Horndean and Fareham take contrasting approach to Hampshire Senior Cup changes – but both progress

Deans boss Michael Birmingham made eight changes for his side’s first round tip to Wessex Premier rivals Brockenhurst.

But Fareham manager Graham Rix made just two for the Reds’ home tie against Combined Counties League newcomers Alton at Cams Alders.

Connor Duffin, Rob Taw and Eddie Wakley were the only Deans survivors from their miserable FA Cup showing at Baffins at the weekend.

Keeper Logan O’Donnell, just 16, was handed his competitive debut while there were first starts of the season for Tommy Scutt, Tom Jeffes, Tommy Patterson, Ethan Gee and Brandon Miller.

It was Duffin who grabbed both goals in the Deans’ 2-1 win in the New Forest.

He opened the scoring in the 10th minute and later netted an 83rd minute decider after being set up by Zak Willett.

‘It was a good competitive game played in the right spirit,’ said Birmingham.

‘We needed to freshen things up and I was pleased with how the boys performed.

‘They have done themselves a lot of favours.

‘Last Saturday is done and dealt with, I can’t live in the past - I’m not a Manchester United fan!

‘We move on, and it was good to get a reaction. I can only speak highly of their attitudes.’

Calum Benfield grabbed the only goal as Rix enjoyed his first win as Fareham boss since replacing Pete Stiles.

The only changes he made to the side beaten 2-1 at Blackfield in the FA Cup was a recall for Casey Bartlett-Scott and a first competitive start for Morris Dench.

Dench, a midfielder, has been promoted from Fareham’s under-23s and came off the bench at Blackfield.

Benfield was on hand to tuck away the rebound on 51 minutes after Charlie Cooper had cut inside and seen a shot blocked.

Benfield had a chance to double the lead, but saw a penalty saved.

‘I was pleased,’ said Rix. ‘We put in a fantastic shift and got a great reaction after Saturday’s disappointing defeat.

‘We deserved to win if I’m being honest, but we needed that second goal to help us relax. While it’s 1-0, there’s always a doubt.’

Fareham have now kept three clean sheets in six games this season, with two coming in the Hampshire Senior Cup – they won 1-0 at Romsey in a preliminary round tie.

Horndean now travel to Southern League new boys Bashley in the second round.

As for Fareham, their reward is a trip to two divisions higher Winchester City.