THE WESSEX LEAGUE PREVIEW

The quest for promotion from Division One almost changes with each game as we get closer to the end of term.

The week started with Hamworthy Recreation moving into a playoff berth with an emphatic 4-0 win at Totton & Eling. The Tuesday then saw wins for Andover New Street and Downton put them back on track, the Robins win ending Petersfield’s long run of good form.

Then, Wednesday it was New Milton Town who came from two behind to win 4-2 on the road at Whitchurch United to reclaim second spot.

Amesbury Town’s battle to stay in Division One saw them gain a 1-0 win over Fawley with both East Cowes Victoria and Fleet Spurs both losing on their travels.

After Saturday’s results in Division One, just two points separate the top three, so the title race shows no sign of slowing down.

Current leaders Newport IOW won convincingly at Whitchurch. New Milton beat bottom side Fleet Spurs 3-1 and Andover New Street came through on their travels by the odd goal of five at Verwood- Ross Cook helping himself to a hat trick in the process.

Also hitting a hat trick was Chris Long for Hamworthy Recreation, as they hit six without reply against Follands. The fact that both Downton and Petersfield came unstuck has certainly made the jostling for the four playoff places very interesting. Fleet Spurs look increasingly likely to finish in the wooden spoon place- the other two slots see six clubs separated by just six points. Amesbury did themselves a massive favour with a 3-1 win over Ash, a six pointer perhaps; especially with both Ringwood and Whitchurch tasting defeat on their own patches.