Hampshire Premier League nostalgia – Fleetlands bidding for first league derby win against Paulsgrove for almost five years

Fleetlands tonight bid for their first Hampshire Premier League derby win over Paulsgrove for almost five years.
Paulsgrove's Ben Vassallo, left, and Perry Easton of Fleetlands in Hampshire Trophy action in October 2019. 
Picture: Keith WoodlandPaulsgrove's Ben Vassallo, left, and Perry Easton of Fleetlands in Hampshire Trophy action in October 2019. 
Picture: Keith Woodland
Paulsgrove's Ben Vassallo, left, and Perry Easton of Fleetlands in Hampshire Trophy action in October 2019. Picture: Keith Woodland

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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Based on recent meetings, goals are virtually guaranteed at Marsden Lane tonight - and the referee could be kept busy as well.

Jimmy Hird (blue) in action for Paulsgrove during their 4-2 Hampshire Premier League win at Fleetlands in February 2020 - the last time the clubs met. Picture: Chris MoorhouseJimmy Hird (blue) in action for Paulsgrove during their 4-2 Hampshire Premier League win at Fleetlands in February 2020 - the last time the clubs met. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Jimmy Hird (blue) in action for Paulsgrove during their 4-2 Hampshire Premier League win at Fleetlands in February 2020 - the last time the clubs met. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

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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In 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).

Tommy Woodward scores direct from a free-kick for Fleetlands against former club Paulsgrove in October 2019.
Picture: Keith WoodlandTommy Woodward scores direct from a free-kick for Fleetlands against former club Paulsgrove in October 2019.
Picture: Keith Woodland
Tommy Woodward scores direct from a free-kick for Fleetlands against former club Paulsgrove in October 2019. Picture: Keith Woodland

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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Fleetlands 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.

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