Midweek Musings 22 - 26 September 2015

Midweek Musings this past passage of time are slightly extended this time around to accommodate the Premier Division fixture due to be played on Friday evening, 26th September, over at `The Ranch' as a sensible solution to what Saturday, thanks to the Rugby World Cup taking place out and about, meaning extra pressures on travelling and, dare I say, having taken these brave steps, will see these teams rewarded with an above average attendance for the game which, in the past, on the whole, Friday nights, out and about, often offer clubs who take up this offer to bring matches forward. Past midweek, with a Hampshire Senior Cup tie and a Grant-McLellan Youth Cup tie thrown in for good measure, comprised, in the main, of League and in-house Cup competitions involving teams from both divisions.

So, my friends, mindful of this array of fixtures, very briefly, first stop we call in at Brockenhurst Wessex FL) who, at the second attempt, entertained Eversley & California in an Hampshire Senior Cup, 2nd Round, tie and, despite weather conditions again not being at their best this time round, got the thumbs up to stage proceedings over at Grigg Lane thankfully. Sadly though, for the 'Boars' result-wise, the lengthy journey saw them bow out of the competition following a 4-1 defeat being inflicted upon them.

As I write, detail of the proposed Premier Division game over at Cove, who were due to host Windsor, which failed to commence due to a ban being imposed by the Hampshire Football Association at 4.30pm on the day for reasons I have no idea of. What I do know, though, is this short ban imposed was quickly lifted and this allows Cove to get back to League activity on Saturday afternoon. Games at Banstead Athletic (v Abbey Rangers) and Cobham (v Sandhurst Town) fell victim to the weather which, for the record, were RPM Records Division One Challenge Cup matches and they will be re-arranged for the near future.

No doubt, however, the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup tie at Farnham Town got the thumbs up and, despite opponents Ash United putting up a good challenge, Farnham Town secured their safe passage through 3-1 on the night.

Dorking made the tricky trip over to Frimley Green and were rewarded with a most impressive 5-1 win in their RPM Records Division One Challenge Cup contest leaving us with a Premier Division fixture list that, due to the Cove situation, saw fixtures reduced to four matches.

Top scorers on the night were Chessington & Hook United who seem to pile in goals galore when visiting Young’s Drive; this latest chapter being no exception as they knocked in seven without reply against Badshot Lea. Elsewhere, Camberley Town secured maximum points from their trip to AFC Hayes - 1-0 final score. Horley Town were comfortable 3-0 home winners against Sutton Common Rovers and Spelthorne Sports and Bedfont Sports secured a point each in a 1-1 draw.

Wednesday night, our three games saw Epsom Athletic edge out South Park Reserves 3-2 over at Chalky Lane in the RPM Records Division One Challenge Cup.

Premier Division wise, hosts Guildford City again won by the odd goal in five against visitors Knaphill.

And Finally - Dorking Youth and visitors AFC Croydon Athletic Youth (Southern Counties East FL) put on a highly entertaining Grant-McLellan Youth Cup tie which saw visitors Croydon win by the odd goal in five.

Rounding our analysis of for the past midweek and a bit Premier Division wise, Hanworth Villa and Knaphill went head-to-head Friday evening over at `The Ranch' and resulted in a slender 1-0 home victory thanks, in the main, to a first half effort from Jack Buckle. As a result of this victory and ahead of Saturday activity out and about, Hanworth Villa moved into the top three.