Andover New Street v Portsmouth - 2022-23 E Programme

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THE MANAGER

Good evening and a warm welcome to Foxcotte Park to all our supporters for tonight’s massive cup-tie against our visitor’s Portsmouth, and to their Officials, Management, Players and Supporters.

Tonight’s Hampshire Cup Third Round match provides a break from the recent league fixtures, and this will be our first home fixture since hosting Folland Sports in late November

Since that 1-1 draw with Follands, we have continued our unbeaten run in the League after seeing off Fawley, who always give us a tough encounter.

Prior to that we progressed in the Wessex League Cup by beating Downton 3-0 and moved into the Quarterfinals, thanks to goals from Harry Lawton, Shane Lock and an own goal.

I can honestly say that this current group of players is the best I have worked with during my time in football. First and foremost, they are brilliant human beings, but they are also hardworking and humble, which has given us the platform to have a real chance at achieving something special this season.

The club has been on an upward spiral for several years now. We’ve had a lot of successful times and we’ve been at the right end of the table.

All the lads know what I require and demand and the new players on board have bought into what I want straight away. To be honest it feels like the new players we’ve added have been here for years.

The team spirit is amazing which is really pleasing - it can take you so far. Combine that with the talent we have in this squad I’m hoping we can emulate what we did last season but just better it that little more.

Our goal is to win the league and secure promotion and to be completely honest that is what I demand and expect from this group of players. Everything is there for them.

Tonight’s game is an opportunity for us to put ourselves up against an established, professional club in Portsmouth. I played in the previous encounter and was proud to skipper that side that evening and just as proud tonight to manage the team!

Be loud and proud from the stands, this evening and enjoy the game. UTS!

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“OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO WIN THE LEAGUE AND SECURE PROMOTION AND TO BE COMPLETELY HONEST THAT IS WHAT I DEMAND AND EXPECT FROM THIS GROUP OF PLAYERS.”

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PORTSMOUTH Welcome

A great start to the season for Pompey, saw them unbeaten in the League, but their recent form has not been great with just one win in their last 11 League games be on manager Danny Cowley’s mind. KEVIN PIPKIN looks at the Pompey squad on show this evening.

Pompey arrive at Foxcotte Park this evening on the back of a 2-0 defeat to managerless MK Dons.

A close-range header from Bradley Jones after 34 minutes and after Pompey’s Josh Koroma had an effort controversially ruled out in the second half and Jack Tucker struck at the other end to condemn the Blues to a first home defeat since the end of January.

You must go back to October 22nd for Portsmouth’s last league win, over Forest Green Rovers at New Lawn. Defender Sean Raggett headed the Blues in front during the first half

Pompey progressed in the last round with a thumping 5-2 victory over local rivals Southampton

Reeco Hackett scored a brace for the Blues after Zak Swanson had earlier opened the scoring and then Michael Jacobs made it 3-0 after Hackett had doubled their lead.

Southampton had Olly Lancashire sent-off for a foul on Joe Pigott in the second half and Jimmy-Jay Morgan netted a brace for the Saints and give the score line a more respectable look. But it was the Blues who got the final goal on the night, when right at the death, academy youngster Koby Mottoh came off the bench to

score their fifth.

Its difficult to know weather manager Danny Cowley will field a mix of fringe players that need minutes or just play the academy youngsters tonight.

There are several talented youngsters that the Street will need to be guarded against tonight if they do play.

Both Josh Dockerill and Adam Payce have made an impact in not only the Hampshire Cup but also in the Papa John’s trophy. While Koby Mottoh has bagged 13 goals in 16 appearances for the Academy. Sam Folarin is also someone to watch out for with seven goals in 13 appearances this season.

We would like to welcome tonight’s visitors to Foxcotte Park

THE GOALKEEPER:

JOSH OLUWAYEMI

Born in Waltham Forest, Oluwayemi began his career with Tottenham Hotspur, moving on loan to Maidenhead United in October 2020. He signed for Portsmouth in July 2022.

Oluwayemi has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level. In July 2021, Oluwayemi was called up to the senior Nigeria side for a friendly against Mexico.

THE DEFENDER: KIERON FREEMAN

The versatile defender returned to Pompey in July 2021, having left Swansea at the end of last season.

Freeman began his career at Nottingham Forest and also played for Derby before signing for Sheffield United in January 2015. He moved to Swindon at the beginning of 2021 but signed for Swansea a few weeks later and made one appearance for them in an FA Cup clash with Manchester City.

THE MANAGER: DANNY COWLEY

Cowley was initially involved with the youth set-up with Wimbledon before playing in midfield for various non-League clubs, including Barking, Romford, AFC Hornchurch and Brentwood Town, before his career was ended by injury in 2007.

Shortly after that, he was offered the assistant manager's job at Concord Rangers. He then managed Braintree Town and then Lincoln City, where he oversaw the club's promotion back to the Football League and also became the first non-league club to reach the quarter-final of the FA Cup in over a century He had a short stint with Huddersfield Town before taking charge of Pompey in March 2021.

THE MIDFIELDER: ADAM PAYCE

Payce is a versatile midfielder who positively influences the attacking and defensive aspects of the team performance. He is a strong athlete who reads play well and is influential in the team’s creativity. Having already experienced Papa John’s football in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 season, he will be keen to have further involvement in first team training and games over the remainder of the season.

WATCH OUT FOR… REECO HACKETT

Pompey signed Hackett from non-league Bromley at the beginning of 2020.

The forward progressed through the ranks at Dagenham & Redbridge and signed for Charlton following a successful trial. He made 24 appearances for the Addicks and featured in an EFL Trophy defeat to Pompey at The Valley. The Londoner then moved to Bromley in the summer of 2019, having ended the previous season on loan with the National League outfit. A prolific spell with them attracted Pompey's interest, although Hackett has since had loan stints back with his previous club and also at Southend.

THE STRIKER: KOBY MOTTOH

The youngest of the u18s' new scholars, Koby enters the academy after a successful trial last season. Koby is very strong at dribbling and thrives in 1v1 scenarios. He has made some really positive contributions (goals and assists) in his early performances while on trial and those attributes prompted Pompey academy to sign him for the season ahead.

THE UNLIKELY LADS

JOHN ATYEO

Forward John Atyeo was capped six times by England after leaving Portsmouth. Initially with Westbury United, he played as an amateur in Portsmouth’s 3-3 draw at home to Charlton Athletic in November 1950. He also appeared in Pompey’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal four months later. Moving to Bristol City in June 1951, he was ever-present and top scorer in their 1954-55 Third Division (South) title triumph and also a key figure in their 1964-65 promotion success. He set City’s goalscoring and appearance records before hanging up his boots in May 1966. Later a maths teacher at a Warminster school, he died in June 1993.

DEREK DOUGAN

Northern Ireland international striker Derek Dougan gained the first of his 43 caps while at Portsmouth. Initially with Distillery, he joined Pompey in August 1957 and scored nine times in 33 league games prior to joining Blackburn Rovers in March 1959. ‘The Doog’ was an FA Cup finalist in 1960, then had spells with Aston Villa, Peterborough United and Leicester City before moving to Wolves in March 1967. He became chairman of the PFA and was a UEFA Cup finalist in 1972, then helped win the League Cup in 1974. Later Kettering Town’s player-boss, he rejoined Wolves as chief executive. He died in 2007.

FOOTBALL HISTORIAN LEIGH EDWARDS PROFILES TEN BIG-NAME PORTSMOUTH PLAYERS NOT USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLUB

GEORGE GRAHAM

Scotland international George Graham was capped 13 times before joining Portsmouth. Initially with Aston Villa, he was a League Cup finalist in 1963 and joined Chelsea in July 1964. He helped win the League Cup in 1965 and moved to Arsenal in September 1966. Featuring in two League Cup finals, the 1970 Fairs Cup triumph, 197071 ‘Double’ success and 1972 FA Cup final, he joined Manchester United in December 1972. Moving to Pompey in exchange for Ron Davies in November 1974, he netted five goals in 61 League games, then played for Crystal Palace before managerial success with Millwall, Arsenal, Leeds and Spurs.

CHRIS LAWLER

Former England international right-back Chris Lawler helped Portsmouth beat top-flight Birmingham City in the 1975-76 FA Cup third round. Signing professional for Liverpool in October 1960, he starred as Bill Shankly’s side won the League Championship three times, the FA Cup in 1965 and UEFA Cup in 1973. He was also an FA Cup finalist in 1971 and gained four caps before reuniting with Ian St John at Fratton Park in October 1975. Making 36 League appearances for Pompey, he joined Stockport County in August 1977, then played for Bangor City. He later re-joined Liverpool as a coach and assisted Larry Lloyd at Wigan.

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GERRY FRANCIS

Ex-England international midfielder Gerry Francis briefly played for Portsmouth in 1984-85. He began with QPR, starring as they won promotion in 1972-73 and were League Championship runners-up in 1975-76. He became captain of club and country, joining Crystal Palace in July 1979, then QPR again before spells at Coventry City, Exeter City, Cardiff City and Swansea City. Moving to Pompey in November 1984, he played three League games, joining Bristol Rovers in September 1985. He returned to Rovers as manager, plotting their 1989-90 Third Division title triumph, then managed QPR, Spurs and Rovers again.

MICK CHANNON

Former England international striker Mick Channon was capped 46 times before joining Portsmouth. He was Southampton’s top scorer seven times and ever-present as they won the FA Cup in 1976, moving to Manchester City for £300,000 in July 1977. Re-joining Saints for £200,000 in September 1979, he set their goalscoring record, then had brief spells at Newcastle United and Bristol Rovers before joining Norwich City in December 1982. He starred in their 1985 League Cup final triumph and reunited with Alan Ball at Pompey in August 1985. Netting six goals in 34 League games, he is now a successful racehorse trainer.

DAVE BEASANT

Ex-England international goalkeeper Dave Beasant had two spells with Portsmouth in 2001-02. Initially with Edgware, he joined Wimbledon in August 1979 and was ever-present throughout their meteoric rise. He skippered their 1988 FA Cup success, saving a penalty in the Wembley final, moving to Newcastle for £850,000 in June 1988. Later with Chelsea, Southampton and Notts Forest, he joined Pompey in August 2001 before becoming a goalkeeping coach.

LEE SHARPE

Ex-England international winger Lee Sharpe had a loan spell at Portsmouth in 2000-01. A former Torquay United trainee, he featured as they reached the Fourth Division play-off final in 1987-88 and joined Manchester United in May 1988. He helped win the ECWC in 1991, the League Cup in 1992 and Premier League title on three occasions. Capped eight times, he moved to Leeds United for £4,500,000 in August 1996, then Bradford City. He was loaned to Pompey in February 2001, making 17 League appearances while at Fratton Park. Later with Exeter City, he became a TV football pundit, and after-dinner speaker.

TEDDY SHERINGHAM

Ex-England international striker Teddy Sheringham played for Portsmouth during the 2003-04 campaign. Initially with Millwall, he was leading marksman as they won the Second Division title in 1987-88 and reached the Second Division play-offs in 1990-91. He joined Nottingham Forest for £2,000,000 in July 1991, then moved to Spurs for a similar fee in August 1992 and Manchester United for £3,500,000 in July 1997. Amassing numerous honours, he later played for Spurs again before joining Pompey in July 2003. He scored nine times in 32 Premier League games, moving to West Ham in July 2004 and then Colchester United.

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DEADLY DUOS

RON SAUNDERS & JOHNNY

GORDON

Ex-England Youth centre-forward Ron Saunders was Portsmouth’s leading marksman in six consecutive seasons. Initially with Everton, he had a spell with Tonbridge prior to joining Gillingham in May 1957 and moved to Fratton Park for £8,000 in September 1958. He helped Pompey reach the League Cup fifth round in 1960-61 and starred in their 1961-62 Third Division title triumph.

Scoring 145 times in 236 League outings before being sold to Watford for £15,000 in September 1964, he later played for Charlton Athletic and was Yeovil Town’s player-boss. He achieved managerial success with several clubs, notably Aston Villa.

Long-serving inside-forward Johnny Gordon was an important figure in Portsmouth’s 1961-62 Third Division title triumph. Born locally, he grew up in Scotland and joined Portsmouth in January 1949. He made his First Division debut in their 3-1 defeat at home to Blackpool in August 1951 and starred as they finished third in the top-flight in 1954-55.

Moving to Birmingham City in September 1958, he re-joined Pompey in March 1961 and scored 107 goals in 445 League games overall, moving to Chelmsford in July 1967. Later Chichester’s playercoach, he became a local publican and died in Portsmouth in May 2001.

FOOTBALL HISTORIAN LEIGH EDWARDS PROFILES FOUR NOTABLE

POST-WAR PORTSMOUTH GOALSCORING PARTNERSHIPS

ALAN BILEY & MARK HATELEY

Popular striker Alan Biley was leading goalscorer in Portsmouth’s 1982-83 Third Division title triumph. A former Luton Town apprentice, he moved to Cambridge United in July 1975 and starred in two consecutive promotion successes.

He joined Derby County for £300,000 in January 1980 and moved via Everton to Fratton Park for £100,000 in August 1982. Partnering Billy Rafferty and Mark Hateley in Pompey’s attack, he netted 51 goals in 105 League games before joining Brighton in March 1985. He managed Potton, Ely City, Diss Town and Spalding United while running his own health and fitness centre in Biggleswade.

England international striker Mark Hateley was Portsmouth’s leading marksman in 1983-84. The son of Tony Hateley, he turned professional with Coventry City in December 1978 and featured in their 1980-81 League Cup run. Top scorer in 198182, he joined Pompey in June 1983 and gained the first four of his 32 caps while at Fratton Park. Netting 22 goals in 38 League outings before sold to AC Milan for £915,000 in June 1984, he moved via Monaco to Glasgow Rangers in June 1990 and won many Scottish honours.

He had spells at QPR, Glasgow Rangers again and was Hull City’s player-boss, since holding coaching posts.

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GUY WHITTINGHAM & PAUL WALSH

Striker Guy Whittingham was Portsmouth’s leading scorer and ‘Player of the Year’ in 1989-90. A former soldier, he impressed with Waterlooville and Yeovil Town, moving to Fratton Park in June 1989. ‘Corporal Punishment’ was an FA Cup semi0finalist in 1991-92 and scored a club record 42 goals as Pompey reached the First Division play-offs in 1992-93. Sold to Aston Villa for £1.2m in August 1993, he moved via Sheffield Wednesday back to Pompey in July 1999, netting 99 goals in 195 League games overall, joining Wycombe Wanderers in March 2001. He was a Pompey coach and manager, then Crawley’s assistant boss.

Ex-England international striker Paul Walsh was ‘Player of the Year’ as Portsmouth narrowly missed promotion in 1992-93. Initially with Charlton Athletic, helping to win promotion in 1980-81, he joined Luton Town in July 1982 and moved to Liverpool for £700,000 in May 1984. He featured in their 1985-86 League Championship success and joined Spurs in February 1988.

An FA Cup winner in 1991, he moved to Portsmouth for £400,000 in June 1992 and starred in their 1993-94 League Cup run. He went to Manchester City in March 1994 but re-joined Pompey in September 1995, scoring 19 goals in 94 League games overall.

SVETOSLAV TODOROV & PAUL MERSON

Bulgarian international striker Svetoslav Todorov was leading marksman in Portsmouth’s 2002-03 First Division title triumph. Starting with Dobrudzha Dobrich, he starred for Litex Lovech in his native country prior to joining West Ham for £500,000 in January 2001 and reunited with Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park for £750,000 in March 2002. Overcoming a knee injury, he had a loan spell at Wigan Athletic and netted 33 goals in 77 League games for Pompey prior to joining Charlton Athletic in July 2007. Later playing for Litex Lovech again and Hoveria, he has since been manager of Dobrudzha Dobrich and Botev Galabovo.

Ex-England international striker Paul Merson captained Portsmouth’s 2002-03 First Division title triumph. He turned professional with Arsenal in December 1985 and helped win the League Championship in 1988-89 and 1990-91, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993, then the ECWC in 1994. Moved to Middlesboro and Aston Villa before joining Pompey in August 2002, he netted 12 goals in 45 League games.

MEMORY MATCH

The Street had just achieved promotion to the Wessex Premier League, after finishing runners-up to title winners Christchurch.

It was a tough start for Street with an opening day 2-0 defeat at Bashley, a game played in sweltering temperatures and then a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Shaftesbury, despite dominating the game for large periods.

The opening league defeats were quickly forgotten as the side entered the FA Cup for the first time and defeated Romsey Town 4-0, with Zac Neve getting a brace and further goals from Shane Lock and Luke Neller.

The Street then travelled to Eversley & California in the first round of the Hampshire Cup.

The Street weathered an early onslaught by Eversley and took the lead in the 42nd minute through a Shane Lock strike that was an early goal of the season contender. The lead was doubled in the 47th minute through Luke Neller and despite Eversley pulling a goal back, the Street progressed to a home tie with Portsmouth in the next round.

Photo: Street defenders Gary Thorne and Lewis Alderman try to block Pompey’s Alfie Stanley’s shot in our only encounter in September 2018.

In front of a record attendance of 531, Street should have gone ahead in the opening seconds, only for Zac Neve to nod Shane Lock’s cross wide.

And the Blues made them pay for their profligacy by going straight up the other end to break the deadlock. Alfie Stanley’s first shot was kept out by George Baxter, but the teenage forward was alert enough to stab in the rebound.

Far from being daunted at falling behind, however, the home side continued to attack and were camped in Pompey’s half for long periods. Leon Pitman made a mess of a long ball that was punted forward, but with Neve lurking, the keeper recovered to deal with the danger.

Stan Bridgman then lost possession as the visitors continued to labour and Max Allen drilled a shot narrowly past the post. But Street were level on 39 minutes, with a corner from Callum Sweeney scrambled home by Lock at the near post. They almost went ahead just before the break, with a free kick from substitute Luke Neller well saved by Pitman.

The rain was lashing down as the second half got underway and Josh Flint flashed a shot wide for Pompey.

And they had an opportunity to retake the lead when skipper Joe Dandy met a Freddie Read free kick But Baxter made the save and Stanley scuffed his follow-up effort right back into the arms of the keeper.

The hosts then threatened when a cross from Kieron Le Brun was diverted narrowly past the post by Sweeney. And they did take the lead just past the hour mark, as Lock came in from the left and fired a shot into the net.

Pitman then escaped with a yellow card after impeding Sweeney outside the box, with the Street player’s soft free kick easily gathered by the reprieved goalkeeper.

Pompey might have levelled when Baxter failed to deal with Harry Kavanagh’s high ball, but Stanley could not keep his shot down. And although it was the hosts that looked in control, Haji Mnoga sent a header just off target in the closing stages, which meant the Street had progressed to the next round to signify one of the best results and best nights in New Street’s history.

Street:

Subs not used: O’Brien Bookings: Phillips, Plank

Sent-Off: None Goals: Moore J (12’, 45’)

Subs:

From

“We didn’t play well but it was never about the performance today. Follands are a strong side, like they were last season and I have no doubt they will be up there in the mix for promotion at the end of the season.

“We struggled to get going today But after going in front its disappointing to draw. It was a great debut for Gave James, to score with his first touch and what a finish!”

STREET 1 FOLLAND SPORTS 1

This was a decent game on a dreary afternoon weatherwise and a draw was a fair result. Both Clubs went out of the promotion race in the play offs last season and there must be every likelihood that both will be there or thereabouts at the end of the current campaign.

Street made a bright start with Shane Lock fastening on to a Lee Morris cross and forcing goalkeeper Nat Taylor into a full length save at the expense of a corner.

Street took the lead when Beckley saw a

shot acrobatically tipped over by Taylor but the save proved in vain as his defence failed to clear the resulting corner, Lock returned the ball into the area and Gavin James volleyed home – less than five minutes after coming on.

ten minutes from time the visitors gained their reward, though there was a small element of good fortune about the goal. Rodwell parried a fierce Deijomaoh effort at his near post only for the ball to rebound off the unfortunate Lee Morris and over the line for an own goal

Rodwell, Perrett (Moore A 84), Scott, Hassell, Morris, Davis (Allen 53), Hibberd (Beckley 53), Lawton, Moore J (James 60), Lock, Cook

Folland Sports: Taylor, Smith, Sipilovas S, Newton, Gedeon, Clark, Coates-Reid, Sheibatzadeh, Long, Diejomaoh, Manuel

Gatera, Banhire, Sipilovas A, Marcinkowski, Osborne

the manager:

Shane Lock looks to break forward Ross Cook & Michael Davis over the ball

Street celebrate Gavin James’ second half strike that gave them the lead

We would like to welcome tonight’s visitors to Foxcotte Park

What teams will be promoted from Wessex League Michael Davis breaks forward on the right wing

The Street management team pick up the Wessex ‘Club of the Month’ award

THE CAMERA NEVER LIES

Street’s Shane Lock celebrates his equaliser against Portsmouth in our 2-1 victory back in September 2018. Callum Sweeney and current Street Manager Jamie Coleman rush to join in the celebrations.

BIG FOOTBALL NAMES COME IN ALL SHAPES & SIZES…

Before football became the plaything of broadcasters, governments and corporates, big clubs could be found in almost every country in Europe. A club wasn’t considered big by merely having a huge bank balance, but more by its place in society. Hence, any list of the world’s most influential clubs would include those that were systemic in their own market – in other words, a giant in their domestic league and a force in European football. Today, a club’s revenues, wage bill, brand power and social media presence are every bit as important. This shift, coupled with the collapse of state-supported clubs in the old communist bloc, has changed the pecking order in global football.

Article by Neil Fredrik Jensen, Editor of Game of the People

Eastern Europe, for example, once had a number of giant clubs that were feared opponents in the European Cup, Cup-Winners’ Cup and Fairs Cup/UEFA Cup. The names of these clubs have lived on, even if their position in the food chain has undoubtedly changed. This year, I undertook a river cruise down the Danube into eastern Europe, a trip that was delayed by covid, but one that would include five different countries and some famous locations. I had longed to visit some of these cities, most of which had been brought to my attention via football when I was a boy.

In particular, I was looking forward to venturing into Belgrade and Bucharest, the final stop on the journey. I always judge how much of a football city a location is by the amount of time it takes to bump into evidence of the game when you arrive. Before we landed in Serbia, we were in Osijek, Croatia, a city with a topflight club.

I was expecting some graffiti extolling the virtues of the local team, but instead, there were plenty of “Bad Blue Boys” artwork, the ultra-group of Dinamo Zagreb, the club that dominates Croatian football.

Into the Serbian capital, there was no doubt about the status of the big two clubs, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan. Although these two slug it out for bragging rights, year-in, year-out, I was told that something like 70% of the population of Serbia like Red Star. They are certainly seen as a flag-bearer for Serbian football, boosted by their European Cup win back in 1991, but the recent troubled history of the region has also played its part. I have to admit, I felt a little shamed at my lack of knowledge about the Balkan wars.

There is a plethora of countries where everyone you meet seems to be a fan of the most wellknown club. The travelling Portuguese all seem

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A ME OF THE PEOPLE

to be Benfica supporters, which probably has something to do with the fact that many of them originate from the capital, Lisbon. As for Spain, clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have fans all over the world, their fame spreading thanks to their success and the legend that grew around them – long before people were employed to develop and export their brand. Go to Spain and it doesn’t take long before you bump into Real, Barca, Atlético, Sevilla and Bilbao, it is one of the most naturally intense football nations in the world. Italy is similar and Juventus seems to appeal to fans all over the country, partly due to the industrial development of Turin, which drew workers from all corners.

In England, the two names with the greatest footprint are Manchester United and Liverpool, despite the efforts being made by the London clubs and Manchester City. Both became popular due to their exploits in Europe – United in the 1950s, a period sadly curtailed by the Munich crash and Liverpool in the late 1970s and 1980s. Today success is measured by how much energy is placed behind marketing a club, “growing the global presence”.

While broadcasting money has made some Premier League clubs “larger” than others that have long and fruitful European histories as well as huge fanbases, it is a sad fact that some football institutions that have been pivotal in

the evolution of the game have a bigger “name” than their commercial appeal.

In Bucharest, the name “Steaua” appears on walls, tunnels and bridges, but the recent story of the only Romanian club to win a European prize is confusing. Ongoing disputes over use of the name mean there are two clubs claiming the heritage of Steaua Bucharest. Steaua, Rapid and Dinamo were all part of a vibrant football scene in Bucharest, but the possibility of these mingling with the Real Madrid’s and Bayern Munich’s on a frequent basis would seem unlikely. Since Steaua won the European Cup in 1986, attendances in Romania have declined by 75%.

There is a correlation between national economies and the position of a country’s football. The top clubs in Europe today come from five of the top six economies: Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain. Money, in the form of sovereign wealth funds, broadcasters, oil billionaires and financial institutions, has been drawn to market potential. Yet the challenged football markets of Europe still have clubs that once captured the imagination of fans around the continent. There was once a sense of mystery and romance about crack sides from the east, something which has been lost due to familiarity and globalisation. But you cannot take away their history or their place in the culture of their respective countries. And while they may not sit at the very top table, they should still command our respect

A ME OF THE PEOPLE

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WESSEX LEAGUE LATEST NEWS

ALSO...

‘He’ll be a big loss’ –Steve Ramsey’s Baffins Milton Rovers ‘loan’ spell is over following Wessex League win against Bournemouth Poppies

hat-trick

Brett Pitman grabbed his third hat-trick in seven Wessex League games as AFC Portchester restored their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier Division.

The former Pompey favourite now has a stunning 26 goals in just 18 league starts after his latest treble in a 3-0 home win over Blackfield & Langley.

If he continues his current scoring ratio over the entire 38-game season, he will equal Andy Forbes’ 2003/04 all-time Wessex Premier record of 55 strikes - but having played four fewer matches.

Pitman had previously struck a hat-trick in a 3-2 win at Portland and netted four times in an 8-1 destruction of rock bottom Alresford.

In all competitions, the 34-year-old now has 32 goals in just 22 starts plus another two off the bench.

Horndean had narrowed the Royals’ lead to five points, having played the same amount of games, after winning 2-1 against Moneyfields at Westleigh Park last Friday.

But Pitman’s goals ensured Portchester completed a 17th win in 18 league matches. As a result, they remain one of only six clubs unbeaten in league action across the top 10 tiers of English football in 2022/23 alongside Spalding (Northern Premier League Midlands), Reading City (Combined Counties North), Loughborough Students (United Counties League North), Andover New Street (Wessex Division 1) and Shoreham (Southern Combination Division 1).

Steve Ramsey signed off his Baffins Milton ‘loan’ spell by helping Rovers move into the Wessex League’s top seven.

The midfielder has been recalled by AFC Portchester after making seven appearances and scoring two goals. He also provided the corner from which a Bournemouth Poppies defender headed into his own net during Baffins’ 4-1 win at the PMC Stadium.

‘’Steve will be a big loss, on and off the pitch,’ said Rovers boss Danny Thompson. ‘He’s been absolutely superb for us.

‘But he wants to try and force his way into a side that should win the league, I get it. I appreciate he wants to give it a go (at Portchester).’

Former Portsmouth favourite Brett Pitman

hits third Wessex League

in seven matches to take seasonal tally past the 30-goal mark

ROUND-UP

ALEX

SMITH ANNOUNCED

AS NEW VICS MANAGER

–APPARENTLY

WORK TO START ON NEWPORT FC’S NEW RACECOURSE GROUND IN MARCH 2023

Long-suffering Newport supporters met with property developer Tony Wake of South Coast Leisure to discuss ‘progress’ on the new ground on the Racecourse at Whippingham last night (Monday).

Former Cowes Sports assistant manager, Alex Smith, has taken the hot seat at East Cowes Vics.

It comes after the departure of former manager Richard Woodburn, as announced earlier today. East Cowes Victoria Athletic released the following statement this evening (Wednesday):

“East Cowes Victoria can confirm that the successor to Richie Woodburn is Alex Smith. Alex comes with Wessex League experience, having been a coach at Cowes and is also good at bringing younger players through. We are sure that Alex will start to head the club in the right direction. Alex will be assisted by Ryan Lacey and reserve team manager Stuart Simmonds on Saturday against Ringwood Town.

There was a distinct sense of déjà vu to this gathering at The Castle pub as a similar meeting was held in August when it was confidently predicted that building work on the new ground would be started the following month (September) and finished by the end of March 2023.

Back in February this year, Island Echo reported that work was due to begin, and the ground would be completed by the Autumn. But with winter now here, there is no sign of a spade in the ground – let alone the ground being ready for play.

It was some 5 years ago in November 2017 that Island Echo first reported that Newport IW FC would be relocating to Whippingham.

The County Town club have previously predicted that work on the new ground would begin in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Over the previous 4 seasons, the Port has ‘lodged’ at Beatrice Avenue (home of East Cowes Vics) and Smallbrook (Ryde Saints’ home ground). During that time Newport IW FC purchased new floodlights for Saints, but the building work on their own ground has yet to get off the ground.

Tony Wake now claims that all the planning permissions for work on both the St George’s site and the new ground have been obtained. The latest forecast is that all pre-commencement conditions will be met by January 2023 and that the actual work will begin in March.

Newport will supposedly be playing at their new ground in the 2023/24 season.

31st March is the deadline for entry to the FA Cup and FA Vase competitions. If Newport IW FC have neither a ground nor a leasehold in place by that date, then they will not be able to enter either competition. Furthermore, their future in the Wessex League will also be doubtful.

The Port has attracted many top Island players this season and currently lie in 5th place in Wessex Division 1. The problems with the club are off-the-field issues rather than with the current 1st team.

“Let’s get behind Alex as he takes the reigns.”

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THE NON-LEAGUE PAPER

WITH MATT BADCOCK - EDITOR NLP

Organising a game of football, at any level, is no easy task. From ground staff to safety officers, from stewards to caterers, these people – volunteers more often than not – play a vital role in the day-to-day running of a matchday to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all those who click through the turnstiles.

But there is one thing that even these superheroes just cannot control – the weather!

As I’m sure you are all well aware, temperatures this week plummeted to 12-year lows in some parts of the UK, putting all best-laid plans into jeopardy. The now obligatory winter footage of groundsmen and women up and down the country braving the big freeze to sweep snow off the pitch swamped social media, while fans too leant a helping hand.

At Macclesfield, for example, early morning pleas from the club to join in the clean-up operation and ensure their game with Ramsbottom United went ahead were answered by a large pool of their loyal fanbase and they certainly played their part in a 4-0 win.

But, unfortunately, these things don’t always go quite to plan and when Jack Frost does decide to play havoc with the football calendar things can get, well, a little bit icecold.

Let’s start with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, for example, after

players, staff, officials and fans were left “furious” after their Southern League Premier Central match at Needham Market was called off just 40 minutes before kick-off, ensuring a wasted 174-mile round trip.

Later that evening, Needham Market said in a statement: “The football club would like to put on record it's sincere apologies to everyone connected to our opponents AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Needham Market players and staff, and supporters of both teams who arrived for the 1:00pm kick off.

“Upon the match officials’ arrival, they carried out a pitch inspection but despite much deliberation they agreed to postpone the match at 12:15pm. No further comment will be made by the Football Club surrounding the issue.”

And it wasn’t just AFC Rushden & Diamonds left with a bitter pill to swallow. Hendon, too, were left aggrieved after travelling two-anda-half hours to Yate Town – on a coach costing over £1,000 - only for the game to be called off shortly after their arrival. To make matters worse for the Greens, Yate’s Lodge Road pitch had reportedly passed a 10am inspection carried out by the referee’s assistant.

Safety of the players can never be compromised when it comes to frozen pitches – and if last-minute calls suggest that a pitch may be 50/50 playable, then I would argue that it’s not.

No-one wants any frosty atmospheres at Christmas.

THE NLP PAPER

THE WESSEX LEAGUE REVIEW

Sadly. Another virtually blank weekend with only six fixtures completed – one on Friday evening. The entire Division One programme was lost, including Friday evening’s game at Totton & Eling, making more work for our hard-working-Fixtures Secretary.

The one game completed on Friday was at Havant & Waterlooville’s ground where Moneyfields went down 2-1 to Horndean in front of an attendance in excess of 250. Jack Lee scored at both ends in the first hour before a Connor Duffin penalty decided things with around 25 minutes left. Horndean remain in second place in the table, eight points behind of the leaders, AFC Portchester though with a game in hand.

The Royals ensured the margin remained unchanged with a 3-0 defeat of Blackfield & Langley on Saturday thanks to a Brett Pitman hat trick and again the attendance topped the 250 mark.

AFC Stoneham, in good form at present, remain in third place after goals from Jim Orvis and Scott Hills gave them the points against Christchurch.

Baffins Milton Rovers moved up one place with a 4-1 home defeat of visitors Bournemouth with four different names on the scoresheet in Tom Vincent, Steve Ramsey, Jason Parish and Joe Johnson. Marcus Cullen was the Poppies marksman.

Fareham and Brockenhurst are both liable to win as likely as lose –inconsistency comes to mind – and it was Brockenhurst who came out on top

at Cams Alders with a 3-0 win over Fareham Town that moved them three places up the table. On target for the Badgers were Harvey Woods, Mitch Speechley-Price and Conor Jevon. That was also the third game where the attendance was in excess of 200.

Lastly three good points for United Services Portsmouth after a 4-0 win over Laverstock & Ford at Burnaby Road with the goals coming from Danny Burroughs (2), Kelvin Mathe and Dan Sibley and moving them two places up the table.

And that was that. Thanks to all for either getting or trying to get the pitches playable and hopefully Christmas will see some clement weather.

For all the Wessex League news, log onto www.wessexleague.co.uk

OCTOBER

Sat 1 3 00pm

Tue 4 7 45pm

Tue 11 7.45pm

Sat 15 3.00pm

Tue 18 7.45pm

Sat 22 3.00pm

Sat 29 3.00pm

NOVEMBER

Sat 5 3.00pm

Sat 12 3.00pm

Sat 19 3.00pm

Tue 22 7.45pm

Sat 26 3.00pm

Wed 30 7.45pm

DECEMBER

Sat 3 3.00pm

Tue 20 7.45pm

Tue 27 3.00pm

JANUARY

Tue 3 3.00pm

Sat 7 3.00pm

Sat 14 3.00pm

Tue 17 7.45pm

Tue 24 7.45pm

Sat 28 3.00pm

FEBRUARY

Tue 1 7.45pm

Sat 4 3.00pm

Tue 7 7.45pm

Sat 11 3.00pm

Tue 14 7.45pm

Sat 18 3.00pm

Wed 22 7.45pm

Sat 25 3.00pm

MARCH

Sat 4 3.00pm

Tue 7 7.45pm

Sat 11 3.00pm

Sat 18 3.00pm

Sat 25 3.00pm

APRIL

Sat 1 3.00pm

Sat 8 3.00pm

Sat 15 3.00pm

Verwood Town W 1-0 110 5 - - - - -

Ringwood Town W 2-1 54 3 1 - - - 1

Totton & Eling W 3-0 61 2 - - - - -

Petersfield Town (RCC 1R) L 0-2 81 - - - - - -

Street (FAV 1R) W 5-1 55 - - - - - -

Hamworthy Rec W 4-1 78 4 1 1 - - -

Whitchurch United W 3-1 102 3 - - - - -

Brixham (FAV 2R) L 1-2 - - - - - - -

Millbrook W 2-0 78 3 - - - - 2

Fleet Spurs W 3-0 - 2 - - - - -

Folland Sports D 1-1 91 2 - - 1 - -

Downton (WLC3) W 3-0 109 - - - 1 - -

Fawley AFC W 4-2 56 2 1 1 1 - -

Portsmouth (HSC3)

Andover Town