The 2025/26 Southern League South, Premier Division season got underway on Saturday with 6 home wins, 3 away wins and two goalless draws. The highest scorers were Walton & Hersham who put 6 past Plymouth Parkway. Probably the best performance from the new teams in the league was the 1-0 home win for Berkhamsted over much fancied Bracknell Town.
Another of the fancied sides, Gloucester put on an emphatic display to overcome Gosport Borough 4-2. Of our local teams there were defeats for both Wimborne, at Basingstoke and Weymouth at home to newcomers Evesham. Dorchester drew at Uxbridge.
The Dolphins picked up all three points in, as we expected, a very physical contest against Hanwell Town. The lads did exceptionally well to keep their discipline and focus entirely on their attractive attacking style of play. Harvey Slade scored the only goal of the match with a skilful finish from a Charlie Davis through ball. In fact, those two players along with Josh Staunton stood out for their energy and total commitment. It was so pleasing to see every player challenge wholeheartedly for every ball showing a real desire to win each challenge.
We did look a little edgy in defence at times but having Billy Lowes available after his one match suspension will make a difference. We will also have Shaq available for selection also after a one match ban.
Next up is the short trip to East Southampton to face Sholing FC who started their campaign with a very credible draw at newly promoted Yate Town. They finished last season in the comfortable mid-table position of 11th taking 52 points from their 42 matches, 29 of those at home. In our matches with them last season we drew 0-0 at the Mortgage Decisions Stadium in October and followed this with a 2-0 win at Tatnum in March.
Manager Paul Doswell was appointed in 2022 and has enjoyed a great deal of success during his tenure. The Boatmen beat Hamworthy United to secure promotion in the 2022/23 season and finished in a credible position of 15th in their first full season at this level. He has showed plenty of signs that he is aiming to build on this platform after a very successful season. He has previously managed Eastleigh and Sutton United making a very positive impression at both clubs.
The Boatmen are captained by defender Byron Mason who has made over 725 appearances for the club. In his time with the club he has lifted over a dozen trophies, including the FA Vase in 2014. A natural leader, the beating heart of the side for over a decade as Captain.
The high point in Sholing’s history will be that FA Vase triumph in 2014. They narrowly beat Winchester City in the 1st round. At this point no one was dreaming of Wembley, but as the rounds were ticked off, the club and their supporters started to get the feeling that their name was on the Cup. On the 10th May 2014 at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, backed by over 3,000 fans, Marvin Mclean scored the only goal in the 71st minute and Byron Mason & Dave Diaper lifted the Vase.
We saw a very committed and disciplined performance on Saturday from the lads, so Dolphin fans will be hoping for more of the same against what we expect to be more of a footballing side.
Enjoy the game,
Neil Wellington.
