SYDENHAMS PREMIER ROUND-UP

NEWPORT IoW are feeling the heat after one of their most demanding ever starts to a Sydenhams Premier Division campaign.

The Islanders have played all top-five teams in their opening nine fixtures and returned home empty-handed on Saturday after being outclassed 4-0 away to Andover Town, who moved second on goal difference from Sholing.

Dual-signed Winchester City midfielder Liam Gilbert took only two minutes to plunge them into arrears and it got worse when stand-in defender Liam Triggs brought down Sam Pekun at the expense of a penalty. Cameron Farley saved the initial spot kick, but the ball fell for Charlie Gunson to make it 2-0.

Gunson struck again before half-time and it was curtains for Newport when another penalty, converted by Jordan O’Donnell, was awarded against them. Liam Bennett attempted to hook the ball clear at waist height and the referee pointed to the spot for dangerous play.

There was bad news too for Newport’s fellow Islanders Cowes Sports who had Jez Conway and goalscorer Aidan Sainsbury sent off in a 4-1 home defeat by Hamworthy United.

Matt Kemble banged in a hat-trick for the Hammers and sub Ben Satterley also netted.

BOURNEMOUTH Poppies have pulled level on points with Folland Sports at the foot of the Sydenhams Premier Division.

Ken Vaughan’s men had gathered just one point from their opening six league games.

But they registered their first win of the season at the Planemakers’ expense on Saturday with Diane Bassikiri grabbing a second-half brace and Diop Evans also scoring in a 3-0 result at Follands Park.

Follands, who head the Poppies on goal difference, return to action at Winchester City tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup.

NEW boss Alan Lay led Verwood Town to a 2-0 Sydenhams Premier Division victory at off-colour Whitchurch United.

The Potters took just four minutes to open the scoring when, following strong work by Ben Kelly, Jordan Fisk raced free and bent a shot wide of the keeper.

Both teams had their chances, but Verwood's Aaron Atkinson made sure of the points in stoppage time.

It marked a fourth straight league defeat for Whitchurch who, after the heroics of last season, are labouring in 19th place.

HORNDEAN still boast a 100 per cent home record in the Sydenhams Premier Division.

Five Heads Park proved an unhappy hunting ground for Lymington Town on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by the fifth-placed Deans.

Robbie Tambling burst out of the blocks with a first-minute goal, Dan Woodward doubled the Deans’ advantage on 28 minutes and substitute Gary Austin struck 15 minutes from time.

Nathan Hurst bagged a late consolation for ninth-placed Lymington, who have now suffered back-to-back league losses.

“It was a good, hard-working team performance against good opposition,” summed up delighted Deans boss Dave Carter, whose side remain unbeaten after seven league outings.

Neighbouring Moneyfields edged a tight match 1-0 against Bemerton Heath Harlequins at Dover Road.

The winner arrived ten minutes into the second half when George Way found the top corner from 25 yards.