The Deans: Issue 9

f r o m t h e c h a i r m a n

c a t l i n ’ s c o l u m n

Welcome to AFC Portchester's management team, players & supporters for today's Wessex League Premier Division game.

Tonight our focus switches back to the league following our FA Vase exit on Saturday after we fell to a 2 1 defeat at home to Bexhill United. This evening we face yet another big challenge as we host the table toppers Portchester, which always promises to be a tough game. We have some big games coming up at home & your support is important to the team so please get behind the lads as it makes a massive difference.

I would also like to congratulate the under 18’s on their FA youth cup win & wish them the best of luck against Woking in the next round. You are a credit to the Club.

Enjoy the game & a safe journey home

Mick Catlin Horndean FC Chairman

previously in po8

The Pirates struck twice in the final ten minutes to overturn a 1 goal deficit and dump the Deans out of the FA Vase at Five Heads Park

Blankson’s first half opener gave Horndean a half time lead before a Vickers penalty and a Ben Anderson own goal both coming inside the final 10 saw Bexhill snatch victory.

Horndean hosted East Sussex based Bexhill United in the FA Vase 1st round at Fvie Heads Park, and boss Michael Birmingham made one change from his winning side at Christchurch the previous week, as Tafadzwa Kanjanda came into the 11 with Miller named on the bench.

Horndean started brightly with an early chance inside the first minute, as Willett delivered a low cross from the left which was met by Blankson at the near post, his effort however was struck wide

The Deans continued their pressure in the opening stages, as Willett saw his strike from 25 yards parried by Bexhill ‘keeper Akras, before Taw was denied shortly after

Bexhill’s first real threat of the game came after the half hour mark when they broke quickly on the right flank, but a well placed right sided cross was headed over the bar by Cook.

Horndean came close again on 38 minutes as Kanjanda unleashed Willett on the left with a headed flick on, Willett drove into the box before dragging his shot wide of the target

Horndean 1 2 Bexhill United | Saturday 22nd October | Isuzu FA Vase 1st Round | Five Heads Park | ATT: 101 Horndean exit the FA Vase at the hands of Bexhill United after conceding twice late on

On 42 minutes Horndean broke the deadlock, as Scutt threaded the ball to Rudi Blankson, who skipped past his marker before placing the ball past Akras to give the Deans a lead on the cusp of half time

Bexhill were quick off the blocks in the second half and pushed for an equaliser from the off, with plenty of possession as they plied on the pressure in the final third.

Willett had a chance to double Horndean’s advantage on 55 minutes, however his strike was kept out by a good low save from Akras

At the other end Cameron Scott was handed his first real test of the match, as a Vickers freekick was struck well from 35 yards, Scott however did well to cling onto the ball and keep the host’s lead intact.

Horndean were denied once again by some more Akras heroics 20 minutes from time, as Willett burst down the left wing before pulling the ball to Blankson, who’s first time strike was kept out by a terrific save at point blank range by the Bexhill stopper

On 80 minutes Bexhill were awarded a penalty after a late challenge in the box Pirates skipper Tom Vickers levelled up proceedings from the spot as he sent Scott the opposite way.

Minutes later Horndean were agonisingly close to restoring their lead, as Blankson battled into the box before squaring to Willett, who’s shot was cleared off the line.

Bexhill completed their second half smash and grab with stoppage time imminent, as a cross from left was met by a heavy touch from Anderson, who turned the ball into his own net Horndean were unable to conjure up an equaliser in stoppage time, as they exit the FA Vase.

Photography: Joe Knight

D

L W l

United Services

Premier

Baffins Milton League Cup

in a crunch midweek Wessex League

mier Division with their 100% start to the g them a 2 point cushion on 2nd place nd The Royals flying start to the season on League to maintain a perfect start in al scorers with 34 goals, at the expense n summer signing Brett Pitman, with the with 16 goals in all competitions since er are Harrison Brook with 7 strikes, as nd Liam Robinson contributing 4 each.

owing two consecutive cup exits in the e Russell Cotes Cup at the hands of e FA Vase on Saturday, succumbing to cor Rec, as Brett Pitman’s brace proved to date on the 23rd October 2021, as the ads Park. This came after two cracking opening months of the season, as AFC humbling in August, before the Deans in the form of a 3 1 triumph, with Zack

the royals

With a history dating back to 1971, the AFC Portchester of today truly came into existence when the club was merged with another Portchester side, Castle Royals, in the 2002 03 season This merger came after the club was accepted into the Hampshire League in 1998, following many successful years playing in various Portsmouth leagues. Once in the Hampshire League the Royals finished as runners up in Division 2 in 1999 2000 and then won Division 1 in 2001 02

Since the merger with Castle Royals, AFC Portchester has become one of Hampshire’s biggest clubs, currently boasting a total of 40 teams across youth and adults football, and with additional groups like walking football and tiny tots sessions, the club caters for those wanting to play football from the age of just two up to 80 and beyond. Another significant milestone for the club came in June 2011 when it was awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service (MBE) for Groups, in recognition of the important role the organisation plays in the local community.

Season 2011 12 saw the first team gain promotion to the Sydenham’s Wessex Premier Division, after securing the runners up position in Division 1 In the same season the reserves took the runners up spot in the newly formed Wyvern Combination East Division to gain promotion to the Premier Division. They also won the Hampshire Intermediate Cup.

The next phase in the club’s development brought the arrival of Graham Rix as manager in 2013 Graham’s CV included 17 international caps for England, captaining Arsenal and managing Chelsea and Portsmouth. His vast experience was instrumental in helping to develop the club’s facilities and ethos to the level they are now at today

Home Ground: Wicor Recreation Ground, home of AFC Portchester

The club’s continued development has brought its fair share of silverware too The Sydenhams Wessex League Cup was won in 2014 15 along with a third placed finish secured in the Premier Division in the same season and 2017 18, with the Russell Cotes Cup won in 2013 14 and 2016 17. The reserves also won the Wyvern League’s Premier Division title in 2014 15 and 2015 16 The 2014 15 season also saw one of the club’s home grown players, Andy Rinomhota (now with Cardiff City) join Championship club Reading on professional terms.

At The Wheel: Former Deans boss Dave Carter has begun his second term in charge of the Royals, after joining from Moneyfields in summer 2021

O n e s t o w a t c h

BRETT PITMAN

Prolific striker Brett Pitman was a huge summer coup for the Royals, the ex pro marksman has netted 16 in all competitions so far this season

The experienced centre forward has previously played for Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Swindon, Bristol Rovers and most recently had a loan spell with Eastleigh before arriving Creekside

marley ridge

Former youth product of Havant & Waterlooville Marley Ridge has made an impressive start to the 2022/23 season, contributing 4 goals for the Royals so far. He enters his second season in Orange since making the move to Wicor Rec from Moneyfields

JAKE RAINE

Central midfielder Jake Raine has been a consistent performer for the Royals since making the switch from Moneyfields in 2021.

Raine made 45 starts in all competitions last season and has maintained his strong influence in the Portchester side so far this season

conor Bailey

Full back Conor Bailey quickly became a fan favourite when he arrived Creekside ahead of the 2021/22 season, He has been heavily involved since joining the Royals having made 47 starts last season, and continues to be a regular this term Bailey had previously become Moneyfields' record appearance holder

DATE VS CSCORE OMP

02/08/22

Moneyfields (H) League

results

STARTING XI

06/08/22 Thatcham (A) FA Cup

13/08/22 Shaftesbury (H) League

20/08/22 Baffins Milton Rovers (A) FA Cup

(A)

01/10/22 Bournemouth (A) League 08/10/22 Cowes Sports (H) League 11/10/22 Hamble Club (A) League 15/10/22 Christchurch (A) League 22/10/22 Bexhill United (H) FA Vase 25/10/22 AFC Portchester (H) League

O'Donnell

Scott R Taw C Merritt S Hookey (C) 27/08/22 Alton Town (H) FA Vase 30/08/22 Laverstock & Ford (H) WLC 03/09/22 Hythe & Dibden (A) League 06/09/22 Pagham (H) League 17/09/22 Blackfield & Langley (A) League

AFC Stoneham (H) League

Bemerton Heath H (A) League

PLeague ortland United (A)

Laverstock & Ford (H) League

Alresford Town (A) League

BLeague rockenhurst 2(A) 9/10/22 05/11/22 12/11/22 19/11/22 26/11/22 03/12/22 10/12/22

Baffins Milton Rovers (H)League 17/12/22 Moneyfields (A) League

Hamble Club 0(H) 3/01/22 League

0League 7/01/22 Bournemouth (H)

14/01/22 BLeague affins Milton Rovers (A) 21/01/22 Christchurch (H) League 28/01/22 Fareham Town (A) League 04/02/22 Hythe & Dibden (H) League

11/02/22 Shaftesbury (A) League

18/02/22 Cowes Sports (A) League 25/02/22 Blackfield & Langley (H) League

04/03/22 Pagham (A) League

07/03/22

ALeague lresford Town (H)

11/03/22 United Services (A) League

Brockenhurst (H) League

AFC Stoneham (A) League

Bemerton Heath H (H) League

AFC Portchester (A) League

Laverstock & Ford (A) League

Portland United (H) League

Scott R Taw C Merritt S Hookey (C) 23/08/22 Brockenhurst (A) HSC

1 W

C Scott R Taw C Merritt B Anderson C Scott R Taw C Merritt S Hookey (C) L O'Donnell R Taw B Miller B Anderson

Dibden

Town

Milton Rovers

United

& Ford

Sports

Portsmouth

& Langley

Last

Results:

Portchester

Stoneham

Pheonix Sports

Fisher

Laverstock & Ford Cribbs

Town

United Cullompton Rangers

Bemerton H H Kennington

Blackfield & Langley

Abbotonians

Shaftesbury (2 4 Pens)

0-1 Sporting Bengal United Rayners Lane

Cowes Sports

League Premier Division

Alresford Town Christchurch 1-3 Hythe & Dibden Hamble Club 2-2 Fareham Town

Today's Fixtures:

League Premier Division

Club

AFC Stoneham Horndean

Portchester

on the road: BROCKENHURST

The Deans return to the New Forest for league action on Saturday 29th October as they make a second trip of the season to the Meadens Skoda Arena, to face Brockenhurst.

Horndean round off the October run of fixtures with a trip to the New Forest. They visit Pat McManus’ side at the Meadens Skoda Arena for the second time this campaign, having faced the Badgers back in August in a 2 1 victory in the Hampshire Senior Cup 1st Round The Deans will be looking to replicate their previous league meeting with the Badgers last season, as a Connor Duffin double helped secure a 3 1 win.

A mixed batch of results this season for McManus' side see the Badgers currently sitting mid table, having played 11, won 5, drawn 1 and lost 5. Leading the line for Brockenhurst has been Mitchell Speechley Price, who's netted 12 goals in all competitions this term.

Directions to Grigg Lane: Distance from Five Heads Park 43.7 Miles (51 minute drive)

Follow the M27 to the A31, take the exit towards New Forest/A337/Lyndhurst Follow the A337 to Brockenhurst. The ground is also accessible by Train, with Brockenhurst Station located under half a mile from Grigg Lane.

Matchday Information:

Address - Grigg Lane, Brockenhurst, SO42 7RE

Admission Prices - £7 Adults, £1 U16's Programme £2

Parking - Limited parking inside the ground, additional parking nearby in the Village centre.

horndean youth

The young Deans find themselves on the brink of Club history as they booked their place in the FA Youth Cup 1st Round proper recently, courtesy of a 4 0 triumph over Chippenham Town U18's at Five Heads Park. They travel to Woking in the first round, and a win will see them equal the record run set by the Horndean U18's side of 1987/88.

They also continued their fine league form last week with a 5 1 victory over Fareham Town. Their fine start to the league campaign sees the top of the league without defeat so far.

the deans revisited

With our U18's recent FA Youth Cup success which sees them into the 1st Round of the competition, here's a look back at the previous time a Horndean Youth team reached the proper stages of the cup.

Horndean U18's recently booked their place in the 1st round proper of the FA Youth Cup following a 4 0 win over Chippenham Town U18's at Five Heads Park. The run has been some success for the young Deans, however they havent quite made club history as of yet

The famous Horndean Youth side of 1987/88, who incredibly reached the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup, battling out a 1 1 draw with the young pro's of Reading Youth at Five Heads Park. Under the management of Trevor King, They didn't only create club history, but also became the first Hampshire based non league team to reach the summit at the time.

Reading opened the scoring on 34 minutes, with Bashir teeing up Andy King to volley the visitors into the lead The Deans levelled the tie up with 15 to go, as Richie MacLaren back heeled the ball into the path of Wilson who fired home from close range to book Horndean a replay at Elm Park the following Thursday.

Among the Horndean U18's side of 1987/88 was current first team coach Darren Robson, who following his youth days at Horndean went on to play for the likes of Waterlooville, Farnborough, Worthing and Bashley. Robbo claims that 1987/88 was the same season Horndean Youth 'won every trophy on offer'!

The current Deans U18's find themselves on the cusp of recreating the class of 88's heroics, with their first round tie away to Woking taking place on Thursday 3rd November, at Knaphill FC. They are just a win away from matching the club record set in 1987

THERE’S just something about the FA Cup first round proper draw you dare not miss it. Growing up, the hazy memory is listening on the radio but now it's a prime time live TV event, usually beamed from a clubhouse of one of the lucky Non League teams to have got through Despite the wider national interest being piqued at this stage, we of course all know what goes into reaching even this round If the FA Cup fourth round qualifying at the feeling of the first round proper draw, then Monday night’s first round was a blockbuster. Recency bias perhaps, but it’s hard to remember one in recent seasons that has pulled out so many mega ties it will be hard for the TV execs to make their live pics that's for sure.

Bracknell Town drew League One title chasers Ipswich Town, Hereford are at home to Portsmouth, the winners of the reply between Torquay and Hampton & Richmond host Derby County, Coalville who stunned Notts County are off to Charlton Athletic, Alvechurch at Cheltenham Town, South Shields welcome Forest Green, Woking have a home date with Oxford United, Curzon Ashton take on Cambridge United, first round debutants Needham Market travel to Burton Albion the list goes on and on.

I’ve written here before about the annual FA Cup bashing that will start in January, frustration with the elite clubs who want to cancel all replays because of so called fixture congestions as if it’s the solution and the bad wrap the competition, at times, receives.

But on Monday we could see in full swing how good the FA Cup is. How much it means. From a packed Alvechurch clubhouse where the draw was held oohing and ahhing every time a ball close to theirs was drawn. To the scenes of the Bracknell squad jumping around when they drew Ipswich, or Coalville players celebrating their pairing with former Premier League outfit Charlton there just can’t be a competition in the world quite like it.

Every fan and club dreams of having that special run. One that you can dine out on for years Heroes are made in the FA Cup. And the exciting thing for the players still in this year’s cup, they still have that chance to make it them this time. Some clubs will have less high profile first round draws but they are often the winnable ties that lead to bigger days further down the line. The limelight will fall on many over the next few weeks For some it will shine even brighter as they have to ready their grounds for big crowds, television cameras and all the circus that comes with it.

There will be hundreds of hours put in at Bracknell, for example, as they prepare their intimate Bottom Meadow home of Sandhurst Town for the might of Ipswich Town. Only in the FA Cup. There’s just something about it.

S Q U A D S

HORNDEAN

Cameron Scott Rob Taw

Brandon Miller Josh Dean Ethan Gee Tommy Patterson Tafadzwa Kanjanda Chad Field Luke Dempsey Tom Jeffes Eddie Wakley Sam Hookey Ash Howes Ben Anderson

Tommy Tierney Tommy Scutt Harry Jackson Connor Duffin Zack Willett Rudi Blankson Logan O'Donnell

D A

Manager: Michael Birmingham Assistant: Jason Mann

Colours: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

OFFICIALS:

Referee Darren Cooley

Assistants - Simon Graves and James Crascall

AFC PORTCHESTER

Steve Mowthorpe

Aman Skrzyniaz Charlie Williamson Elliot Wheeler Olly Searle Ashton Leigh Conor Bailey Tyler Giddings George Barker Harry Beckley Curt Da Costa Jake Raine James Cowan Ryan Wilkins Marley Ridge Harrison Brook Liam Robinson Steve Ramsey Brett Pitman Sam Pearce Kai Cutler

Manager: Dave Carter Assistant: Gav Spurway

Colours: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

NEXT UP AT FIVE HEADS PARK: Horndean vs Fareham Town

Tuesday 1st November | 7:45pm Kick Off Wessex League Premier Division