Christchurch beat Wessex Premier leaders Fareham Town 3-2
Christchurch beat the Wessex Premier Division leaders Fareham Town 3-2 on Saturday 7 November. Brad Gale said afterwards, "I'm really proud of the boys." Heath Bartram was named player of the match, with the club calling his display "a complete performance". It followed the 2-0 win at Petersfield Town the previous weekend, which the club had described as two away wins in a row.
Bashley also won on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Sherborne Town 3-1 and move up to fourth. Luke Holmes took the man of the match award, and the club singled out a Harry Baker goal as a "worldie". It was the first meeting between the two clubs, and Sherborne's Alec Thomas made his first start.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 3 November, Hythe & Dibden beat Petersfield Town 4-0. Ash Pope and Ollie O'Mahony both scored on their club debuts. Pope's departure from Hamworthy Recreation for Hythe & Dibden had been confirmed by Hamworthy that week. On Saturday, Hamworthy had Tyler Rudd's goal to celebrate in a win over Fleetlands, though the final scoreline went unconfirmed.
Elsewhere that day, Cowes Sports won 2-1 at home, with Scott scoring the winner. Horndean drew 2-2 with Brockenhurst, for whom debutant Connor Cocklin, signed from Bashley, scored first and Mitch Speechley-Price got the second. East Cowes Victoria Athletic won through Jacob Reynolds' goal in the 92nd minute, on his return to the club. Baffins Milton Rovers beat Laverstock & Ford 2-0. At Hamble, Oli Davies took on four Downton defenders before scoring, a goal the club called a contender for goal of the season.
Several clubs also completed transfer business this week. Fleetlands signed midfielder Alfie Bailey from Folland Sports and brought Kian Towse back on a dual-signing arrangement with AFC Stoneham. Andover New Street signed Chris Kapend. Bemerton Heath Harlequins announced a new signing named only as Matt, who went straight into the matchday squad.
