Saturday saw wins for both of the Senior Division’s top two – leaders Denmead gained a 2-1 victory at Liss Athletic, while Moneyfields Reserves stay a point behind them - and with games in hand - following their 3-1 home success over relegation-threatened, Chamberlayne Athletic.

In the battle for third place, Fleetlands struck an important blow by winning 2-0 at Locks Heath, and can now overtake them if they win their games in hand. But even more menacing is the challenge of Colden Common, 4-2 winners over Overton United. They leapfrog Stockbridge into fifth, as the Robins could only draw 0-0 at home to Hayling United.

At the bottom, Lyndhurst’s 25th defeat in 26 was a 0-3 home reverse to Paulsgrove.

In Division 1 South East, the battle of the bottom two saw Clarendon beat AFC Netley 4-1 at home to ensure that the visitors have no points so far this season. Upham finished a good campaign with a disappointing 1-4 home defeat to Meon Milton, who now have only seven league games still to play and appear in the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

SENIOR & DIVISION ONE - TABLES

The L4 Challenge Cup saw the completion of one of the ties, with eight goals scored for the second time as Michelmersh and Timsbury and North Waltham drew 4-4. The visitors led 7-1 from the first leg so go through.

The draw also gave us the chance for another local derby between Whitehill and Bordon and Headley United, which was so entertaining in the league season. The first leg of this matchup was no less exciting with Headley notching a 5-3 win (Matt Brown hat-trick) at their close rivals.

Another interesting matchup was between two teams who have done well in their respective Division 1s this season, Hook and Whiteley Wanderers. The first leg was at Hook and the home side recorded a surprisingly high 5-1 victory. Our man on the sidelines, writes:

‘Hook blew away their southern region opposition Whiteley with a stunning first half performance. Ricky Stephens, a Ben Morris free kick and a Jack McKee tap in had the hosts 3-0 up in 17 minutes. Hook dominated possession and chances and kept Whiteley’s 18 goal leading scorer Matt Taylor to an ineffectual bystander.

On 39 minutes Ash Wood finally took advantage of a dallying Whiteley defence to hit the fourth for a decisive half time lead. 

Whiteley were much more competitive in the second half, without creating too many opportunities but made the match more of a competition. Five minutes from time substitute Dave Colfer scored Hook’s fifth following a good team build up.

Whiteley’s consolation came two minutes from time when Alex Fitzgerald headed home. A comprehensive win for Hook….but it’s only half time.’

Article Photo: An aerial battle between Stockbridge (0) and Hayling United (0) (by Stuart Tree) - FULL GALLERY