Ambitious Denmead record highest ever Hampshire Premier League win

Denmead on the attack against Michelmersh. Picture: Keith Woodland

And they also have two huge cup games against higher division opposition to look forward to which, if they were to win, would send seismic shocks throughout the local non-league community.

Paul Goddard’s side maintained their red hot home form on a cold day at the weekend by thrashing Michelmersh 7-0.

That made it five straight league wins on the 3G surface at Front Lawn, and they remain just three points behind second-placed Andover New Street Swifts.

Denmead keeper Prad Bains gathers the ball. Picture: Keith Woodland

In addition, Denmead are the only second tier side left in the HPL Cup at the semi-final stage - they face Bush Hill in the last four at Locks Heath next month.

They are also due to meet either Gosport Borough or Moneyfields in the quarter finals of the Portsmouth Senior Cup.

Not bad for a club who have spent the last few years playing in the Meon Valley Sunday League!

‘We didn’t really know what to expect this season,’ said boss Paul Goddard.

Denmead's Jack Arend, right, against Michelmersh. Picture: Keith Woodland

‘The boys are holding their own, though.

‘It’s been a venture into the unknown, but because of how we’ve done so far we thought it was only right to apply to go up.

‘If it doesn’t materialise this season then at least we’ve embedded ourselves.’

Ryan Harrison fired Denmead ahead against Michelmersh on 12 minutes, with recent arrival Kieran Hammond doubling the lead by half-time.

Lewis Crook, left, in action for Denmead against Michelmersh. Picture: Keith Woodland

‘It was fairly even early on,’ reported Goddard, ‘but it was one-way traffic in the second half. We could have had double figures.’

Captain Steve Field struck twice from central midfield, with Jack Brewer grabbing his first goal of the season and top scorer Danny Lucas notching his 13th.

Hammond completed Denmead’s biggest win of their HPL career three minutes from time.

That enabled them to leapfrog above Broughton into fourth place as the latter were held 1-1 at home by second bottom AFC Petersfield.

Denmead score again during their 7-0 win against Michelmersh. Picture: Keith Woodland

No date has yet been set for Gosport’s delayed Portsmouth Senior Cup tie with holders Moneyfields.

It would suit Denmead better if Lee Molyneaux’s Borough were their last eight opponents.

Secretary Simon Strickland explained: ‘We play at Front Lawn and the 3G pitch is fully booked in midweek.

‘That means if we have to play Moneyfields we’ll have to switch the tie to their place.

‘Gosport train at Front Lawn on a Thursday, so we’re hoping if they win we can nick their time slot and play them then!’