raid down Common's right flank saw the ball played back from the by-line and Ben KNELLER was at hand to hammer a rising shot home despite Nicol’s best efforts to deflect the ball over. Almost immediately after taking the lead Team Solent were again forging forward and Kneller's shot was well-saved by Nicol but Leo CHURMS was on hand to knock in the rebound after 42 minutes.

Common now chose to react and Dean Higgins cross was headed toward goal by leading scorer Simon Waters but the home keeper saved comfortably. After a stern half-time 'chat' and the introduction from the bench of Dave Egerton, the visitors started the second period more purposeful and full of fight.  Another rapid student raid down Common's right flank saw the ball played back from the by-line and Ben KNELLER was at hand to hammer a rising shot home despite Nicol’s best efforts to deflect the ball over.

 Colden Common defender Ben Clarke and Solent’s Leo Churms (red) contest the ball in Common’s 18-yard area Almost immediately after taking the lead Team Solent were again forging forward and Kneller's shot was well-saved by Nicol but Leo CHURMS was on hand to knock in the rebound after 42 minutes.
Common now chose to react and Dean Higgins cross was headed toward goal by leading scorer Simon Waters but the home keeper saved comfortably.
After a stern half-time 'chat' and the introduction from the bench of Dave Egerton, the visitors started the second period more purposeful and full of fight.Lloyd
Jenvey dropped back to replace an exhausted Alex Huxford (his first game for some weeks) and allow Egerton a midfield role but Common were lucky not to fall three goals behind immediately after the re-start. However, gradually the visitors asserted themselves as Liam Magee, Dan Hansford, Egerton and Scott Waters took control of the midfield. Higgins was a hard-working foil for Simon Waters while Kieran Coles, Ed Carlin, Ben Clarke and Jenvey offered greater protection to Nicol in Common's goal.  

Colden, although susceptible to Student breakaways, were now in the ascendancy but try as they might a goal seemed no closer.


 Team Solent skipper Ash Stoneman out jumps Common’s Simon Waters.

Lloyd Jenvey (6) acrobatically beats Solent’s Ash Stoneman to the ball.

With fifteen minutes remaining, the ball was played forward from defence to Magee on the left flank. He surged forward and he played the ball into the box where HIGGINS netted to reduce the arrears. Solent again played their way forward but by now the final ball was disappointing and, once more, Common countered. Higgins powered forward, received the ball and played it across the box to Scott Waters who hit a first-time shot toward goal but the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded into play for Solent to clear. Common’s frantic efforts continued and as we entered the final minute a corner from Common’s left saw the ball fall in the box from where MAGEE fired home to level matters. Before the game could re-start, the referee blew for full-time.

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FLEETLANDS FACE ELECTRIC DEMAND

BROUGHTON 0 FLEETLANDS 3
Report by George Mason

FLEETLANDS moved into the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup with a 3-0 win at Broughton. Goals by Wayne Emery, Lee Chambers and Paul Pinder secured a home fixture versus Bournemouth Electric.

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Nothing ‘Flooky’ about Shane as QK hit the top again HAPPY 18TH IS KEY TO THE SUMMIT DOOR
QK SOUTHAMPTON 4 CLANFIELD 1 By Ken Babey reporting from Lordshill Recreation Ground
   

Mike Nailor starts the second half goal rush by opening the scoring against Clanfield.
Two-goal Shane Flooks sees his effort blocked on this occasion.

THIS game promised to be a New Year cracker and it did not disappoint. Clanfield started with all guns firing and threatened the QK goal on a number of occasions but the defence was as resolute as ever. QK then got into a higher gear and started to bombard the Clanfield goal and, on a perfect pitch, would have scored a couple of times. The second half brought a nourished QK side looking for their 18th win on the trot and they were rewarded four minutes in with a fine goal when Mike NAILOR broke the Clanfield defence in two and hammered the first goal.
<<<<  HEADS UP!: QK’s Scott Brown in an aerial challenge with the Clanfield keeper
Four minutes later Shane FLOOKS latched on to a through ball to poke the ball under the Clanfield keeper. Just a minute later QK won the ball straight from the restart and a long ball forward caused chaos in the Clanfield box and a defender attempted to clear the ball only for it to rebound off FLOOKS and into the net. Clanfield were further behind when Ash HOLLAND latched on to a cross from the right wing and rounded two defenders and placed the ball neatly past the keeper. All credit to Clanfield though, they would not give up and were rewarded in the 78th minute with a goal by Ollie TODD.