WEEKEND PREVIEW - 7 MARCH
If pitches have dried out enough....
It's Hampshire Saturday Trophy semi-finals day, and three of our clubs are involved. Senior Division favourites Liphook United have a difficult away tie against giantkillers Winsor United Green, who have beaten three HPFL clubs already this season.
The other tie sees Senior Division Harvest, who can beat anyone on their day, play Hedge End Town, who are near the top of Division One, and who are also in the final of the George Mason Memorial Shield. The final will be held at AFC Stoneham on the evening of Saturday 6th April.There is another semi-final scheduled, the second George Mason Memorial Shield semi-final, postponed last weekend, which sees Stockbridge try again with their home tie against Upham.
There are also several league games scheduled. In the Senior Division, a lot of the focus will be on the lower half of the table, where it's still extremely tight. Liss Athletic have sunk to third from bottom and face a tricky visit to Hayling United. Colden Common, who won last time out, are just above them and travel to Sway, who are only three points ahead of them. Common are in turn just below Hook, who are in reasonable form, and they host Denmead. Bottom club Fleet Spurs travel to fifth-placed Paulsgrove. Locks Heath are just above the Grove in fourth, and have a trip to Whitehill & Bordon.
In Division One, leaders Hedge End Rangers have a difficult-looking task at QK Southampton, who have risen to fifth and are on a good run. Meon Milton, in second, have a trip to Lyndhurst. Whiteley Wanderers are in fourth and could improve on that if they win at Headley United. AFC Netley could challenge the top five if they win at bottom club Michelmersh & Timsbury. Finally, there is another cup game between two Division 1 sides as Broughton entertain Twentyten in the North Hampshire Intermediate Cup.
Written by: Paul Harris
Photo by: Paul Paxford
