All change off the pitch at Denmead – as Fleetlands progress in Hampshire Premier League Cup

In their debut HPL campaign, Paul Goddard’s men were the only Division 1 side to reach the last four - only losing 1-0 to Senior Division heavyweights Bush Hill.

An 85th minute goal from Tommy Woodward gave Fleetlands victory at Front Lawn and earned them a second round trip to Senior Division rivals Clanfield.

‘It was a cracking game of local football,’ said Denmead chairman Howard Broad, who turned up to watch and ended up running the line.

‘We edged the first half, hit the post twice, and Fleetlands were stronger in the second half - they hit the bar twice.’

The Coptermen handed a debut to Phil Archbold, newly-signed from US Portsmouth.

Denmead now face a tough run - playing the only three teams above them in their next three games.

A trip to third-placed Silchester this Saturday is followed by a visit to leaders Moneyfields Reserves next Tuesday before another away game at Andover New Street Swifts.

Off the pitch, it’s been a busy time for Broad.

Following the resignations of secretary Simon Strickland and his wife Sharon, the club have made a host of appointments.

Emma Hewett is the new secretary, having previously take on a similar role at Horndean Hawks.

Club stalwart Brian Wood is the new vice chairman with Graham Excell, a qualified accountant, taking over as treasurer.

Policeman Anthony Churcher-Brown is the new child welfare officer, with Mark Gissing appointed as procurement officer and Gordon Lewis as IT officer.

Chris Pasila has taken on the role of events manager and Danny Hewett will be helping all the club’s managers - they have 19 teams - understand the Whole Game, Full Time and Matchday App systems.

Finally, another club stalwart - Mike Head - is the new football development manager.

He will be responsible for the youngster players when they join Denmead and oversee their early years development.

‘It’s been a hectic time,’ reported Broad. ‘There was only about 10 times between Simon and Sharon resigning and making all these new appointments.

‘Simon and Sharon did an absolutely amazing job for eight years, but they did so much and football eventually just took over their lives.

‘I completely understand why they decided to step down.

‘We couldn’t replicate what had gone on - it would have been too dangerous - so we’re spreading the workload out now.’

Denmead have come a long way since Broad took over as chairman over a decade ago.

Last season, their first in the HPL after leaving the Meon Valley Sunday League, was a big success.

They were top of Division 1 when the season was halted, and finished second behind Moneyfields Reserves on a points-per-game basis.

‘I would like to think the Wessex League is a long-term goal,’ said Broad.

‘But we have a long way to go before then.

‘The league we are in now is a good standard, and the one above is an even higher standard.

‘We have a little time to take stock and see how the team develops.’

Broad realises any Wessex dream would bring a change of ground.

Denmead are currently playing home games at Front Lawn, in Havant, as the club’s village base at King George V playing fields is not up to HPL standard.

Moving forward, the only realistic option in a bid to reach the Wessex League would be to groundshare - in the same way Clanfield, Infinity and Bush Hill have done.

‘They are the template to follow,’ said Broad.