Hampshire Premier League nostalgia – Fleetlands bidding for first league derby win against Paulsgrove for almost five years
The last time the Coptermen tasted victory in the league against Grove was a 5-2 home success in November 2016.
Jack Morby and Jordan Whiteley both netted twice in a win that helped Fleetlands to a second-placed finish - their highest ever in the HPL.
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Hide AdBased on recent meetings, goals are virtually guaranteed at Marsden Lane tonight - and the referee could be kept busy as well.
In the return fixture in 2016/17, a 1-1 draw, Grove ended with nine men after red cards for Jake Daniels and Steve Ledger, the current assistant boss.
In 2017/18, the season Grove won their only HPL title, they drubbed Fleetlands 5-1 at home and 3-0 away in the space of a few weeks in April.
Current Copterman Tommy Woodward netted three goals across the two wins.
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Hide AdIn 2018/19 Grove completed another double, winning 3-2 away - despite Craig Ralph’s dismissal and thanks to a brace from sub Moulay Ousman - and 4-3 at home (James Hird 2).
Grove would have completed a fifth straight league win over Fleelands in August 2019, but for Coptermen keeper Derek Harding saving a last-minute penalty.
When the teams last met, Grove won 4-2 on a 3G pitch at Bridgemary School in February 2020 - Fleetlands ending with 10 men following a red card for Kevin Chatfield.
Fleetlands boss Rich Bessey, though, has beaten one of his former clubs since taking over at Lederle Lane in the summer of 2019 - Woodward netting direct from a free-kick in a 2-1 Hampshire Trophy meeting in October of that year.
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Hide AdFleetlands had won 2-1 in the Hampshire Trophy at Lederle Lane, Woodward netting a superb free-kick against his former club.
If Fleetlands win tonight, it will be their first success at the Grove since a 3-1 victory in September 2014. Jamie Wrapson, who could well be in their squad tonight, scored twice in a 3-1 win.