uhlsport HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE

A Saturday dominated by the opening round of the Hampshire Saturday Trophy, but there are a few other games scheduled too. In the Hampshire Saturday Trophy we have a large number of teams playing at home. T he standout tie would seem to be the all-Senior Division affair between AFC Shirley, top of the league with seven wins out of seven, and the holders Crofton Saints, who are improving in the league after a poor start. There is also one all-Division 1 matchup as Whiteley Wanderers, currently in second, host Horndean United. The other all-HPFL match is Senior Division Liphook United at home to Division 1 North Waltham. The other games feature HPFL sides against opposition from other leagues, which is always interesting and usually hard to predict. We have two teams pitted against Isle of Wight clubs, mercifully both at home, with neither opponent having started their campaign particularly well. Southsea Sports play Brading Town, who of course have pedigree in this competition; and Sway play Sandown, who gained promotion to the top league last season. Two of our clubs play 'old friends' i.e. teams who have previously played in the HPFL: AFC Netley are at home to Bournemouth Sports, currently mid-table in the Dorset Prem, and Whitehill & Bordon host Rushmoor Community, who are now in the Surrey Intermediate League (Western). We have a few games against teams from the Southampton League; an interesting one sees Lyndhurst, going really well in our Division 1, at home to ambitious new club Waterlooville AFC. Another one sees Twentyten travel to Fordingbridge Turks, who are doing well so will be difficult opposition. Two more away trips await Bishops Waltham Swifts (at Sherfield English) and Headley United, who face the sporting academy Select Generation side. There are also, of course, ties against Development/U23 sides, usually a trip into the unknown. One might be better known then others as Mob Albion play AFC Netley Reserves, while Blackfield & Langley are at home to Clanfield Development and Hook play Fleetlands U23 . We also have some league games, and one big Senior Division game sees Moneyfields Res, second in the league and undefeated, entertaining champions Locks Heath, who had a poor start but have really come on in the last few weeks, and who scored nine against Denmead (for the second time this season) on Saturday. Overton United host US Portsmouth, both teams faltering in the league recently. In Division 1 l eaders Nursling & Shirley will be in league action for the first time in four weeks, and they will be aiming to making it eight wins out of eight when they host Hayling United. Hedge End Town have won six out of six and their form will be tested this weekend at the NormRod when they play Sporting Wessex, in third after a great start to the season after coming up. Stockbridge play BTC Southampton, both teams in mid-table but a good run could see them rise quickly. Finally, we have the final game in Round 2 of the uhlsport Hampshire Premier League Cup , where Senior Division Meon Milton are due to play a new-look Paulsgrove team, still to get a point in Division 1. 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