The Euros and the Olympics did a great job of helping the summer to pass quickly, but thankfully the new season is almost upon us. The big kick-off this year happens on Sunday September 1st with a combination of a few league games and a whole host of FA Cup Qualifying Round matches.
The Southern Region League has something of a new look to it this season. Very sadly we have lost three teams. Warminster Town and Long Crendon have resigned from the Premier League, whilst Rushmoor Community have dropped back down to county level. Long Crendon have plans to get the team back up and running next season and we wish them all the best with that venture. It would be great to see Warminster back at some stage too, the sooner the better. Rushmoor will no doubt provide some great football for the Hampshire League and, who knows, they may well be back in the SoReg before too long.
However, it's not all bad news, there's a plethora of news faces for the coming season. BotP would like to wish a very warm welcome to Reading and Selsey in the Premier League, both dropping down from the National League system. Not forgetting too that Eastleigh in the Community have rebranded to Sholing FC. In Division One North there are two new teams, Slough Town and Tilehurst Panthers, both joining from the Thames Valley League, Panthers as the reigning champions. In the South there are five new names. Burlesdon, AFC Varsity, QK Southampton and United Services Portsmouth all come in from the Hampshire League, Burlesdon as champions. Wimborne Town, meanwhile, come in as champions of the Dorset League.
The teams who have left the league will be missed, but it's also an exciting time with lots of new clubs to take a look at. Welcome, one and all!
Now, onto the matches for Sunday 1st September, beginning with the league games.
The Southern Region League has something of a new look to it this season. Very sadly we have lost three teams. Warminster Town and Long Crendon have resigned from the Premier League, whilst Rushmoor Community have dropped back down to county level. Long Crendon have plans to get the team back up and running next season and we wish them all the best with that venture. It would be great to see Warminster back at some stage too, the sooner the better. Rushmoor will no doubt provide some great football for the Hampshire League and, who knows, they may well be back in the SoReg before too long.
However, it's not all bad news, there's a plethora of news faces for the coming season. BotP would like to wish a very warm welcome to Reading and Selsey in the Premier League, both dropping down from the National League system. Not forgetting too that Eastleigh in the Community have rebranded to Sholing FC. In Division One North there are two new teams, Slough Town and Tilehurst Panthers, both joining from the Thames Valley League, Panthers as the reigning champions. In the South there are five new names. Burlesdon, AFC Varsity, QK Southampton and United Services Portsmouth all come in from the Hampshire League, Burlesdon as champions. Wimborne Town, meanwhile, come in as champions of the Dorset League.
The teams who have left the league will be missed, but it's also an exciting time with lots of new clubs to take a look at. Welcome, one and all!
Now, onto the matches for Sunday 1st September, beginning with the league games.
Premier League
All games 2pm ko
Ascot United v Woodley United
What an opener! Last season's runners-up versus last season's third placed team. There were three meetings between the sides last season. Ascot won the first league meeting at The Racecourse by 4-1, a game that saw Woodley's Gemma Sims and Ascot's Isabel Woods see red. A League Cup meeting, also played at Ascot, ended in a 2-1 victory for the Yellas. Finally, Woodley won the final day meeting at Bulmershe by a goal to nil, Sajuneae Turner with the strike that ended Ascot's title hopes.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ
Badshot Lea v Selsey
Last season was one to forget for Selsey and they'll be keen to get going this year with a clean slate. The Baggies won their first league game of last season, but then had to wait until February before repeating the trick. They've made a few signings, a number from Fleet Town, including bringing in Fleet's top scorer Dot Usher, and will be looking to get more points on the board this term.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Sholing v Oxford City
Playing their first league game under their new name, Sholing face a Hoops side who won three of their last four leagues last season. However, Sholing (or Eastleigh as they were then known) had the upper hand in meetings between the sides last term. They won 3-1 at Mayfield on the opening day and almost won the away game in November. An Amber O'Reilly goal gave them a half-time lead, but they were pegged back four minutes into second-half added-time by Oxford top-scorer Ellie White.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA
Wycombe Wanderers v AFC Portchester
Portchy's first game in the Premier League sees them make the journey North to face The Chairgirls at Burnham FC. Wycombe ended last season in second on the current form table after wining their final two games by an aggregate of 10-0. Portchy, of course, went through their league campaign undefeated and, more significantly, with only nine goals conceded. Wycombe were not prolific up front last season, so it will be interesting to see the outcome of this tussle.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG
What an opener! Last season's runners-up versus last season's third placed team. There were three meetings between the sides last season. Ascot won the first league meeting at The Racecourse by 4-1, a game that saw Woodley's Gemma Sims and Ascot's Isabel Woods see red. A League Cup meeting, also played at Ascot, ended in a 2-1 victory for the Yellas. Finally, Woodley won the final day meeting at Bulmershe by a goal to nil, Sajuneae Turner with the strike that ended Ascot's title hopes.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ
Badshot Lea v Selsey
Last season was one to forget for Selsey and they'll be keen to get going this year with a clean slate. The Baggies won their first league game of last season, but then had to wait until February before repeating the trick. They've made a few signings, a number from Fleet Town, including bringing in Fleet's top scorer Dot Usher, and will be looking to get more points on the board this term.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF
Sholing v Oxford City
Playing their first league game under their new name, Sholing face a Hoops side who won three of their last four leagues last season. However, Sholing (or Eastleigh as they were then known) had the upper hand in meetings between the sides last term. They won 3-1 at Mayfield on the opening day and almost won the away game in November. An Amber O'Reilly goal gave them a half-time lead, but they were pegged back four minutes into second-half added-time by Oxford top-scorer Ellie White.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA
Wycombe Wanderers v AFC Portchester
Portchy's first game in the Premier League sees them make the journey North to face The Chairgirls at Burnham FC. Wycombe ended last season in second on the current form table after wining their final two games by an aggregate of 10-0. Portchy, of course, went through their league campaign undefeated and, more significantly, with only nine goals conceded. Wycombe were not prolific up front last season, so it will be interesting to see the outcome of this tussle.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG
Division One North
All games 2pm ko
Beaconsfield Town v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Whilst Wanderers first team are entertaining Portchester, their u23 squad will be making the short journey to Holloways Park to take on local rivals Beaconsfield Town. Despite finishing five places and fifteen points below Wycombe, The Rams did the double over their neighbours last season. A Grainne McNally hat-trick helped them to a 5-2 home win whilst McNally, Ruby Harris and Philippa Lance were on target in a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE
Chesham United Development v Abingdon United Development
These two ended last season in mid-table, with just three points separating them. Chesham just had the edge in the final standings but, on the park, the spoils were shared. October saw Chesham edge a seven-goal thriller at Chiltern Hills with top-scorer Katie West notching a hat-trick. The reverse fixture went the way of Abingdon who won 4-2 after leading 3-0 at the break.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP52 2RG
Whilst Wanderers first team are entertaining Portchester, their u23 squad will be making the short journey to Holloways Park to take on local rivals Beaconsfield Town. Despite finishing five places and fifteen points below Wycombe, The Rams did the double over their neighbours last season. A Grainne McNally hat-trick helped them to a 5-2 home win whilst McNally, Ruby Harris and Philippa Lance were on target in a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE
Chesham United Development v Abingdon United Development
These two ended last season in mid-table, with just three points separating them. Chesham just had the edge in the final standings but, on the park, the spoils were shared. October saw Chesham edge a seven-goal thriller at Chiltern Hills with top-scorer Katie West notching a hat-trick. The reverse fixture went the way of Abingdon who won 4-2 after leading 3-0 at the break.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP52 2RG
Division One South
All games 2pm ko
Wimborne Town v Woking
After winning the Dorset League in only their second season, Wimborne welcome The Cards to town on the opening day. Woking were prolific at home last season, scoring 27 goals in seven games. However, they didn't fare quite so well on their travels scoring just 11 and conceding 12. Wimborne, meanwhile, were free scoring both home and away. Their defence was also very mean, only conceding nine in eight games at home. This should be another interesting encounter.
Venue: Wimborne Town Ladies
After winning the Dorset League in only their second season, Wimborne welcome The Cards to town on the opening day. Woking were prolific at home last season, scoring 27 goals in seven games. However, they didn't fare quite so well on their travels scoring just 11 and conceding 12. Wimborne, meanwhile, were free scoring both home and away. Their defence was also very mean, only conceding nine in eight games at home. This should be another interesting encounter.
Venue: Wimborne Town Ladies
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
All games 2pm ko (check venue with home team)
Caversham United v Penn & Tylers Green
An all Southern Region Division One North tie between two sides who know each other very well.
Despite very differing seasons last term, Penn finished runners-up, Caversham bottom, not everything went the way of the Buckinghamshire club. Admittedly their meeting at French School Meadow in November was one-sided with Penn winning 11-1, even though they lost Henna Hussain a red card five minutes from time. The striker had done the damage by then, scoring four times in 22 second half minutes. The return fixture did not go to form though. The Goats won it 2-1 with a Freya Jenkins goal a minute from time.
Mapledurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD
Milton United v Slough Town
Another all Division One North tie. The Rebels won promotion into the division last season after finishing fourth. Both went out of the cup early on last year. Slough lost heavily at home to Southern Region Premier League Oxford City, whilst Milton were beaten by New Bradwell St Peter in a game that BotP covered (United Fail Three Petes Challenge). One of them will be making more progress this season.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB
Kidlington Youth v Headstone Manor
Headstone, from the Greater London Premier League, make the trip up the M40 from Harrow to take on a Kidlington side who, for the past two seasons, have started strongly and then tailed off a little. Last season the Greens averaged over two goals per game whilst Headstone conceded almost three per game. That promises that there could be goals in this one. However, it's always interesting when teams from different areas clash, and gives some idea of the varying strengths and weaknesses of the leagues.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
Tilehurst Panthers v Goring United
Panthers will be playing in the Southern League this season but last season these two shared a division, following Goring's promotion from Division 2 of the Thames Valley League the season before. This is something of a local derby, so there's more than just a place in the next round at stake. The most recent history strongly favours Panthers who won 8-0 at Goring last season. Their meeting at Tilehurst was awarded as a walkover to Panthers.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women - Linear Park, Charrington Rd, Calcot, Reading RG31 7AW?
Hassocks v Abbey Rangers
Rangers went out of the FA Cup at Kew last season and face another away trip this year as they make the journey South to Sussex. Last season was a struggle for Hassocks who finished bottom of the London & South East Division One South making what looks like a swift return to the Sussex League structure. Teh good news for Hassocks is that both of their victories last season came at home.
Venue: Hassocks FC - Brighton Rd, Hassocks BN6 9LY?
Fleet Town v Rushmoor Community
These two old foes and local rivals won't be playing in the same division this season, after Rushmoor returned to the county league. They met in the final league game of last season with Fleet finally clocking up a three-pointer with a 3-2 victory (Shoot On Sight). Both sides have lost players over the Summer and will be featuring new squads, so it will be interesting to see where they are in their rebuild processes.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA
Steyning Town v Eversley & California
Steyning, who finished the season in the London & South East Division 1 South drop zone, earned a reprieve and will continue to play in the same division this coming season. The Boars ended their season level on points with Caversham and will also continue in the Southern Region Division 1 North. They'll be keen to get an away win under their belt after only achieving the feat once last season, a Chairman's Cup victory at Fleet Town.
Venue: County Cup Ground #77 - Shooting Field, Steyning BN44 3RQ?
Gosport Borough v Burlesdon
Burlsedon are looking forward to an inaugural season in Division 1 South of the Southern Region. However, last season they shared a division with their FA Cup opponents, Gosport Borough. Both played in the Hampshire League last season. Burlsedon won the title by seven points with Gosport down in sixth spot, just below halfway. Burlsedon hold sway in recent results too, winning 2-1 at home and 8-4 at Gosport in what sounds like an extraordinary game.
Privett Park, Privett Road, Gosport, Hants PO12 3SX
Havant & Waterlooville v United Services Portsmouth
Another local derby between two sides who will play in the same division next season. The Hawks, after pushing Portchester for much of the season, finished in third spot. USP, meanwhile, gained promotion despite finishing in fifth. They were, however, second top scorers in the Hampshire League. Only champions Burlsedon out-performed them in that statistic.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH
Andover New Street v AFC Varsity
Two promoted clubs going head to head. New Street will take their place in Division One of the Hampshire League, occupying a place vacated by AFC Varsity who finished runners-up, earning their place in the Southern Region League. BotP had the pleasure of seeing New Street in action against Fleet Town in the NHSFA Cup Final last season (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win). Although they ultimately lost, they put up a hell of a fight and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA
AFC Stoneham v Weymouth
The Purps pushed AFC Portchester all the way last season and will probably start as title favourites for Division One South this term. In the cup they will face a Weymouth side who ended last season just below midway in the South West Region Division One East. Stoneham will be looking to replicate or improve last season's brilliant FA Cup run in which they beat Rushmoor (8-0), Wootton Bassett (1-0) and Sticker (4-0) before going out to National Premier League South side Plymouth Argyle by 4-2.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, SO16 2PA
Longfleet Lionesses v QK Southampton
Longfleet Lionesses, not to be confused with Longleat Lions, finished their Dorset League season in third spot, eight points behind Wimborne, who will play in the Southern Region League this coming season. In fact, Longfleet beat the champions 3-2 in their home league fixture. QK are one of the Hampshire clubs promoted into the Southern Region League at the end of last season, after finishing in fourth spot.
Venue: Longfleet Lionesses FC
SoReg Review will be back in the week after these games have been played with scores, links to match reports and links to photos, collected from the wonderful people who write about and photograph women's football. As last season, the aim is to provide all the information you need in one location.
All of the statistics and notes are put together from various sources, team web sites, social media, Wiki and any sites that provide information. Consequently, it's easy to make mistakes and get things wrong. I often do. So, please point it out and I will correct it as soon as possible. If nothing else, it proves that people read the blogs.
The idea of a regular podcast has been put on ice for now. Unfortunately, my work schedule doesn't allow for the amount of time it takes to edit and fine-tune the recordings.
Finally, SoReg Review is a working title for the weekly blog. I'm not 100% happy with it, so if anyone has a better, snappier title, feel free to make a suggestion.
An all Southern Region Division One North tie between two sides who know each other very well.
Despite very differing seasons last term, Penn finished runners-up, Caversham bottom, not everything went the way of the Buckinghamshire club. Admittedly their meeting at French School Meadow in November was one-sided with Penn winning 11-1, even though they lost Henna Hussain a red card five minutes from time. The striker had done the damage by then, scoring four times in 22 second half minutes. The return fixture did not go to form though. The Goats won it 2-1 with a Freya Jenkins goal a minute from time.
Mapledurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD
Milton United v Slough Town
Another all Division One North tie. The Rebels won promotion into the division last season after finishing fourth. Both went out of the cup early on last year. Slough lost heavily at home to Southern Region Premier League Oxford City, whilst Milton were beaten by New Bradwell St Peter in a game that BotP covered (United Fail Three Petes Challenge). One of them will be making more progress this season.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB
Kidlington Youth v Headstone Manor
Headstone, from the Greater London Premier League, make the trip up the M40 from Harrow to take on a Kidlington side who, for the past two seasons, have started strongly and then tailed off a little. Last season the Greens averaged over two goals per game whilst Headstone conceded almost three per game. That promises that there could be goals in this one. However, it's always interesting when teams from different areas clash, and gives some idea of the varying strengths and weaknesses of the leagues.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB
Tilehurst Panthers v Goring United
Panthers will be playing in the Southern League this season but last season these two shared a division, following Goring's promotion from Division 2 of the Thames Valley League the season before. This is something of a local derby, so there's more than just a place in the next round at stake. The most recent history strongly favours Panthers who won 8-0 at Goring last season. Their meeting at Tilehurst was awarded as a walkover to Panthers.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women - Linear Park, Charrington Rd, Calcot, Reading RG31 7AW?
Hassocks v Abbey Rangers
Rangers went out of the FA Cup at Kew last season and face another away trip this year as they make the journey South to Sussex. Last season was a struggle for Hassocks who finished bottom of the London & South East Division One South making what looks like a swift return to the Sussex League structure. Teh good news for Hassocks is that both of their victories last season came at home.
Venue: Hassocks FC - Brighton Rd, Hassocks BN6 9LY?
Fleet Town v Rushmoor Community
These two old foes and local rivals won't be playing in the same division this season, after Rushmoor returned to the county league. They met in the final league game of last season with Fleet finally clocking up a three-pointer with a 3-2 victory (Shoot On Sight). Both sides have lost players over the Summer and will be featuring new squads, so it will be interesting to see where they are in their rebuild processes.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA
Steyning Town v Eversley & California
Steyning, who finished the season in the London & South East Division 1 South drop zone, earned a reprieve and will continue to play in the same division this coming season. The Boars ended their season level on points with Caversham and will also continue in the Southern Region Division 1 North. They'll be keen to get an away win under their belt after only achieving the feat once last season, a Chairman's Cup victory at Fleet Town.
Venue: County Cup Ground #77 - Shooting Field, Steyning BN44 3RQ?
Gosport Borough v Burlesdon
Burlsedon are looking forward to an inaugural season in Division 1 South of the Southern Region. However, last season they shared a division with their FA Cup opponents, Gosport Borough. Both played in the Hampshire League last season. Burlsedon won the title by seven points with Gosport down in sixth spot, just below halfway. Burlsedon hold sway in recent results too, winning 2-1 at home and 8-4 at Gosport in what sounds like an extraordinary game.
Privett Park, Privett Road, Gosport, Hants PO12 3SX
Havant & Waterlooville v United Services Portsmouth
Another local derby between two sides who will play in the same division next season. The Hawks, after pushing Portchester for much of the season, finished in third spot. USP, meanwhile, gained promotion despite finishing in fifth. They were, however, second top scorers in the Hampshire League. Only champions Burlsedon out-performed them in that statistic.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH
Andover New Street v AFC Varsity
Two promoted clubs going head to head. New Street will take their place in Division One of the Hampshire League, occupying a place vacated by AFC Varsity who finished runners-up, earning their place in the Southern Region League. BotP had the pleasure of seeing New Street in action against Fleet Town in the NHSFA Cup Final last season (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win). Although they ultimately lost, they put up a hell of a fight and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA
AFC Stoneham v Weymouth
The Purps pushed AFC Portchester all the way last season and will probably start as title favourites for Division One South this term. In the cup they will face a Weymouth side who ended last season just below midway in the South West Region Division One East. Stoneham will be looking to replicate or improve last season's brilliant FA Cup run in which they beat Rushmoor (8-0), Wootton Bassett (1-0) and Sticker (4-0) before going out to National Premier League South side Plymouth Argyle by 4-2.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, SO16 2PA
Longfleet Lionesses v QK Southampton
Longfleet Lionesses, not to be confused with Longleat Lions, finished their Dorset League season in third spot, eight points behind Wimborne, who will play in the Southern Region League this coming season. In fact, Longfleet beat the champions 3-2 in their home league fixture. QK are one of the Hampshire clubs promoted into the Southern Region League at the end of last season, after finishing in fourth spot.
Venue: Longfleet Lionesses FC
SoReg Review will be back in the week after these games have been played with scores, links to match reports and links to photos, collected from the wonderful people who write about and photograph women's football. As last season, the aim is to provide all the information you need in one location.
All of the statistics and notes are put together from various sources, team web sites, social media, Wiki and any sites that provide information. Consequently, it's easy to make mistakes and get things wrong. I often do. So, please point it out and I will correct it as soon as possible. If nothing else, it proves that people read the blogs.
The idea of a regular podcast has been put on ice for now. Unfortunately, my work schedule doesn't allow for the amount of time it takes to edit and fine-tune the recordings.
Finally, SoReg Review is a working title for the weekly blog. I'm not 100% happy with it, so if anyone has a better, snappier title, feel free to make a suggestion.
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