Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

The club is delighted to be supporting the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

We hope to build a close relationship together and support the association within the local community. Our U14 Lions have been the first to highlight their great work by proudly wearing the logo on their new shirts. Club Mascot and ambassador, Orla, is shown in her new shirt alongside the U14 Lions team photo. The charity is brilliant and helps families all over the region. They provide support and education services for children with Down Syndrome and are a vital resource for families.

They were a driving force in the creation of the Down Syndrome Act which was signed into law in 2024, protecting services for families for years to come. They also provide training directly to both schools and NHS maternity units free of charge to make sure children are coming into a world that they can thrive in. Fund raising has been difficult for charities over the last few years following covid and then cost of living concerns so raising awareness is more important than ever.

AFC Stoneham hope to work closely with the association to raise their profile and have a positive effect on young children's lives.

Thank you

FA Vase announcement

Club Statement

FA Vase

Roman Glass St George v AFC Stoneham

Saturday February 1st

Roman Glass St George were charged with playing an ineligible player in the last round v Andover New Street which they won 1-0.

Having heard the case we are advised this morning by the football association that the charge has been proven. We will therefore now travel to Andover New Street in the next round on Saturday February 1st as things stand.

Roman Glass St George do have a right to appeal and we will be advised on Tuesday if an appeal has been lodged.

Thank you.

AFC Stoneham 4 Wincanton Town 0

AFC Stoneham vs Wincanton Town match report:

On a mild afternoon at Stoneham Lane, AFC Stoneham continued their league campaign with a 4-0 win against Wincanton Town.

Three goals from Tyrell Sampson and one from Duarte Martins secured the win. The purps made a fast start as Tyrell Sampson saw an effort saved before the resulting corner was punched away well under pressure by the opposition goalkeeper.

The corners paid dividends early on as Will Seeley did well once again under pressure to punch clear, but the resulting ball was bought down well by Oli Jenkins before being smashed home by Tyrell Sampson.

The purps continually pushed against the away side with Duarte Martins seeing a shot flash just across the face of goal after being slipped through following an immaculate touch from Tyrell Sampson. Lewis Nagle was next to sting the palms of Will Seeley, as he did from the left angle of the box after a chipped through ball from Oli Jenkins, who saw a header well saved by Seeley in the next phase of play.

The game took a pivotal turn on 31 minutes however as Ash Wells was sent off for what was deemed to be a studs up challenge on Darren McAlistair.. The away side had a flurry of corners at the start of the second half, forcing Ryan Cluett into a clearance off the line. But Stoneham took the initiative and doubled their lead after Tyrell Sampson finished in a clinical manner following a stunning solo run.

The purps added a third soon after as Duarte Martins latched onto a long ball to lift it. Owen Fee then hit the bar with an unbelievable strike before Jim saw his shot blocked on the follow up.

Ross Casey had to be on top form to keep the clean sheet in tac however as Conor Williams picked up on a loose Ryan Cluett pass and forced Ross Casey into a top quality save.

The long ball paid dividends once more for the Purps as Tyrell Sampson gained his hat trick with a similar finish to Martins’.

Interview by Cam Donaldson with James Phillips.

James, you must be pleased with the result considering the circumstances, what did

you make of that one?

No, no complaints at all, going down to ten men after half an hour was always going to make it tricky. It was a tricky challenge for us to be honest. I thought that we should have scored, or scored a couple more before we went down to ten men, which would have obviously made it more comfortable. But yeah, with the game only being 1-0, it was always going to be a challenge and a real test of our character and commitment to it. But I thought the lads were outstanding after that.

We obviously have to allude to the two ‘stains’ on the game if you like, what did you make of the sending off and how is Dan Millar after coming off at half time?

Yes, honestly I know it may sound like I am backing out of it, but I couldn’t see from where I was. Some of the lads on the pitch were saying it wasn’t a very good challenge so ill take their word for it. When your own teammates are saying that it probably says it all really, so no complaints on that one. We also took Millsy off at half time which again isn’t ideal. Losing two of your back four, or back five, however you want to look at it, is never good, but hopefully it is just an impact one and hopefully he is ok but we will have to see how that one goes. Clarkey came on at half time however and was faultless through that second fourty five minutes, so fair play to him. He has not had a lot of minutes recently, so it is tough for him to come into a game like that and do what he did, so fair play to him.

How challenging is it as a manager to have to change that early on after setting up a new system for the game with five at the back?

Yeah, it was disappointing. I thought we were playing really well, I liked how welooked in possession and out of possession. Like you say, it is not something we do all of the time, but we have been working on it for quite a while. We do it a lot in later stages of games just to see things out, bit more of a five when it happens like that, but obviously today it was back three. But it was disappointing to have to it change it

so early, but we adapted quite well and obviously got bodies behind the ball. We always knew we would still create chances and it was just about taking them, and thankfully we did that second half.

Wincanton have now scored 40 which is the joint most in the bottom half this season, and conceded 69 which is the most in the league this season, so how important is it to make sure games like these aren’t too frantic or if they are, make sure you are scoring the goals and dictating?

Yeah, I said before the game, some of the reason as to why we chose the system we did today, was to make sure we could dominate the ball. Obviously here on our pitch we expect to do that anyway, but I thought that would give us a lot more control, pose them a few more questions. Back when we played them earlier on in the season, we were 2-1 down at half time, flipped to a back three in that and it caused them all sorts of problems. So we thought that would be the way forward. But it is important to manage teams like this. Like you say they score a lot but they concede quite a few so we always thought that we would score, which we did. But it was about making sure we were secure at the other end, which I said to the boys, we haven’t been great at recently, but we got a clean sheet and put in a good defensive display.

You obviously had the news about Roman Glass St George yesterday what do you make of that and the fact you will now face Andover, a team you know but also a tough test?

Yeah, unexpected. We got wind of it quite early on. I know Jamie, the Andover manager quite well so we kind of had an inckling it might happen. Not ideal if I am honest. If you get to the last 16 of the Vase, you don’t want to be playing someone from your own league really, just from the experience point of view more than anything. The League will obviously be happy because it guarantees a team from this division in the next round, which just shows how strong the league is at the moment really. But we look forward to the game, they are a really good side Andover. Loads of experience in there, but loads of youth and character as well so it will be a tough challenge, but we have done our homework on them, played them before and watched them again today, but we have Ringwood first and then we will prepare for the Vase.

What are your thoughts ahead of Ringwood?

It will be a tough test, I think they are unbeaten at home so far. I don’t know how they got on tody, but I think they are unbeaten in the league, so we wont be taking them lightly at all. I know Fran has a good side down there, they are pushing playoffs up the top end. But we will go there confident and wanting to go into a semi final so we will do everything we can to do that.

AFC Stoneham 3 Blackfield and Langley 1

AFC Stoneham vs Blackfield and Langley match report:

AFC Stoneham continued their league campaign under the lights on Tuesday night at Stoneham Lane with a 3-1 win against Blackfield and Langley. Two goals from Duarte Martins and one from Dan Millar secured the win. Stoneham started the brighter of the two sides with a flurry of chances in the opening period, most notably off Owen Fee who cut inside from the right hand side and had an effort that was turned behind for a corner by the goalkeeper. Josh Williams had a strike from the resulting corner which was blocked well on the line.

Stoneham’s next chance came twenty minutes into the match as Tyrell Sampson received the ball and cut inside with a curling effort that was palmed away by the goalkeeper before an onrushing Duarte Martins was able to latch onto the end of it.

Josh Williams was the next to try his luck after an unsuccessful give and go between Owen Fee and Duarte Martins, Martins turned the ball back for Josh Williams who struck inches over the bar from the edge of the area.

Duarte Martins was able to break the deadlock just before half time with a flicked on header from a cross by Tyrell Sampson. Minutes later, Duarte turned provider as he slipped the ball in behind for Owen Fee with a dinked finish however it was offside. There was also time for Tyrell Sampson to hit the bar with a speculative effort from a crossing position before the half time whistle.

The away side struck back from a corner courtesy of a Josh Rose header from point blank range. The combination of Tyrell Sampson and Duarte Martins almost paid dividends in response, however a header from the number nine dipped agonisingly over the bar.

Duarte Martins was then able to score once again for the home side. Good work from Tyrell Sampson released Jim Orvis who squared the ball for Duarte to turn home.

The third followed from a corner as Dan Millar rose highest to head home from point blank range.

Oli Jenkins should have added a fourth just before half time to seal the win as he followed in his first header which hit the bar to head over with the goal beckoning. The purps were then able to hold out for victory.

Baffins Milton Rovers 1 AFC Stoneham 3

Baffins Milton Rovers vs AFC Stoneham match report:

It was a return to league action for Stoneham as they came away from the PMC stadium with a 3-1 win against Baffins Milton Rovers.

Two goals from Tyrell Sampson and one from Jim Orvis secured the win. Stoneham started fast in the game with a long ball up to Duarte Martins that he laid off for Owen Fee, before he saw the ball ricochet back to Martins who drilled his shot over the bar.

This was followed a minute later with another flurry of chances as Owen Fee played a good ball out to Tyrell Sampson who laid the ball off for Mat Bainbridge who was only able to shoot straight at the goalkeeper before Tyrell Sampson’s follow up shot was blocked. Lewis Nagle will be rueing a missed chance on 24 minutes after some good interplay from Duarte Martins which left him bearing down on the goalkeeper however his dinked chip went wide of the goal.

As the first half continued, chances were at a premium with Stoneham’s next best chance coming on the 36 minute mark with a Tyrell Sampson shot that rolled comfortably into the goalkeepers hands.

Even when fighting against the sloped pitch, Stoneham were the first to threaten in the second half. Tyrell Sampson was able to cut inside and draw a save from the goalkeepers feet before a Lewis Nagle longshot was turned behind for a corner that came to nothing. The purps were pegged back however much to their annoyance as Kelvin Robinson was able to lob the goalkeeper on the half volley with a goal that was potentially offside.

Tyrell Sampson was once again in the action following the goal, however his snapshot was saved again by the goalkeeper, before Roux Hardcastle denied him from a shot from point blank range after a lofted free kick.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Tyrell Sampson finally got his goal, cutting inside and bending into the bottom right corner for the equaliser. Sampson scored the winner late on as an effort from a free kick was diverted back before Tyrell converted.

Jim Orvis was able to tap home late on to make the win a comfortable one.

Post match interview with manager James Phillips.

So James, did you feel you had to graft for that win today?

James: Hundred per cent, yes. More so probably. It is a really difficult pitch, don’t get me wrong, it is decent for this time of year and looks good, but it is soft underfoot. It obviously takes a lot to run on, to turn on, that sort of stuff so our physical output was through the roof again today.

Obviously the pitch is sloped, how do you feel that impacts the game and was it pleasing to score the goals on the uphill?

James: You obviously haven’t been to Horndean as it is a lot worse down at their place! But this is a slight gradient in comparison. But I am really plased. I thought that we were excellent in the first half, really, really good. We had four or five chances and didn’t take them unfortunately. I said to the boys at half time that we needed to take one, because they are always a threat. They play a certain way, they have got two bodies up front that compete for everything and I warned them that if they get in behind us, they will score. Unfortunately that is what they did which made our task even harder but we got three goals and turned it around so I cant complain.

The world of refereeing decisions is a fun one to get into, and in terms of their goal it didn’t impact the result but did you feel there was a slight hint of offside with that one?

A slight hint of offside is probably an understatement, He has told us Millsy has played him onside but Millsy was probably our highest defender out of all of them so I don’t what he saw there! Whether it was offside or not I don’t know, I will have to watch it back, and it obviously fuels the fire a bit more, but these boys don’t need any more motivation, they know what they have to do.

Baffins have been able to adapt after the loss of Brett Pitman and stay in a similar league position, how well do you feel they have adapted without Brett?

Yes, really well. I get on really well with Danny. We had a good chat before the game, we discussed how he has changed the team. They are a bit younger now, got some youngsters in, a coupe of loans I believe. We were talking before the game, the team spirit he has got here now is what they need you know. Sometimes, you have a star player who gets you goals and brings you quality, but I think you have seen today, they are a bit more united than they possibly were when we first played them. We knew we had to be right at it to get a result today and they pushed us all the way.

It is another quick turnaround, another Tuesday, thoughts ahead of that?

It is another quick turnaround. Difficult pitch, heavy pitch, byt I keep saying to the boys the depth in the squad is phenomenal at the moment so we will use that and go again and that is what we will need til the end of the season.

FA VASE 4TH ROUND : Portishead 0 AFC Stoneham 4.

Portishead Town v AFC Stoneham, FA Vase 4th Round, 11th January

Report by Matt Gillett of Portishead Town

Portishead Town’s historic run in the FA Vase was ended by a very strong AFC Stoneham. Clinical finishing gave the visitors a 4-0 win, the scoreline very harsh on Posset. Three goals behind at the break Posset came close to reducing the deficit in the second half but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough.

In the opening quarter of an hour of the game Portishead dominated possession with Stoneham barely able to get out of their own half. Posset’s crisp passing stretched the visitors defence as fullbacks Hamish Hurst and David Thorne pushed up high. Posset forced a number of corners without being able to create too many clear openings.

After weathering that early pressure Stoneham grew into the game and took the lead after 23 minutes. Posset were unable to clear a ball into the box and Oliver Jenkins curled in. Portishead responded well as Tom Llewellyn arrowed a long pass into Ethan Feltham’s path, his pacey right wing cross grabbed by Stoneham keeper Callum Lee as Owen Punselie arrived on the 6-yard box. Then on 25 minutes Posset keeper Ryan Thatcher saved well at the feet of the impressive Stoneham No10 Owen Fee, with the rebound being skied.

Stoneham doubled their lead after 36 minutes, a high cross from the left poked in by Duarte Martins. Worse on the stroke of half-time as, from a long ball into the box, Mat Bainbridge guided his header into the net for 3-0.

Portishead began the second period well with a number of efforts on goal in the opening minutes. Lee had to deal with shots from Kyle Egan and Punselie, while Feltham saw his effort blocked after Egan had shown great skill to cross. The Posset goal that would have brought them back into the game wouldn’t come though as Stoneham held firm.

The visitors always offered a threat and Thatcher had to save low as Stoneham broke. From the resulting corner the keeper had to be alert to push the ball out from under his crossbar. Portishead pressed but Stoneham were working hard closing in numbers on Feltham, Punselie and Jay Murray as soon as they received the ball. Lee was again called into action to save low from Callum Eastwood. Then on 69 minutes a characteristically bold Feltham effort from distance struck the woodwork.

With Posset throwing players forward Stoneham added another on 78 minutes, Ash Pope shooting powerfully past Thacker for 4-0 and victory for Stoneham. A tough afternoon for Portishead but they can exit the competition with heads held high. A best ever run in the Vase is another measure of the huge and ongoing progress of this club. The character in this side will ensure they bounce back as attention turns back to the league campaign.

AFC Stoneham 3 Millbrook 1 - Russell Cotes Cup

AFC Stoneham vs Millbrook RCC Match Report:

Stoneham hosted Millbrook once again on Tuesday night at Stoneham Lane, coming out with a 3-1 win against their counterparts in the Russell Cotes Cup.

Goals from Ash Pope, Owen Fee and Josh Williams secured the win.

Ash Pope latched onto a ball early on down the line before calmly slotting home to give Stoneham the lead. Stoneham’s second effort of the match came on the fifteen minute mark after more possession from the away side.

Good interplay allowed Josh Williams to slip the ball into Tyrell Sampson however his long range deflected effort was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. A corner nearly proved to be the achilles heel for the away side soon after, after pinball in the box lead to an overhead kick effort from Ash Pope which he caught well, but saw sail just over the bar. Stoneham started to gain further control with an effort two minutes later after a good ball from Jim Orvis into Owen Fee. Fee then turned the ball across and saw it cleared away before Tyrell Sampson drilled an effort just past the post.

The Purps were inches away from extending their lead just before half time as Tyrell Sampson cut inside and drilled a shot against the post before it cannoned wide off Owen Fee.

This was then followed by a driving run from Ash Pope who was unable to keep his shot on target, before a Millbrook cross was diverted against the post. The first action of the second half saw Lewis Nagle drive a shot over the bar after being coolly teed up by Owen Fee. Millbrook remained a threat and soon had their equaliser as Bobby Gorman played a long ball down the pitch and Brandon Chebby used his body against Tom Annetts and turned home for the away side.

Ash Pope was once again within the action for the home side, winning the ball and turning across for Owen Fee to turn home and regain the lead. Josh Williams added to the scoreline with a debut goal, turning home in the top left corner on the half volley following a flick on to seal the win.

Manager Interview

James, you must be getting tired of me saying how did you play against Millbrook,

but how did you feel that one went?

Yeah, it wasn’t particularly a pleasing game to watch to be honest. Two teams that battled it out really, both teams competed really well. There was a lot of second balls and that sort of stuff and there wasn’t masses of possession for either side really. I thought that both teams had a little spell each, but it was a very competitive game and there were no yards really given to each other so it was entertaining from that point of view, we would like to have had a bit more control at times but we knew it was going to be that type of game.

You said that you were going to make changes for tonight’s game and you did, so what was your assessment of the players that came in tonight?

Yeah, I mean it was eight changes from Saturday I think, seven or eight changes. We needed to use our squad, especially with the weeks we have coming up. But I thought they did really, really well. A couple of special mentions to Dan Thompson and Clarkey coming in, I thought they defended really well, especially seeing as they haven’t had a lot of minutes recently. Josh Williams did very well, obviously great technique for his goal, that was pleasing as well. But everyone that came in, Tom came in and did well at full back, Popey did well, so it was very pleasing.

You mention Ash Pope, he has found a goalscoring touch with two goals and one assist in his past few games, what has changed in his game to provoke this?

Im not sure really. He is just one of those lads, that you know he is always tuned in and you can always rely on him to come off the bench. Yes, he wants to be playing more, of course he does, and he was getting a bit frustrated a few weeks ago but as I keeping saying to all of them, they just have to try and stay with us. We have got a brilliant squad now. Wellsy wasn’t here tonight, Dan Millar coming in, so there is so much strength in depth but he keeps himself well motivated most of the time and trains really well, so no real complaints. It is so easy to lose players in terms of their application and mentality in training, but he always tops the charts for running andthat sort of stuff. He is a great lad and he thoroughly deserves his goals and assists tonight.

You reference Dan Millar, what will his signing bring to the team from Sholing?

Exactly that, he has experience in absolute abundance, experience at different levels as well which I think is really important. We have seen that with Wellsy coming in, you know just those different parts to the game. He is an absolute man mountain as well so that will give us some prescence in both boxes. He is a great guy, wanted to come and fits in with what we do, so I am sure he will be a great asset.

What is your thoughts ahead of the big tie against Portishead at the weekend?

Yes of course, it is the furthest we have ever been in the Vase and we want to continue that. Obviously, we know it will be a tough game. They are flying in their league, we have had some very good reports on them, so we are expecting a tough game. But, we have nothing to lose now, we are 18, 19 unbeaten so we will go into it full of confidence and see how we get on.

AFC Stoneham 4 Portland Utd 2

AFC Stoneham vs Portland United match report: by

Stoneham returned to Stoneham Lane once more as they played host to Portland United in a 4-2 win on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Ash Pope along with an own goal and tap ins from close range by Duarte Martins and Tyrell Sampson secured the win.

Stoneham’s first chance of the game came after an incisive defence splitting pass from Jake Thomson into Oli Jenkins who laid the ball off to Jim Orvis, however Jim’s scooped effort was easily saved.

The home side took the lead on the twenty five minute mark with their first meaningful effort on target. A quick break was instigated by Jamie Johnston who hit a through ball over the top to Ash Pope who was able to finish in a clinical manner on the half volley.

Jamie Johnston came close to doubling the lead on the forty minute mark. His initial free kick hit the wall and sailed back to him before he struck a venomous volley that was well saved by the goalkeeper forcing the corner, which Lewis Nagle was only able to volley harmlessly wide. The away side were always a threat from long throws however and that paid dividends just before half time as Sam Gadsby was able to flick the ball on and equalise with an effort that Ross Casey was only able to palm over the line.

The response was quick from Stoneham, a driving run from Lewis Nagle provoked an attack before he laid the ball into Duarte Martins who drilled the ball across the box which was turned home for the own goal by Max Buckler. The Purps were on top in the early stages of the second half, with Jim Orvis coming the closest with a shot that spun harmlessly wide. The Purps had a glorious chance to go ahead ten minutes from time after Ash Pope pulled the ball back to Oli Jenkins but Jenkins was unable to keep his effort under the bar.

Stoneham pressed and scored an offside goal from the head of Lewis Nagle before Duarte Martins tapped home and secured victory. There was still time for Tyrell Sampson to add a fourth, tapping home after good work from Oli Jenkins.

Interview with Manager, James Phillips.

Post Match Interview: (H) against Portland United

It was a close run thing, but you got there in the end. What did you make of that one

James?

Yeah, you are right, got there in the end that’s all I can say. Overall performance I

thought we were so dominant, really good first half but two poor goals from us. That

wasn’t like us, I said that to them at half time about that being not like us and then

the second one was just as bad, so disappointing from that point of view. But, at this

stage of the season in games like this, you just have to find a way to win. All credit to

the boys, they stayed patient, trusted what we do and managed to get two late goals.

Persistence is a key characteristic to be successful in football, does today show how

important it is?

Yes, 100%. It would have been very easy for heads to drop after their second goal.

In the end, when we scored our third goal, I think there was about four minutes left of

play, but you are exactly right with persistence. I thought that we created enough

chances, OJ has fired just over, one at the near post and obviously Nagle’s header.

So we still created enough, but it needed some belief to go to the end and they

showed that today.

In terms of the opposition, they had a managerial change this week, what did you

feel that brought to the table for them today?

Me and Marshy always joke that every time we play Portland, they seem to have a

new manager in place. We warned the boys about that, the classic new manager

bounce, the players will play, they will show lots of enthusiasm and lots of desire to

impress the new guys. It is obviously great to see Carl back, he is a really good guy.

We knew they were going to be robust, rugged and stay in the game and try and pile

it on a bit on set pieces and that’s what they did, but I was very impressed with them

today, they had a young team that did well.

Obviously you have quite a few games coming up and you have brought a new

name in Josh Williams in to help the team during that, what will he bring to the team?

First of all he is a very talented midfielder. Obviously we are losing Welchy for a bit

with his travelling and we felt that we needed another body in there. Williams has a

bit of a different profile to what we already have in there, he gets after the ball well,

has plenty of energy and runs all day long, and he has a bit of bite about him as well.

I think he will be a great asset to us from now until the end of the season. We were

hoping to get him involved today but there was a bit of a delay with the registration,

but he will be involved from Tuesday and I am looking forward to working with him.

He is a great kid, will fit in very well with us, so I am sure he will do very well.

Speaking of Tuesday, you have got to know Millbrook well this season, what are your

thoughts ahead of that one?

Yes, Millbrook again! But I am looking forward to it. I will be honest, it has come at a

bad time for us really with todays game and the Vase next weekend, this next couple

of weeks is really important for us. But that is why we have got a big squad, but you

look at the bench today, to have them sat behind us is incredible and the strength in

depth we have is excellent, and for it to stay that way we have to keep them happy,

so there will be quite a few changes for Tuesday, but we will put out a team that we

believe can win and take them on again.

AFC Stoneham 4 Portland United 2

4 January 2025

Grigg Lane having fallen victim to the frost, the Content Adviser and I had a quick look at the remaining fixtures, and decided to take (another!) unscheduled trip to Stoneham Lane… pretty much guaranteed to be on, and very easy to reach for both.  Believe it or not, this was the fifth time we’ve watched the Purps this season (previously home and away in the league, once in the Russell Cotes, a random FA Trophy game against Royal Wootton Bassett Town): don’t go getting any ideas, they’re not a second team, it’s just happened that way!

The hosts did get their noses over the line in the end, but this was a much tougher assignment than the final score suggests: for the second week in a row, Stoneham were the better side in quite a tight game, just about deserved to win but struggled to put their seal on things.  The Purps can no doubt play better, and will need to; but ultimately they did enough. 

The game started slowly: Orvis powered a shot goalwards in the 4th minute, well tipped over by Moggeridge, but the visitors were solid, and 25 minutes passed with no other incident… and suddenly, one long ball over the top, Pope ran onto it in splendid isolation (looking more offside than a couple that had been given previously) and smashed his shot past the keeper to open the scoring.  That didn’t open the floodgates, although Portland picked up a couple of yellow cards for late challenges and could possibly have had a couple more; they weren’t overly physical but some silly and unnecessary fouls.  42 minutes, referee Harry Redman gave Stoneham a free kick for something we didn’t see: Johnston straight into the wall, but the ball came back to him and his excellent volley was tipped over.  And then, 44th minute, a throw for Portland, flicked on and, to everyone’s surprise, in at the back post through a crowd of players from Gadsby, and the visitors were level.  Cue disgruntlement in the stands… the Purps upped the energy, Nagle with a great run down the left, good cross – two defenders converged on it ahead of Martins, and the ball cannoned in off one of them for an own goal.  I have no idea which, and I doubt they want to claim it.  HT 2-1

The second half started with a few Stoneham corners which Portland didn’t find easy to defend, and on 50 minutes Orvis bobbled a shot just wide with the keeper nowhere, but the game settled back into its familiar pattern of home possession and solid visiting defence.  Going to take a minute here to mention Troy Walbridge for Portland, playing the lone role up front, worked exceptionally hard, great hold-up play, credit to him.  Then another “out of nowhere” moment; a free kick on the halfway line to Portland (no idea why this was given, right in front of us), played high to the edge of the box; keeper Casey came for the ball into a crowd of players, didn’t collect it, the ball broke loose and a golden chance for the Blues smashed against the bar, another shot seemingly handled by Martins on the line but again recycled and this time squeezed home for a second equaliser by Cleaver.  Personally I didn’t see a foul on the keeper and a goal looked the right decision.  So the hosts had to do it all again.  Jenkins blazed over the bar with 12 minutes to go… it was actually quite hard to call, the hosts looked the more likely but it wasn’t entirely one-way traffic (and there was one glorious, outrageous turn from Portland sub Stavrianos which sadly led to nothing).  Three minutes left: another cross into the Portland box, the shot badly mishit and heading well wide, hit Sampson who was standing almost on the byline and somehow the ball rebounded and spun high across goal and in! – but Sampson was miles offside… no goal.  90 seconds left – a cross into the box, headed back across by Jenkins and headed home by Martins from four yards to give Stoneham a lead that they would not, this time, let slip.  And just into injury time, another cross, a weak header from Martins but Moggeridge fumbled it, the ball squirmed loose along the line and Sampson scored from about two yards to finally put clear purple water between the teams.  FT 4-2

Not a bad game, overall.  Six goals, interesting clash of styles, credit to Portland for their organisation and for not folding, barely taking a backward step; but credit to Stoneham for finding a way.  And let’s just say, whatever happens, I won’t be following them to Portishead next weekend

2024 IN NUMBERS

Games played (all comps) - 59

Wins - 44

Draws - 6

Defeats - 9

Win percentage- 79.66%

Goals scored - 178

Conceded - 50

Clean sheets - 25

Goals scored -

Tyrrell Sampson - 34

Oliver Jenkins - 22

Jamie Johnston - 17

Duarte Martins - 17

Ash Pope - 15

Assists -

Tyrrell Sampson - 25

Alex Welch - 18

Jim Orvis - 17

Lewis Nagle - 13

Mat Bainbridge - 13

Most appearances-

Lewis Nagle - 57

Mat Bainbridge - 56

Tyrrell Sampson - 54

Jim Orvis - 54

Ryan Cluett - 54

#upthepurps

CLUB OF THE MONTH AWARD - AGAIN!!

We were delighted to be awarded the Wessex Premier League December Club of the Month award following the same award being awarded to our club in November.

We played five games in December winning all five including our FA Vase win over Brixham 4-0. The award also reflects a good disciplinary record during the month aligned to excellent results.

Well done boys.!!

28th Dec: Brockenhurst 0 AFC Stoneham 1

Brockenhurst vs AFC Stoneham match report:

Stoneham continued their unbeaten run with a slender 1-0 victory away against Brockenhurst on Saturday afternoon.

A composed finish from Mat Bainbridge secured the points for the away side.

Duarte Martins was at the centre of the action in the first ten minutes for Stoneham, heading over from a Jim Orvis corner, before forcing Jordi Valero into a smart save down to his left from the centre of the box after good work from Oli Jenkins to flick the ball over two defenders,

The home side soon responded with a few efforts of their own however, with a strike from the left hand side of the penalty box from Ben Atiako Hall that sailed over the bar their most notable.

Valero was on good form however and saved well with his feet after a driven effort from Duarte Martins at the near post around the half hour mark and then responded the same to an effort from Tyrell Sampson ten minutes later after Sampson assisted the previous effort.

Stoneham took the lead just before half time and made their efforts pay dividends as Jamie Johnston lofted a ball nicely to the back post for Mat Bainbridge to volley home in an accomplished manner.

The second half was a quieter affair. Brockenhurst will be ruing a missed opportunity to equalize after good work from Harry Bunce allowed him to slide in Jake Adams, however Adams was met with resistance as Ross Casey saved his shot well from point blank range.

Ten minutes later, in Stoneham’s best effort of the second half, Tyrell Sampson latched onto a good flick on from Duarte Martins however he saw his tame effort saved by Jordi Valero in the Brockenhurst goal.

The ending to the match was a dramatic one as the Badgers whipped in a free kick that was poked home by Tiago Moreno, sparking jubilant celebrations for the home side, however the referee adjudged a foul to have taken place in the buildup, thus disallowing the goal.

Stoneham were then able to see out the game for another valuable three points.

By Cam Donaldson

Courtesy of The Badger - Jon Renyard

Brockenhurst 0 AFC Stoneham 1

28 December 2024

So here we are again, in my case a couple of stone heavier than when I last wrote (all of it chocolate and cake) – and yes, I was certainly hoping the players hadn’t followed my example!  Just a routine Saturday, and the visit of a Stoneham team who have been scoring for fun just lately and were going to take some stopping.  Hopes were not necessarily high among the home fans… It being holiday time, you can’t be too sure what kind of team will be available, so the first mystery was solved when the players came out to warm up: captain missing, but apart from that a full house for the Badgers.

A very watchable game – in front of 198 hardy souls on a dank afternoon – decided by a solitary first-half goal which gave the visitors a win which they probably deserved, but was maybe harder fought than they had expected.  The Purps – in their second kit of mint green – started fast, won a corner after 19 seconds which Martins headed over the bar, and largely appeared comfortable throughout the first half without pulling clear.  Adams created an early half-chance for Gray, who shot wide; and Atiako-Hall shot high from the angle after a very fine Brock move, but Stoneham were making most of the running: Johnston with a great run, pulled back to Martins who poked a shot goalwards which Valero brilliantly tipped around the post.  On 23, a free kick only half-cleared and Nagle sliced a shot towards the top corner which Valero tipped over; and then two more excellent saves with his legs from the busy keeper, the first from Martins when he seemed sure to score, the second a piledriver from a player hidden from my view.  In between times, the sublime nearly became the ridiculous, Brock following Southampton in trying to pass out from the back when under too much pressure, Valero tackled by Martins and the ball breaking to Johnston who should have done much better than find the trees behind the goal.  But, 40 minutes, the breakthrough: Johnston again, free down the right, excellent cross which Bainbridge crashed home from 8 yards.  Straight back came the Badgers, Adams playing a ball in from the edge of the box, missed by Atiako-Hall but bouncing awkwardly and just pushed away by keeper Casey before sneaking in at the far post.  Into injury time, Brock pressing, Drake shot just wide of the near post.  HT 0-1

The evidence of the first 45 was that more goals were likely, but in fact none came.   Brock defended well, remained disciplined, kept their shape – a looping header over from Martins, a great interception from Nagle but his shot too high – the visitors couldn’t find the second goal to kill the game.  The Badgers were offering tenacity, commitment, bravery – and finally, a real chance, Bunce the creator, Adams in on goal with defenders either side, shot saved by Casey’s legs.  Was that the moment…?  Yes, in the end it was, because for all Bunce’s ability to find space, win a tackle, see the pass, the Purps always had one more man in the way: 12 minutes from time, taking the ball from Simpson’s toe as he was about to shoot from inside the box.  Stoneham might have created better opportunities on the break as Brock pressed, but into injury time and still only the one goal in it… an attacking throw for the hosts… pinball in the box, a loud blast on the whistle and the ball ending in the net – in that order.  Defensive free kick awarded; my eye was following the ball and I didn’t see what Mr Bradley saw, which is not to suggest he was wrong.  Equaliser denied, final whistle blown.  FT 0-1

I’ll be honest, I thought this was going to be a very tough ask, and Brock should be proud of themselves.  Defended really well, worked exceptionally hard (Jake and Harry, take a bow) and did create a couple of chances to snatch something from the game.  Truth be told, Stoneham are a very good side, and restricting them to a single goal was a credit to the Badgers in general, and Jordi in particular.  Aside from him, Harry was the shining light again, but there were a lot of very decent performances and reasons to be optimistic about the future.  So let’s show that against Downton next year – as in, next weekend – and hope their defence isn’t quite as solid…!

CUP DATES X 4

We enter 2025 still in four cup competitions alongside our Wessex Premier League Campaign.

The key dates in January for the next round of those cup competitions are as follows:

January 7th - Millbrook Home - Russell Cotes Cup quarter final

January 11th - Portishead Town Away - FA Vase last 32

January 14th - Winchester City Home - Hampshire senior Cup quarter final

January 28th - Ringwood Town Away - Southampton Senior cup quarter final

RHYTHM CAREERS - THANK YOU!

Rhythm Careers - Thank you!

A big thank you to Mark and everyone at Rhythm Careers for their very generous sponsorship of our mens first team tracksuits.

The team look very smart!!

Thank you.

#upthepurps

TOYNBEE TOPIA - JULY 5TH 2025

TOYNBEE TOPIA - JULY 5th 2025

AFC Stoneham - Headline Sponsor

With our ever growing commitment and involvement in our local community AFC Stoneham are delighted to announce that the club will be a headline sponsor for the 2025 Toynbee Topia event.

The club has enjoyed a longstanding and growing partnership with Toynbee School for many years and is proud to be supporting such a big event in our community.

Further details will be released very soon.

Thank you

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FA VASE DEC 14: AFC Stoneham 4 Brixham 0

AFC Stoneham vs Brixham match report:

Stoneham progressed in the cup following a 4-0 win in their round of 64 tie against Brixham on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals from Duarte Martins, one from Tyrell Sampson and one from Tom Annetts secured the win.

Stoneham registered the first effort of the game as a sumptuous through ball fromOwen Fee found Oli Jenkins, but he saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper from a tight angle.

After a quiet ten minute spell following an injury stoppage for Mat Bainbridge, good work from Stoneham allowed Owen Fee to slide through Tyrell Sampson who squared the ball to Duarte Martins who was inches away from turning the ball home.

Brixham registered their first effort on target midway through the first half, forcing Lee Webber into a save low to his left hand side.. After good build up from a free kick, Mat Bainbridge cut inside before unleashing a fierce drive that was heading towards the top right hand corner, before a corner kick was headed back across by Oli Jenkins for Duarte Martins to poke home and give the Purps the lead.

Georgie Dandridge soon tested Lee Webber for the visitors, who got a strong hand to his shot before it spun just wide.. Duarte Martins will be rueing a missed chance however as he connected with an Alex Welch cross on the volley, diverting it wide when he should have done better.

He made amends two minutes later as he chipped the goalkeeper from a Jake Thomson through ball to make it 2-0.. It was soon nearly 3-0 as Owen Fee slipped the ball through to Oli Jenkins who saw his effort saved from point blank range.

Nine minutes into the second half Tyrell Sampson unleashed a fierce drive into the top right hand corner to make it 3-0 to the Purps and extend their lead. Georgie Dandridge was soon the danger man for the visitors once more as he went on a mazy run, forcing the save from point blank range.

Tom Annetts had the final say as the whistle was blown with a sumptuous finish to make it 4-0 from the edge of the box.

AFC Stoneham 5 Christchurch 0

AFC Stoneham continued to make inroads into their league campaign with a 5-0 win

against Christchurch FC at Stoneham Lane on Saturday. Goals from Oli Jenkins, Tyrell Sampson two from Duarte Martins and one from Alex Welch secured the win.

After a short interlude in play at around eight minutes, Stoneham registered their first effort of the game with a header that tamely rolled into the goalkeepers hands from Duarte Martins after Alex Welch diverted the ball back across the box.. With eleven minutes on the clock, the Purps took the lead with a ball into the box that was laid off by Duarte Martins before Oli Jenkins coolly lobbed the goalkeeper on the half volley.

Christchurch threatened almost immediately after the goal, playing a through ball that came off the Stoneham defender that would proved to be dangerous had Ross Casey not been able to get a hand to the ball and flick it past the post. Alex Welch soon thought he had a golden chance to double his sides lead as Duarte Martins flicked on a long ball that was then laid off by Oli Jenkins to set Welch up, however the goalkeeper narrowed down the angle well to save.

Christchurch almost had the equaliser as half time drew closer as Joe Freak latched onto a through ball with a half volley however he saw his effort hit the post. Alex Welch missed another chance for the home side with a gaping gap in the penalty box however he was unable to adjust himself and keep his header under the bar.

After a quiet period at the start of the second half, Stoneham registered the first effort as a corner ball fell to Oli Jenkins who came agonisingly close, seeing his shot cleared off the line. Stoneham eventually had their second goal midway through the second half as a lovely through ball was played to Lewis Nagle who whipped in a ferocious ball for Duarte Martins to tap home.

Their third followed soon after as the ball was whipped into an unmarked Alex Welch who headed into the roof of the net. As the game drew nearer to a close, Duarte was able to grab his second goal the match as he was able to bring down a pass from Jake Thomson and swivel and drive home.

Tyrell Sampson was able to get amongst the goals before the end of the game after driving home on the half volley to add a fifth and complete the Purps win.

James Phillips , First team manager interview, with Cam Donaldson.

Stoneham vs Christchurch interview transcription:

Me: Another win James, what did you make of that one?

James: Slow burner, real slow burner. We started quite well and obviously got a fairly

early goal, but I wasn’t too happy to be honest. I thought we moved the ball too

slowly and took too many touches. It is always difficult to go from such a high on

Tuesday and play again on the Saturday. I thought we lacked tempo and intensity

but obviously you see the results of that later on in the game as we managed to

speed it up and play a lot quicker, and got a couple of late goals which is good.

Me: Clarkey departed the game at half time and JT came on, what was the

reasoning for that and what did JT bring to the game?

James: Purely tactical, Clarkey has been excellent for the last five to six games but I

just felt our distances between the units were too big and JT is a bit quicker and

reads the game very well so I thought that we could play a higher line. He obviously

also has the quality on the ball to help us tick in possession. So it was both coins

really, defend higher up the pitch and keep more possession.

Me: Five games now where you haven’t conceded and two assists from defenders

today, how pleasing is that?

James: Really, really pleasing. It is something that we have always been good at it,

defensive records. We try and beat it every single season. We had the best

defensive record in the league last year and we are intending to have the same this

year as it gives you a great platform to build on. As I said to you a few weeks ago, it

doesn’t seem to matter which goalkeeper is playing, which centre back is playing,

the whole back four and the whole team is chipping in to be defensively structured

which gives us a platform to score a couple of goals as well.

Me: How nice is it to be able to utilise your squad in the sense of playing players in

different positions for example Jim Orvis playing out wide today, in central midfield

and at full back in previous times?

James: Yeah, massively important. Obviously if you have someone that can play two

or three roles it saves you from having a bigger squad, so that helps. They are all

happy to play where they get told really and the flexibility allows us to change

formation quite regularly. Obviously we ended up in a slightly different shape at the

end there, but it just gives us the flexibility to change games and that is what we

have been able to do.

Me: Thoughts ahead of next week and how good it will be to push further in the cup?

James: Yeah, fingers crossed. It will be a difficult game. We don’t know too much

about them obviously because of the distance involved but we have a few little

scouting reports from them. We expect it to be a physical battle, a tough game, but it

is a challenge that we are all looking forward to. It is exciting when you play a team

that you don’t play every week. They don’t know us, we don’t know them, but may

the best team win and that is all there is.

New Online Merchandising Store - Coming Sunday

New Online Club Merchandise Store

Launching on Sunday !

The club will be launching a new online merchandise store this Sunday.

Items can be ordered and paid for online with a direct delivery or collection.

The store is being finalised and will include 12-15 new branded items including Steel Flasks, Boot bag, Mugs, Backpack, Cooler bags, Umbrellas and aluminium Water Bottles.

All playing and training kit plus tracksuits, coats etc are available through our existing online shop accessible via our website at : www.afcstoneham.co.uk. We now have stock of hats and snoods.

Further details of the new merchandise store and link to access will be available on Sunday.

Thank you

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AFC Stoneham 3 Fareham Town 0 - Media

On a mild Tuesday evening, Stoneham returned to league action with a 3-0 win at home against Fareham Town. .Two goals from Duarte Martins and one from Ben Clarke secured the win.

Jamie Johnston went close for Stoneham as a good lofted through ball from Jake Thomson found Duarte Martins who laid the ball off to Johnston on his right hand side, before Johnston saw his low curling effort sail just wide. Bridgman had another effort for the visitors after a ball was swung in from the left hand side towards the player, but his shot went over the bar once more.

Duarte soon had his effort for the home side, receiving the ball just inside the box before drilling a low effort wide. Stoneham tried their luck from distance as the half wore on as Jim Orvis played the ball infield for Alex Welch who saw his effort narrowly miss the top left hand corner.

Duarte Martins soon broke the deadlock for the home side however as he was played through by Jamie Johnston and coolly chipped the goalkeeper.. As Stoneham gained a grip on the game, Duarte was played clean through by Oli Jenkins and coolly finished in the top corner to double the lead.

Alfie Bridgman had the first opening of the second half for the visitors as he cut inside and forced Ross Casey to save low to his right.Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Purps had had a couple of half chances, with the closest coming from Duarte Martins who flicked a cross on with his head and narrowly missed the left hand bottom corner.

Stan Bridgman forced Ross Casey into his best save of the night 25 minutes into thesecond half as he dribbled into the penalty area, forcing a reaction save from the Purps’ shot stopper.

Oli Jenkins thought he had his name on the scoresheet for Stoneham after receiving the ball from Duarte Martins and taking it past two players before drilling a low effort just wide.

Ben Clarke added the home sides third as the final drew nearer, creeping round to the back post to head home from a corner.

By Cameron Donaldson

Fareham Towm report:

AFC Stoneham 3-0 Fareham Town

For this evenings league fixture Fareham made the short trip down the M27 to AFC Stoneham's ground at the Hants FA hub at Eastleigh. It's never an easy place to go and certainly hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Fareham, we're thinking Fareham have never won at this ground.

A cold chilly day had been made a bit worse by the arrival of some drizzle just before KO. Alfie Bridgman making his debut with Stan starting in midfield and Jamie Truckel upfront.

The game got off to a frenetic start, both sides moving the ball quickly but unable to really create anything of note. The main issue for Fareham early on was a nasty knock on Kieran Clark that saw him hobble off to be replaced by Ash Tattersall in defence.

Stoneham saw a shot just wide on 7 mins but it took until 15 mins for Fareham's first chance, Stan Bridgman with a shot just over the bar.

So after 20 mins we were watching a high paced game with very few chances. But the home side were slowly getting the better of proceedings, a good chance on 23 mins as Stoneham broke on the left, the shot across the face of Declan McCarthys goal and out on the far side.

Fareham responded immediately as Elliot Holmes got to the bye-line on Fareham's left, his cross finding Stan Bridgman who again put his shot just over the bar.

As the half wore on so Stoneham became the controlling side, and sure enough on 33 mins the homes side danger man Duarte Martins was played through and finished with a lovely dink over Dec and into the net 1-0 down.

Fareham went onto the back foot for a period now, Alfie Bridgman with a good chance on 39 mins which went high but other than that it was a midfield tussle with Stoneham getting the better of it.  A few Stoneham chances coming before a mistake in midfield on 47 mins, the ball given away to Duarte Martins who again didn’t need a second invitation and easily placed the ball into the net  2-0 .

Half Time AFC Stoneham 2-0 Fareham Town.

By now the rain was lashing down, the cold and wet Fareham fans not really enjoying this one.

The second half started with a Fareham chance, Alfie Bridgman with a shot low to the near post which Ross Casey in the Stoneham goal saved well.

But then it was back to the midfield battle with Stoneham having the better of it.  Although Fareham's best chance of the night came on 62 mins, Stan Bridgman weaving through the Stoneham back line, his shot low and hard saved at the near post by Casey.

Harvey Aston and Stan Ridgway were replaced by Matt Pates and Sam Woodward as Fareham looked for a way back in.

Midway through the second half and Fareham seemed to have weathered the storm a bit and were coming back into the game, some nice passing moves across the park but unable to find a way through the well organised Stoneham defence. 

Josh Benfield replaced Jamie Truckel and on 76 mins a corner to Fareham dropped to Matt Pates, his shot completely wrongfooted Casey in the Stoneham goal but unfortunately went the wrong side of the post.

No sooner had the ball been cleared then Stoneham won a corner and a long ball to the far post found Stoneham's Ben Clarke who powered his header down and into the net.  3-0.

Henri Graham replaced Charlie Cole but Fareham despite better possession still struggled to break down the Stoneham defence, Alfie Bridgman with a good chance at the death into the side netting.

FULL TIME AFC Stoneham 3-0 Fareham Town.

I did say it wasn’t a happy hunting ground and so it proved.  Stoneham are a very strong, well organised side who play good passing football. After a slow start to the season they have really hit their stride and will be challenging for the title by the end of the season.  I would say the best team we've played this season so far.

Creeksiders MotM.   Very difficult call this week,  nobody really stood out but nobody did that badly. The Creeksiders fans went with Ash Tattersall, came on early in the game into a central defensive role and worked tirelessly.

 Team: McCarthy, Wingfield, Sullivan, Cole (Graham), Bennett, Clark (Tattersall), A Bridgman, Aston (Pates), Truckel (Benfield), S. Bridgman (Woodward), Holmes,

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10TH - ROUND UP

Sunday Round Up

By Sarai

AFC Stoneham Owls U8 v Hedge End Rangers Hawks U8

The minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sides, but as soon as the whistle went for kick off, the boys were raring to go.

The Owls only had 5 players today giving them all the full 40 minutes on pitch. Players swapped up their normal positions to cover those missing, usual GK/defender Archie played as striker and bagged himself a goal, and striker Ted went in goal and pulled off some great saves. No rest for Charlie, who played as striker and defender and didn’t stop running.

The Owls scored 6 in total, but the 4th goal was pure quality... a superb flowing move from back to front with an excellent, teasing cross from Luca to the back post which Tommy dispatched clinically.

MOMT: Went to Luca, for reading the game superbly and outstanding work rate.

Wolves U9 vs AFC Stoneham Jaguars

Showing respect is important every weekend, but none more so than on Remembrance Sunday.

The Wolves were joined by the AFC Stoneham Jaguars on derby day and the two sides observed the minute silence impeccably.

The boys got underway and asserted themselves early with Fozzy showing great instinct to chest in a Fyfe corner.

Jaguars responded with a terrific passing move down their right and an excellent finish to level up. Teddy and Shay showed great strength and aggression to win key tackles at the back and release Vinnie down the right, who's skill and creativity caused no

end of trouble. When Fyfe broke free his shot was well saved but Louie was on hand to guide his finish into the corner.

Vinnie put another great ball into the box and after a goal mouth scramble Fozzy got the decisive toe in to increase

the advantage.

Jacob and Cohen switched into defence with Jack out wide for Q2. Vinnie and Fozzy repeated their last trick with

another poachers strike from a wicked cross.

Jack whipped in another great corner for our Foz in the Box to help himself to a fourth of the day. We were keen to not let complacency slip in and the Jags were keen to fightback; a superb freekick was palmed away

brilliantly by Jasper and Jacob got back to clear away off the line. Cohen's positional play is getting better and better and enabled him to make some vital clearances. Jasper was lucky enough to get Jordan Pickford's water bottle yesterday and there must

be something in that water as his next stop was even better.

We continued to press from the front and Louie snaffled up a risky pass and made no mistake. Teddy and Shay ran the

game from midfield with their physical presence. Louie turned provider with a measured ball to Jack who initially hit the post but knocked in the rebound. With the team turned upside and minutes on the clock there was room for one more highlight. Jacob is

known for his combative defending and never say die attitude, but goals are not his normal currency. Fozzy's cross come shot fell at his feet and he tapped in for the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Another outstanding team performance, with some really effective football. We're a team that trusts eachother and

it's a joy to watch. Fozzy's potency in front of goal got him the match ball but it was Jacob's solid defending topped by a collectors item of a goal that earned today's MotM.

U13 Spitfires

The AFC Stoneham Spitfires U13s produced their best performance of the season in their Hampshire cup fixture against Moneyfields Youth this morning.

The Spitfires started well and went one goal up early on when Alfie L’s cross was met by Freddie who slid in to knock the ball into the bottom corner. Soon after, a through ball from Adam was calmly slotted away by Freddie for his second. The Spitfires went into half time with a comfortable three goal lead when a short corner taken by George F was met by Ashley who lofted it over the keeper from the edge of the area.

Stoneham maintained the intensity in the second half being patient in the build up and switching play well. The fourth goal of the match came when Charlie took a quick throw in down the line for Ashley to use his pace to get behind the defence and cross the ball across the face of the goal for Matt to dispatch. Captain James then scored a great long range shot from the edge of the area which went high into the corner of the net with the Moneyfield keeper having no chance. Stoneham scored two late goals from near post shots.The first from Ashley for his brace and the second from Freddie for his hat-trick. The match finished 0-7.

Man of the match went to Adam for his role in a strong performance from the Spitfires’ defence who quickly turned defence into attack. Well done lads for putting all the hard work and passing play from training into a 70 minute performance.

AFC Stoneham Jaguars U14 4-1 Littleton Galaxy U14

The Jaguars overcame a lacklustre first half and an obdurate opponent to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Unusually for the home team, they started off in flat-footed fashion. The visitors employed a 4-5-1 formation, utilising long long balls to their influential centre forward and sending runners from deep. The Jaguars gave the visitors far too much time and space to play their raking passes, and the midfield failed to keep pace with the Littleton runners. By and large the defence kept Littleton at bay initially, and with Ibs largely crowded out by physical centre backs, it was left to the in-form Tiago to provide guile and threat by latching onto channel balls from Jamie.

With Littleton playing an excellent pressing game and the Jaguars off the pace, it was no surprise when the visitors went ahead, and even less of a surprise to see the ever dangerous Littleton 16 score the goal, pushing the ball into the top corner past Fin’s despairing dive.

The Jaguars continued to be stretched, but with the introduction of Daniel at centre back, and Matteo and Harry D into midfield, looked a more solid outfit. At times, the Jaguars looked good on the counter attack: Freddie poking wide from Ibs’ slide rule pass and Ibs then heading over from an inviting Tiago cross. Littleton continued to create half chances at the other end, their shots from distance either rolling wide or nestling into Fin’s grateful arms.

On the stroke of half time, and against the run of play, the Jaguars found an equaliser. Archie burst down the left and clipped a cross to the back post. Tiago saw his effort cannon off the bar from close range only for the ball to fall to Ibs who calmly slotted home.

The Jaguars took the field for the second half a completely different team; one prepared to fight for every ball and work for the right to play. Littleton were as lost as the balls that ended up in the deep brambles behind the goal as the Jaguars poured over them. Archie and Jamie continually made threatening overlapping runs, Harry W made penetrating runs from deep to fashion shots for himself, and Charlie, Harry D and Matteo prised open the Littleton defence with clever passes. All the while, Isaac and Daniel snuffed out the danger posed by the Littleton counter, dominating in the air and on the ground.

Within minutes, the Jaguars took the lead. Some intricate play involving Charlie in the middle saw Harry W take the ball from the angle and drive the ball into the corner. Two goals quickly became three when Archie scored an outrageous free kick from the half way line. And it began to rain chances. Taylor saw multiple efforts from range saved, and a header from a corner hit the post. Matteo found Josh with a cute pass who slammed the ball just wide. Archie crashed a drive narrowly the wrong side of the post. Ibs saw a point blank shot somehow clawed out by the Littleton goalkeeper.

A fourth goal seemed an inevitability and so it proved. Harry W won the ball and drove forward from deep before unleashing a shot into the top corner.

More chances came and went as the Jaguars never loosened their stranglehold on the half. In the end, despite the anaemic first half display, the Jaguars deserved their victory. At the half way point they sit on top of the league. Up the Jags!

U14 Royals v Totton Yellow

The Royals started the match minus a goal keeper and two strikers. Not to be deterred they battled hard after two goals from an attacking opposition.

Jack scored a great goal followed by Totton giving Maisy an early Christmas present, she popped one in with ease.

Despite great play from the Royals Totton managed to steam ahead, with the final score resting at 5-2.

Alfie and Arthur were stand out players today with some great defence and attacking.

Shout out to Joe and Olly for stepping up in goal again today.

A good competitive game all round.

Well done to Totton.

Well done to everyone on Remembrance Sunday .

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH - ROUND UP

Saturday Round Up

By Sarai

AFC Stoneham Under 8 Girls Panthers v Chineham Tigers

A hugely entertaining game resulted in the Panthers progressing to the next round of the Plate Competition. Both teams contested an even game which eventually went to penalties with the Panthers edging out their opponents in sudden death.

Superb performances all round with Bella always a threat in attack scoring four goals. Bonnie, Penny & Esme worked tirelessly in midfield with both Esme and Bonnie getting on the scoresheet. Alyssia had another great game in defence and Raven keeping us in the match saving penalties in the shootout and scoring her own.

Opposition managers POTM was Alyssia for her outstanding defensive display.

U9 Pumas

The lads respectfully held their silence well done pumas

Absolutely fantastic showing from the pumas this Saturday!

We had conceived a very soft first half goal with a bit of a slip up at the back. But that wasn't all she wrote this time, our player of the match Wilf stepped up to the fray and bagged 2 cracking 2nd half goals to finally break the curse and give us our 1st very well deserved win!

Great showing from every single player dug in to protect the win and get to the end with 3 points!

Well done to Romeo who won parents player of the match with an assist and getting stuck in

Well done to our goals scorer Wilf getting man of the man

Excellent performance from all the lads. Same again next week please

U12 Pumas v City Sapphire

After an impeccably held minutes silence in advance of Remembrance Day the u12 stoneham pumas kicked off their trophy plate campaign earlier today . The city sapphire girls had evidently woken up before the pumas and were rewarded by taking the lead but this served to wake the pumas up who had evidently forgotten to put sugar on their weetabix . Lining up in a classical 4-3-1 formation with Skye owning the goalkeeping spot , the central defence was marshalled by the once again imperious Emily who rarely let a single ball past her let alone a player . She was ably marshalled by Darcey, Lottie and Betsy who would assist Emily in winning the ball back and moving it to midfield to progress the ball forwards . Midfield was controlled by Poppy , Nerila and Zoe in the first half and they were unwilling to yield a yard of territory . Leading the line was the tenacious Kamillah who relentlessly chased down lost balls using her strength and pace to latch onto a pass from Zoe to take the ball into the box before unleashing a fantastic punt into the bottom corner bringing the scores level . With tackles going in that would make the likes of Ron Harris wince the pumas consolidated their territory winning a ball upfield before Emily was found on the edge of the sapphires area unleashing a shot that was unstoppable into the sapphires goal to make it 2:1 to the pumas which is how it ended . The second half started with The pumas ringing in the changes to bring on some fresh legs and after repeated attempts to successfully break the sapphires offside trap which the pumas were able to do kamillah was able to grab a second after concerted pressure from players like blueberry easha and Zoe ended up with the latter finding kamillah in space who took the ball into the area with a deftly placed shot . The goal bulged and the cheers went up as the deserved 3rd goal hit the back of the net . The sapphires tricky no 9 made a number of fantastic dribbling runs and helped her team earn a deserved 2nd goal , however , the pumas defence were able to hold the fort . The players deserved their win . Skye was a brave protector of her goal and her distribution launched several counter attacks that saw kamillah thwarted by their keeper on countless occasions as her tireless running broke the offside trap . Emily , Betsy , lottie and Darcey all stood out for the willingness to protect Skye , Darcey earning the golden boot from her manager in the process . Emily is the pumas own beckenbauer . The midfield generals included Zoe who used her shoulder faint on a number of ocassions to launch forays down the left wing . She was ably assisted by Blueberry’s box to box approach and Nerilas ability on the ball . Easha showed some magical touches to create space and launch counter attacks spearheaded by kamillah . Poppy owned the right wing and deserved a goal which sadly was thwarted after she launched a long range effort that was saved by the keeper . The team was the best the spectators had ever seen them play . They have progressed and have found a great formula . The enthralling match ended 3-2 with the parents erupting in applause at the final whistle and the pumas own four legged mascot , “Flash” the boxer dog , wanting to hug all of the pumas at the final whistle .

Match Report - Saturday, 9th November 2024

Winchester City Flyers Girls U12 Wrens vs AFC Stoneham Youth U12 Girls Tigers

Final score: 3-0

Great game from our Tigers today against a formidable opponent. It was not to be this time, and we are out of the cup competition, but the girls put in a brilliant performance against a very well-positioned and skilled team at the top of Division 4.

In the first half, we started strong and had some chances that kept their goalkeeper busy. Despite that, our opponent was deadly and took advantage of a loss of concentration during a corner. We ended the first half conceding another goal close to the end. Aside from the two goals, the opposition had a couple of clear chances that we managed to fend off.

In the second half, we tried a more attacking tactic by moving Caterina into CDM and Ava into CAM. Unfortunately, this gave no results as we did not manage to score, but we created a few good chances that kept us on the edge of our seats. Due to our more attacking mindset, we left more space in defence for our opposition, who capitalized once to score the only goal of the second half.

Another very enjoyable and exciting game from our Tigers, who ended the game tired and proud of themselves. 100% performance!

U13 Jaguars

A game of 3’s today with the Jaguars enjoying their 3rd cup outing of the season at home for the 3rd consecutive time, against a Division 3 side.

A bright start from the girls put the Stubbington Swans on the back foot from the beginning, with plenty of possession and early pressure eventually giving Julie the opportunity to shoot, the goalkeeper did well to keep the ball out of the net but couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing an alert Evie to follow up and score from the rebound.

Masey was unlucky not to add to the score further with a shot from Evie’s corner well saved and another chance just wide.

Stubbington’s first chance of the game came around the half hour mark but they were unable to keep the ball down resulting in the shot going over the bar, but they were able capitalise from a corner of their own a short time later. HT 1-1.

The second half was less one sided with the Jaguars being the ones to have to deal with some pressure, brilliant performances from Millie, Anya, Pip and Amelie helped reduce the shooting chances, with Emelia saving the shots that were made. The whole team battled for each other throughout, and had a couple of late chances from Julie and Evie saved by the keeper, FT 1-1.

Penalties scored by Evie,Masey and Julie along with two penalties saved by amelia saw the Jaguars progress to the next round.

Final score 1-1

Pens 3-2.

Parents Player Pip

Coaches Player Millie

U14 Lionesses

AFC Stoneham Lionesses U14 girls vs Southbrook in the cup.. After losing to Southbrook in the league 8-4 recently we had the opportunity to turn the tables on the Saturday before remembering Sunday.. Game started very slow neither team took control of the game in the 1st half AFC Stoneham created a few chances but a southbrook counter goal before half team..

Second half we scored from a goal kick and created a very good opportunity in 3 passed for amelie who took her goal very well.. With both teams drawing at full time unfortunately one team had to lose.

Southbrook won 3-2 on penalties good luck to Southbrook in the next round