Road to Wembley begins across the Wessex League

The FA Vase provided the week's central thread, with clubs across the Wessex League setting out on the competition's early rounds. Hedge End Rangers made their debut in national competition, hosting Totton & Eling on what the club called a historic Friday night, describing it as the first time in their history they had competed on the national stage. Fawley welcomed Ash United in the same round, both clubs framing the tie as the start of their own road to Wembley. Sandhurst Town and Blandford United were also involved in Vase action, the latter facing Sherborne Town, while Romsey Town prepared to host Bournemouth Poppies at the AEC Protection Ground having already come through a first qualifying round tie.

Elsewhere in the cups, AFC Aldermaston exited the BBFA Senior Cup, beaten 2-1 away at Wokingham Town, with Samir scoring their goal, before turning their attention to the Vase. Sandhurst Town progressed in the Berkshire & Bucks Senior Cup with victory over Woodley United at Bottom Meadow, Reece Miller earning the man of the match award. Cove's under 18s continued their own cup run in the Allied Counties Youth League Cup, beating Clanfield to reach the next round, with captain Steve Lee among those giving post-match thoughts. Folland Sports came through a thriller in the Industrial Boilers Wessex League Cup, winning 5-4 at Newport with goals from Ferreira, Penfold, Whitcombe, Carmichael and Sutherden, having also beaten AFC Aldermaston 3-2 in the league courtesy of Ferreira, Penfold, and Carmichael, while Byron and Muhammed scored for the Alders.

Milestones featured heavily too. At Newport (IOW), Joe Tylab reached 100 games as player-manager, an achievement the club said it could not be prouder of, while Connor was earlier honoured for 300 appearances and Ji collected August's goal of the month for his winner against Alresford. At New Milton Town, Aaron Scott made his 150th appearance for the club in Saturday's derby against Lymington Town, a game that finished 2-2 after Lymington Town came back from two goals down, with Jack Broad named man of the match for the Brickies.

Away from the pitch, Hamworthy United announced the signings of Tyrone Carkeet from Hamworthy Recreation and Ben Atiako-Hall from Bashley, while Ash United thanked sponsors including Town & Country Cars, who have backed improvements to the clubhouse and forthcoming floodlights.