Velocity Wessex League

A new Wessex League attendance record was set on Saturday in the top-of-the-table clash between local rivals, AFC Portchester and Fareham Town. A crowd of 1,630 saw the Royals run out 3-1 victors at their OnSite Group Stadium, surpassing the previous best of 1,598 in the same fixture, set in 2022/23.

An all-Wessex tie between Downton and Fareham Town was included amongst the Isuzu FA Vase third round draw, made on Monday. Victory for either side at The Nest on December 7 will see their best-ever FA Vase season, while guaranteeing a Wessex representative in the last 32. Both clubs needed penalties from home ties in the second round to progress - as did Andover New Street, who host Western League high-flyers, Clevedon Town. Also facing opposition from Western League are AFC Stoneham, who are rewarded with a home tie against table-toppers, Brixham, having defeated Hamble Club in the last round. The Purples have previously made a name for themselves in the FA Cup, but are now enjoying their best ever return from the FA Vase in reaching this stage - as are Street, who were narrowly defeated by Brixham in the second round in 2022/23. A thorn to Wessex League sides in the past, Downton also lost out by the odd goal in five to Brixham at this stage last season. THIRD ROUND (*Wessex clubs only - ties to be played on Saturday, December 7) Winners Receive £1,125 Losers Receive £350 AFC Stoneham v Brixham Andover New Street v Clevedon Town Downton v Fareham Town