Ex-US Portsmouth striker scores on debut as Meon Milton take another huge step towards Mid-Solent League title glory

Former US Portsmouth striker Dale Holmes celebrated his debut with a goal as Meon Milton took another big stride towards the Mid-Solent League Division 1 title.
Meon Milton, 2020/21. Back (from left): Bob Beckett (club representative), Chris Kreisz, Chris Foy, Dan Edwards, Aran Singh, Dale Holmes, Sam Fowler, Barry Jeans, Bickram Singh (manager), Bayley Whitcombe, Matt Hickley (secretary). Front: Dylan Futcher, Adam Beckett, Jagjit Singh, Lewis Fisher, Matteo Berogna, Andy Edwards, Dan Gedling. Picture: Allan HutchingsMeon Milton, 2020/21. Back (from left): Bob Beckett (club representative), Chris Kreisz, Chris Foy, Dan Edwards, Aran Singh, Dale Holmes, Sam Fowler, Barry Jeans, Bickram Singh (manager), Bayley Whitcombe, Matt Hickley (secretary). Front: Dylan Futcher, Adam Beckett, Jagjit Singh, Lewis Fisher, Matteo Berogna, Andy Edwards, Dan Gedling. Picture: Allan Hutchings
Meon Milton, 2020/21. Back (from left): Bob Beckett (club representative), Chris Kreisz, Chris Foy, Dan Edwards, Aran Singh, Dale Holmes, Sam Fowler, Barry Jeans, Bickram Singh (manager), Bayley Whitcombe, Matt Hickley (secretary). Front: Dylan Futcher, Adam Beckett, Jagjit Singh, Lewis Fisher, Matteo Berogna, Andy Edwards, Dan Gedling. Picture: Allan Hutchings

Holmes grabbed the opener in a 2-0 home victory over rock bottom Stubbington, with Jagjit Singh doubling the lead in the second half.

With Mob Albion losing 2-0 to Portchester Rovers, Bickram Singh’s side are now nine points clear at the top.

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If Mob win their remaining four games, Meon will need just four points from their last four games to be crowned champions. If Mob draw their re-match with Portchester next weekend, Milton will need just three points - and that’s if Rovers win their last three games.

Dale Holmes (yellow) pictured on his Meon Milton debut against Stubbington. Picture: Allan HutchingsDale Holmes (yellow) pictured on his Meon Milton debut against Stubbington. Picture: Allan Hutchings
Dale Holmes (yellow) pictured on his Meon Milton debut against Stubbington. Picture: Allan Hutchings

Without a game next Saturday, Meon return to action against FC Strawberry – now up to second after beating Burrfields 1-0 – on May 8.

Milton’s season is due to finish on May 22 with a double header - the only one in Division 1 since lockdown restrictions were eased - at Eastney Barracks against Portchester.

Boss Singh was unimpressed with Milton’s seventh win in eight Division 1 matches.

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‘The game wasn’t so good,’ he reported. ‘We didn’t play, we didn’t perform.

‘The pitch was rock hard, but no excuses - we just weren’t at the races.

‘We got the result, but we just didn’t do enough as a team - we always wanted to take one more touch.

‘We didn’t raise our game - we dropped our usual levels.’

Holmes was a regular scorer for US Portsmouth in Division 1 of the Wessex League around a decade ago, spending several seasons at the Victory Stadium. He was part of the squad that finished third in 2009/10.

‘He looks a good player,’ said Singh. ‘I’ve been looking for a centre forward all season.’