The Southern League Premier South got underway on Saturday with a full program of matches which didn’t really produce too many shocks or upsets. As expected, AFC Totton recorded their first victory at home with a 1-0 win over Walton & Hersham, Merthyr were the days top scorers, putting six past Tiverton Town and neighbors Wimborne Town made a perfect start to life in this league with a 1-0 home win over Hanwell Town. The first goals of the campaign came at Taunton and Chertsey who both found the net inside the first minute.

Manager Steve Tully rotated his squad at Bracknell by using all five substitutes in a game that saw chances at both ends and the points could have gone either way. We did hang on a little at the end but we were good value for our point. It’s bound to take a few games for everyone to settle in fully so we are very much work in progress. The feeling around the club is that we are happy with that well-earned point which sets us up well for our opening home fixture against Taunton Town who were relegated from the Vanarama National League South last season. (P46 W10 D16 L20 46 points).

Taunton must have thought that they had done enough to secure all three points against Gloucester City at home on Saturday after storming into a 3-0 half time lead. However, three goals in six second minutes gave the visitors a share of the spoils.

The Peacocks are managed by the very experienced Richard Luffman who previously led Southern League Division One South side, Cribbs F.C, to incredible achievements. During his tenure at Cribbs F.C, Richard steered the team to unprecedented heights, securing their highest-ever position in the football pyramid. His remarkable managerial skills translated into an impressive record of 76 victories out of 114 league games managed. Richard’s spell at Cribbs F.C was marked by extraordinary accomplishments, including clinching the uhlsport Hellenic League Cup in the 2021/2022 season and capturing the Hellenic League title in 2022/2023.

There is sure to be a large crown at the Black Gold for this opening home fixture against one of the more entertaining teams in the league. We have had great battles with The Peacocks in the past which always generates a terrific atmosphere. If you have not been to any of the pre-season friendlies use this opportunity to come along and see the great work that has been done at the ground to make so many improvements.

Enjoy the game,

Neil Wellington.