Here we go again
on 10/08/06 by Andy Starmore
Another gruelling Wessex League season gets under way on Saturday, with a few new faces on board.

In come Brading Town, Ringwood Town, Downton and Horndean from Wessex Two, with the latter two having played in the top flight of Wessex football previously.

For Brading and Ringwood, it’s a brand new beginning at this level of football.

Out go Portland United, BAT Sports and Newbury, as well as promoted side’s Winchester City (last season’s champions), Thatcham Town and Andover.

Some may argue that the league has weakened somewhat because of the quality of the three promoted side’s from last season will be absent.

With no disrespect to the teams coming up that would indeed appear to be the case but, there are still a number of side’s that have potentially improved over the summer.

AFC Totton finished fourth last time around and will be one of the favourites for the title this time around.

They also won the Wessex League Cup last season, so it was a tremendous job done by the management pairing of boss Stuart Ritchie and his assistant Sean New.

In what promises to be the outstanding opening day fixture, they will face a Poole Town side at Testwood Park, who have added significantly to their squad over the summer.

Alton Town had an impressive end to last season, escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth, following a disastrous first three quarters of the campaign.

They will be severely tested on the opening day on Saturday though, as they host most people’s favourites to lift the title, Gosport Borough.

Alex Pike, typically has been as busy as a beaver in the summer transfer merry-go-round and having thrashed Camberley Town (same level on the non-league pyramid system) 9-0 in a pre-season friendly, you have to take what he’s doing there very seriously.

Newcomers Brading Town will take on Bournemouth Poppies in their opening match and, Ringwood Town begin life in the Wessex League with a home fixture against VT FC.

Elsewhere, fellow newcomers Horndean have a tough opening match, when they travel to much fancied Wimborne Town.

And Downton, to complete the quartet of promotees, are at home to Lymington Town.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins take on Hamble ASSC at Western Way. Fareham Town are at home to Brockenhurst. Hamworthy United play Cowes Sports at the County Ground (this has now been switched to Cowes Sports' ground - kick off 3pm) and, to round up the opening days fixtures, Christchurch travel to Moneyfields.

As usual Pitchside will be out and about for the entire season.

Be sure to log on to the site on Sunday/Monday for all the details of the opening days play.

For now though, here is Pitchside’s top six predictions for 2006/07:

Champions: Gosport Borough

Runners Up: Poole Town

Third: AFC Totton

Fourth: Wimborne Town

Fifth: VT FC

Sixth: Bournemouth Poppies

Agree? Totally disagree? Then why not go to the ‘Have Your Say’ page and air your views.