Wimborne branded treats It's afternoons like this Sunday that can make me question my own sanity. A 208 mile round trip, which took over 4 hours in total, and the best part of another two hours standing next to a football pitch, in the pouring rain, with no spectator cover. All to watch a middle of the table, tier 6 football match in the Southern Region League. Madness? Well, maybe. However, now back home in the warm, I have to admit I enjoyed my afternoon out (apart from getting soaked through, that bit wasn't fun). What's more, I got to tick off the second furthest trip for me in this league (Selsey is about 10 miles further each way).
The game in question was the second meeting this season between Wimborne Town and Bursledon. I had the pleasure of also seeing the first meeting back in September, when both goalkeepers, Jade Kibell for Bursledon and Teagan Barnes for Wimborne, had given great displays in an entertaining 1-1 draw (These Two Are Keepers). Both teams are playing in this division for the first time and both have performed very well, more than holding their own. At the start of play Wimborne sat fifth with 17 points from 13 games, Bursledon a place lower on 16 points from 11 games. Recent form, however, was in favour of the visitors. Wimborne were looking for their first win of 2025 after suffering a little dip in form, although they showed a lot of spirit to come back from 4-1 at Woking last weekend, even if they did eventually lose 4-3. Bursledon came into the game on the back of consecutive league wins, 3-0 at QK Southampton and 5-2 at home to Bournemouth Sports Reserves. Having said all of that, Bursledon were coming into the game with four players, who all had 13+ appearances this season, missing. Amongst those, Issy Pouncey, Kirby Anderson and Parris Payne had contributed 15 goals.
Many thanks to referee Ben Haskett for allowing me to take a photo of the Wimborne team sheet before the game. I managed to piece together the Bursledon team from squad numbers and their Facebook post.
The game in question was the second meeting this season between Wimborne Town and Bursledon. I had the pleasure of also seeing the first meeting back in September, when both goalkeepers, Jade Kibell for Bursledon and Teagan Barnes for Wimborne, had given great displays in an entertaining 1-1 draw (These Two Are Keepers). Both teams are playing in this division for the first time and both have performed very well, more than holding their own. At the start of play Wimborne sat fifth with 17 points from 13 games, Bursledon a place lower on 16 points from 11 games. Recent form, however, was in favour of the visitors. Wimborne were looking for their first win of 2025 after suffering a little dip in form, although they showed a lot of spirit to come back from 4-1 at Woking last weekend, even if they did eventually lose 4-3. Bursledon came into the game on the back of consecutive league wins, 3-0 at QK Southampton and 5-2 at home to Bournemouth Sports Reserves. Having said all of that, Bursledon were coming into the game with four players, who all had 13+ appearances this season, missing. Amongst those, Issy Pouncey, Kirby Anderson and Parris Payne had contributed 15 goals.
Many thanks to referee Ben Haskett for allowing me to take a photo of the Wimborne team sheet before the game. I managed to piece together the Bursledon team from squad numbers and their Facebook post.
Dons attacking in the 1st half It was a great start for the visitors. Only seven minutes were on the clock when Nicola Curtis found Grace Smith with a lovely ball in behind the home defence. Smith squared to Zoe Bache who didn't hesitate in slotting the ball past Tegan Barnes. 0-1
The response to going behind was good from Wimborne. Sadie West made a determined run and got a shot off which Jade Kibell did well to hold onto, then Ellie Chaffe hit the side netting with a snapshot. However, Bursledon always looked a threat going forward, especially with the pace they had on the flanks, and, midway through the half, they came very close to doubling their lead. A long ball out of defence evaded everyone, defenders and strikers alike, allowing Zoe Bache to run in behind the last line of defence and strike a low effort that beat Barnes but also narrowly beat the post.
Poppie Weekes had been a constant thorn in the side of the Wimborne back-line. Imogen Rowley and captain Emily Nieman both tried to put the brakes on the flying winger but neither had been particularly successful. Speed and footwork combined had led to a succession of dangerous crosse one which Bache put narrowly wide of the target, then a lovely link-up between Weekes and Grace Smith ended with Smith heading a half-chance just over. Yet another weaving run from Weekes saw her cross found Bache again, but the striker couldn't quite cushion the strike enough to keep it below the bar. Bursledon could easily have been out of sight before the half-hour mark but while it remained 0-1, the home side were still in with a shout.
Bursledon captain Charlet Norman-Tasker, who was pivotal in the visitor's midfield all afternoon, then took it upon herself to try to increase the lead. Stealing the ball back in midfield, she took a pace ford before unleashing a lovely dipping strike that left Barnes helpless as it crashed back off the bar.
However, it wasn't quite one-way traffic. Ellie Chaffe was buzzing around causing one or two problems at the other end and the Bursledon defence had to be on their guard towards the end of the half, blocking a close range shot that looked to be on target. Wimborne started to get more of the ball as we approached half-time, something for the coaches to focus on during the break.
HT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 1. The majority of chances were created by the visitors but, at only 1-0, would they regret not having pushed home their possession? Wimborne, although on the backfoot for quite some time had willing runners in the shape of Ellie Chaffe and Sadie West. Whilst Wimborne stayed out on the pitch, Bursledon made the long trek back to the changing rooms at half-time as did the spectators, mostly to find some drier and warmer spots before the second 45 minutes.
The response to going behind was good from Wimborne. Sadie West made a determined run and got a shot off which Jade Kibell did well to hold onto, then Ellie Chaffe hit the side netting with a snapshot. However, Bursledon always looked a threat going forward, especially with the pace they had on the flanks, and, midway through the half, they came very close to doubling their lead. A long ball out of defence evaded everyone, defenders and strikers alike, allowing Zoe Bache to run in behind the last line of defence and strike a low effort that beat Barnes but also narrowly beat the post.
Poppie Weekes had been a constant thorn in the side of the Wimborne back-line. Imogen Rowley and captain Emily Nieman both tried to put the brakes on the flying winger but neither had been particularly successful. Speed and footwork combined had led to a succession of dangerous crosse one which Bache put narrowly wide of the target, then a lovely link-up between Weekes and Grace Smith ended with Smith heading a half-chance just over. Yet another weaving run from Weekes saw her cross found Bache again, but the striker couldn't quite cushion the strike enough to keep it below the bar. Bursledon could easily have been out of sight before the half-hour mark but while it remained 0-1, the home side were still in with a shout.
Bursledon captain Charlet Norman-Tasker, who was pivotal in the visitor's midfield all afternoon, then took it upon herself to try to increase the lead. Stealing the ball back in midfield, she took a pace ford before unleashing a lovely dipping strike that left Barnes helpless as it crashed back off the bar.
However, it wasn't quite one-way traffic. Ellie Chaffe was buzzing around causing one or two problems at the other end and the Bursledon defence had to be on their guard towards the end of the half, blocking a close range shot that looked to be on target. Wimborne started to get more of the ball as we approached half-time, something for the coaches to focus on during the break.
HT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 1. The majority of chances were created by the visitors but, at only 1-0, would they regret not having pushed home their possession? Wimborne, although on the backfoot for quite some time had willing runners in the shape of Ellie Chaffe and Sadie West. Whilst Wimborne stayed out on the pitch, Bursledon made the long trek back to the changing rooms at half-time as did the spectators, mostly to find some drier and warmer spots before the second 45 minutes.
Town look for an equaliser Maybe the extra warmth at the break paid off for The Dons because, within a minute of the restart, they had doubled their lead. Zoe Bache's shot was half-blocked but fell invitingly for Grace Smith who made no mistake. 0-2.
It was going to be a long way back for Wimborne now. The timing of the second goal was crucial. Town had improved towards the end of the first half and must have been wanting a good start to the second period. Burlsedon scoring again so soon must have been a crushing blow.
To be fair though, Chaffe and West continued to chase everything that was played forward. Too often, however, the ball through was either cut out or was slightly overhit, allowing Kibell to come out to collect or clear. You could see the frustration building for West, who made a number of runs from halfway, only to be just beaten to the loose ball every time. Wimborne also added Brooke Suddaby to the mix up front in an attempt to get back into the game.
The weather continued to deteriorate to the point that trying to use the touchscreen on my phone was becoming increasingly difficult with the rain on the screen and wet fingers making it almost impossible to post. That was the reason that, I have to admit, I missed the third goal for Bursledon. Wimborne had just had an attempt blocked that I was about to post when Bursledon broke away and scored. I looked up just in time to see the ball in the net and Poppie Weekes being congratulated for scoring. 0-3
Once again, Wimborne did try to respond. Ellie Chaffe firing just over with a good effort that had Kibell worried. There was certainly no lack of effort from the Wimborne team but they were really struggling to put a dent into the Bursledon back-line. Then, on 71 minutes, The Dons struck again and I did see this one. Poppie Weekes again, capping off a POTM performance, with a delightful left-footed strike over Barnes. 0-4
It was now just a case of playing out the remaining time. There was no coming back from four down, although Wimborne did have a few good efforts before the referee called a close to proceedings. Kibell was called into action by Suddaby a couple of times, the second of which she saved in a very unconventional, but effective, way. Kicking the ball out for a corner. Ellie Chaffe, who had not given the visitor's defence a lot of rest all game, was also unlucky to see her shot, which had Kibell beaten, come back off the post. It was just one of those days for Wimborne.
FT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 4. An excellent three points on the road for Bursledon, who were just better across the whole ,pitch on the day. Wimborne battled away and the front players, West, Chaffe and Suddaby, when she came on, ran and ran. However, the Bursledon defence stood firm and dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
The result sees Bursledon leapfrog Bournemouth into sixth spot, a point adrift of Wimborne with two games in hand.
Next weekend both sides are in Chairman's Cup action. Wimborne take on Division One North side Tilehurst Panthers at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. Bursledon make the short journey to Romsey to face AFC Varsity. The Dons won 3-1 there in the league back in October.
Wimborne Town: 1.T.Barnes, 2.Nieman(c), 5.Campbell, 18.L.Barnes, 14.Rowley, 8.Reeks, 12.Bader, 17.Cole, 7.Chaffe, 9.West, 20.Cheney. Subs: 3.Buck, 10.Bell-Jack, 4.Boyle, 23.Suddaby, 11.Peters
Bursledon (squad): 1.Kibell, 2.Floyd, Pye, 4.Dennis, 11.Holmes, 31.Beeriman, 3.Curtis, 19.Barton, 6.Rahman, 7.Norman-Tasker(c), Sherwood, 5.Gamble, Bache, 15.Smith, Weekes
It was going to be a long way back for Wimborne now. The timing of the second goal was crucial. Town had improved towards the end of the first half and must have been wanting a good start to the second period. Burlsedon scoring again so soon must have been a crushing blow.
To be fair though, Chaffe and West continued to chase everything that was played forward. Too often, however, the ball through was either cut out or was slightly overhit, allowing Kibell to come out to collect or clear. You could see the frustration building for West, who made a number of runs from halfway, only to be just beaten to the loose ball every time. Wimborne also added Brooke Suddaby to the mix up front in an attempt to get back into the game.
The weather continued to deteriorate to the point that trying to use the touchscreen on my phone was becoming increasingly difficult with the rain on the screen and wet fingers making it almost impossible to post. That was the reason that, I have to admit, I missed the third goal for Bursledon. Wimborne had just had an attempt blocked that I was about to post when Bursledon broke away and scored. I looked up just in time to see the ball in the net and Poppie Weekes being congratulated for scoring. 0-3
Once again, Wimborne did try to respond. Ellie Chaffe firing just over with a good effort that had Kibell worried. There was certainly no lack of effort from the Wimborne team but they were really struggling to put a dent into the Bursledon back-line. Then, on 71 minutes, The Dons struck again and I did see this one. Poppie Weekes again, capping off a POTM performance, with a delightful left-footed strike over Barnes. 0-4
It was now just a case of playing out the remaining time. There was no coming back from four down, although Wimborne did have a few good efforts before the referee called a close to proceedings. Kibell was called into action by Suddaby a couple of times, the second of which she saved in a very unconventional, but effective, way. Kicking the ball out for a corner. Ellie Chaffe, who had not given the visitor's defence a lot of rest all game, was also unlucky to see her shot, which had Kibell beaten, come back off the post. It was just one of those days for Wimborne.
FT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 4. An excellent three points on the road for Bursledon, who were just better across the whole ,pitch on the day. Wimborne battled away and the front players, West, Chaffe and Suddaby, when she came on, ran and ran. However, the Bursledon defence stood firm and dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
The result sees Bursledon leapfrog Bournemouth into sixth spot, a point adrift of Wimborne with two games in hand.
Next weekend both sides are in Chairman's Cup action. Wimborne take on Division One North side Tilehurst Panthers at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. Bursledon make the short journey to Romsey to face AFC Varsity. The Dons won 3-1 there in the league back in October.
Wimborne Town: 1.T.Barnes, 2.Nieman(c), 5.Campbell, 18.L.Barnes, 14.Rowley, 8.Reeks, 12.Bader, 17.Cole, 7.Chaffe, 9.West, 20.Cheney. Subs: 3.Buck, 10.Bell-Jack, 4.Boyle, 23.Suddaby, 11.Peters
Bursledon (squad): 1.Kibell, 2.Floyd, Pye, 4.Dennis, 11.Holmes, 31.Beeriman, 3.Curtis, 19.Barton, 6.Rahman, 7.Norman-Tasker(c), Sherwood, 5.Gamble, Bache, 15.Smith, Weekes
Wyatt Homes Stadium (grass pitch)
The Ground
The Wyatt Homes Stadium as it is now known is a purpose-built football complex that was opened in December 2020. The following summer a 3G pitch was also installed next to the main grass stadium pitch, which is where today's game was being played.
There's a large car park directly in front of the main stadium building, which houses the clubhouse (where they sell sweets labelled withe Wimborne Town logo) and the changing facilities. Entrance, which was free today, is through a walkway between the buildings that brings you into the main stadium behind the main stand. Access to the 3G pitch is via a walk around the main stadium.
The 3G pitch only has supporter access along around two-thirds of one side of the pitch. There are dugouts on this side too, but no spectator cover, which was particularly noticeable today on such a wet afternoon. There is a wooden shelter just outside the 3G cage, but it's not easy to see the game from there. From a spectator point of view, it was a shame that we weren't in the main stadium. t would have been much drier and warmer. However, looking at the standing water on the grass pitch at half-time, I doubt the game would have been played on that surface.
Ground Number: 438
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
The Wyatt Homes Stadium as it is now known is a purpose-built football complex that was opened in December 2020. The following summer a 3G pitch was also installed next to the main grass stadium pitch, which is where today's game was being played.
There's a large car park directly in front of the main stadium building, which houses the clubhouse (where they sell sweets labelled withe Wimborne Town logo) and the changing facilities. Entrance, which was free today, is through a walkway between the buildings that brings you into the main stadium behind the main stand. Access to the 3G pitch is via a walk around the main stadium.
The 3G pitch only has supporter access along around two-thirds of one side of the pitch. There are dugouts on this side too, but no spectator cover, which was particularly noticeable today on such a wet afternoon. There is a wooden shelter just outside the 3G cage, but it's not easy to see the game from there. From a spectator point of view, it was a shame that we weren't in the main stadium. t would have been much drier and warmer. However, looking at the standing water on the grass pitch at half-time, I doubt the game would have been played on that surface.
Ground Number: 438
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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