uhlsport HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE

After having at least one game every midweek day this week, we also have a busy weekend coming up, mostly league games, with another couple of cup games. Firstly, just a reminder that we have another Friday night game at Havant & Waterlooville, where Liss Athletic hosts Meon Milton in the Portsmouth Senior Cup. On Saturday, in the Senior Division , new leaders Moneyfields Res, still unbeaten, face a tricky local trip to top-six side Southsea Sports. Second-placed Whitehill & Bordon also have a difficult-looking task as they travel to Bishops Waltham Dynamos, although the Stags did win there a fortnight ago in the cup. If either slip up, then AFC Shirley, third with a 100% record, will seek to take advantage with a home victory over Liphook United, who have however won two out of their last three. Another attractive-looking game is at Hook, where two other teams currently in the top five meet, the visitors being Blackfield & Langley. Crofton Saints and Locks Heath are currently in the bottom five, albeit with games in hand on those above them, and they will be looking to climb the table if they can win at Overton United and at home to Denmead respectively. Broughton had a welcome cup win last weekend but could do with some league points, and they host AFC Netley, who moved into the top half of the table on Monday. Once again Division 1 l eaders Nursling & Shirley (seven games, seven wins) are not playing, but once again they cannot be caught by the trailing pack. Some of them can close the gap, though, starting with third-placed Whiteley Wanderers, who play at North Waltham, who have lost their last five league games. Sporting Wessex are one point behind Whiteley and have a difficult game at Headley United, who have scored ten goals in winning their last two matches. Hedge End are fifth, having won all five of their league games so far, and they face Stockbridge, who lost heavily to Shirley in the cup last weekend, but are five undefeated in the league. The two played each other in the League Cup recently, HET winning on penalties. Twentyten host Andover Town, both teams next to each other around the middle of the league, both inconsistent. Sway are mid-table but have games in hand on those above them, and this weekend they host Horndean United, who picked up a good point at BTC last weekend. The new-look Paulsgrove shipped seven last weekend, but this time they are at home to Mob Albion, who are only three places above them and on a run of five defeats, so this is an important match for both teams. The two cup games see Lyndhurst, second in Division 1 and going well, away at AFC Stoneham Res in the Southampton Senior Cup . This is a tough one to call. In the Portsmouth Senior Cup Division 1 side Hayling United host Senior Division US Portsmouth, both teams looking for a distraction from their league form. Good luck to all teams

I would just like to write a few words to all clubs, players, supporters and committee members before the new season commences on Saturday, August 1 . Firstly, I would like to welcome all of the new clubs to the League. Horndean United, Sporting Wessex, North Waltham and Lyndhurst will be entering Division One , while Blackfield & Langley and United Services Portsmouth join the Senior Division . We wish all of these clubs every success for the season ahead. A lot has changed since the end of last season. Following the sad passing of our League Secretary, Paul Croker , there has also been a significant change within the committee. At our AGM, several long-serving and senior committee members stepped down, leaving us looking for a new committee. With the support of our Life President, John Moody , and our current committee members, we have put in place a new Chairman, Treasurer, Welfare Officer, Discipline Secretary and Registration Secretary. When I joined the committee in February, I never thought I would be in the position I am today. I am thoroughly enjoying my role as League Secretary and am looking forward to supporting all of our clubs and players throughout the coming 2026/27 league and cup season . I hope you all have a successful and enjoyable season, with the full support of both myself and the committee. Stuart Davies