Mens first team update

Our first team have made a pleasing start to the season which, whilst not wishing to make any excuses, has been effected by injuries and unavailability which probably makes the start even more satisfying.

We have had a couple of “lows” losing 6-1 to Shaftesbury in the FA Cup conceding 3 goals in 4 minutes just before half time and then last week losing 2-1 at home to Cowes Sports. Following the FA Cup exit we returned to Shaftesbury a week later with 11 players missing from our squad and earned a very creditable 2-2 draw having been 2-0 down at half time . Duarte Martins scoring a second half brace.

The boys earnt a very creditable draw with Hamworthy before victories over Hythe and Ringwood in the league cup. The last two weekends have seen us travel to Horndean and come away with an excellent 2-0 win and on Saturday we progressed in the FA Vase with a 4-0 home win over Portland United which has earnt us a home draw v Blackfield and Langley on September 25th.

Our injuries have mounted up with key players such as Scott Hills, Nathan Clements and new signing Jamie Bulpitt not having kicked a ball yet this season. We are hoping that Scott and Jamie may be back within 2-3 weeks all going well. Nathan is going to take slightly longer although is progressing well. Ryan Penny, having missed the last 5 games, should also be returning within 2-3 weeks.

Sadly captain and talisman Alex Welch wont be playing again this season having damaged his ACL against Hythe and now requires an operation to reconstruct the knee. We are working with our fantastic sponsor and supporters at the Nuffield Health hospital to arrange this operation for Alex and all of the injured players have been supported by the Nuffield including undertaking their own rehabilitation programme.

We have lost summer signing Jamie Webber to Verwood however have recently signed Jake Thompson from Horndean and Diego Romero from Hythe. A big welcome to both Jake and Diego.

Still very early days in what we hope will be our first ever full season in the Wessex Premier League.