AFC Portchester, Horndean and Fareham handed home advantage for Wessex League openers

The Royals open up at home against Shaftesbury looking for a big improvement on last season's disappointing campaign.

They began the season with ambitions of promotion but fell well short of those expectations.

There will be a lot of pressure on manager Mick Catlin to deliver this time around because the club are ambitious to climb the non-league pyramid.

Horndean, runners-up last season, and manager Michael Birmingham will be wanting nothing less from his side again.

They face a tough opener against Lymington Town at Five Heads Park in what is regarded by many as the match of the day.

Manager Pete Styles is hoping to avoid many of the struggles he faced last season at Fareham Town.

If he can put a regular side out then the Reds should make progress.

They entertain Bournemouth Poppies in their first game.

Baffins Milton Rovers will travel to newly-promoted Amesbury Town for their first encounter.

In division one, United Services Portsmouth visit relegated Andover New Street.

Petersfield Town are also on the road to Laverstock & Ford.

Meanwhile, Baffins have been handed a tough opening to their defence of the Wessex League Cup.

Steve Leigh's side lifted the trophy by beating Portland United in last season's final.

The second-round draw sends them to Bashley, which is never an easy place to get a result.

Horndean have a first-round tie at Cowes.

And if they win that will face Isle of Wight opposition again in the shape of Newport at Five Heads Park.

Fareham will enjoy home comforts against Christchurch, while AFC Portchester journey to AFC Tadley.

United Services Portsmouth will welcome Folland Sports to the Victory Stadium.

Sydenhams Wessex League opening fixtures

Friday, August 2Division oneFawley AFC v Downton

Saturday August 3Premier divisionAFC Portchester v ShaftesburyAFC Stoneham v Portland UnitedAlresford Town v Cowes SportsAmesbury Town v Baffins Milton RoversBashley v Fleet TownBrockenhurst v Tadley CallevaFareham Town v BournemouthHamble Club v ChristchurchHorndean v Lymington TownSolent University v Hamworthy UnitedDivision oneAlton v Pewsey ValeAndover New Street v US PortsmouthAndover Town v Totton & ElingBemerton Heath Harlequins v New Milton TownHythe & Dibden v Whitchurch UnitedLaverstock & Ford v Petersfield TownNewport IoW v Verwood TownRingwood Town v East Cowes VicsRomsey Town v Folland Sports

Wessex League Cup draw

First roundAFC Stoneham v AltonAlresford Town v Laverstock & FordCowes Sports v HorndeanEast Cowes Vics v New Milton TownFawley AFC v Lymington TownPetersfield Town v Verwood TownRomsey Town v Hamworthy UnitedTotton & Eling v Solent University

Second roundAmesbury Town v Petersfield Town/Verwood TownBashley v Baffins Milton RoversBemerton Heath Harlequins v Andover TownBournemouth v DowntonBrockenhurst v East Cowes Vics/New Milton TownCowes Sports/Horndean v Newport IoWFareham Town v ChristchurchHamble Club v Pewsey ValeHythe & Dibden v Ringwood TownPortland United v Fleet TownRomsey Town/Hamworthy United v Alresford Town/Laverstock & FordShaftesbury v AFC Stoneham/AltonTadley Calleva v AFC PortchesterTotton & Eling/Solent University v Andover New StreetUS Portsmouth v Folland SportsWhitchurch United v Fawley AFC/Lymington Town