‘It was a blessing in disguise playing top teams’ – Moneyfields Reserves top toughest Hampshire Premier League Cup group

Brandon Elliott scored for Moneyfields Reserves in their victory over Locks Heath that saw them top their HPL Supplementary Cup group. Picture: Dan @ JMA Media

Hampshire Premier League Division 1 Moneys beat Locks Heath 2-1 on Saturday to finish unbeaten group 6 winners and set up a last-16 meeting with AFC Netley.

Victory in their final group fixture ensured they finished above HPL Senior Division trio Hayling United, Fleetlands and Locks.

Knight insisted his side were placed in the toughest group in the whole competition.

But after finishing as winners of the four-team section – ending with three straight wins - he knows they can take immense confidence from showing they're a match for any team.

Knight said: 'It was probably the hardest group out of the whole groups that were involved. The three teams who were in our group were all finishing in the top five or six of the league above.

‘We knew it was going to be tough, I think the first three games were a bit rusty, but as soon as we got ourselves back into a rhythm we’ve managed to pick up some good points and finish top of the group so we’re really pleased.

‘It’s a blessing in disguise playing some of the top teams in our group because it gets us going straight away.

‘As we’ve got results and wins, it’s proved we can play the top teams in that league and get results.

‘It’s just about getting through the next round now, taking it game by game, and seeing how we do.'

Moneys' final group game with Locks was a shootout to finish in top spot.

First half goals from Fred Penfold and Brandon Elliott ensured it was Moneyfields who topped the section - and inflicted a first defeat in the competition on Heath.

Knight added: 'We’re really pleased with the results we got. Even against Locks Heath we made changes.

‘Some of the lads I felt needed minutes, I dropped a few key players, but the strength in the squad is up there and they got the result.

‘It was a great first half from the lads, they played the best football we’ve played in the whole competition.

‘It was quick and there was a real intent, you can move it side to side, but it was done quickly and right.

‘We know Netley are a good side, we’ve played them this season. Anyone left in it will be a good side so we’re looking forward to it.'

Lamin Jatta - now at AFC Portchester - struck a hat-trick when Moneys defeated Netley 5-3 in a HPL Division 1 contest last September.

That is one of 12 wins in 16 competitive games for Moneys’ second string in 2020/21, with the other four draws,

Since the start of 2019/20, the team have only lost twice in 37 competitive games - to higher division Colden Common in the HPL Cup and to Brading Town in the semi-final of the Hampshire Trophy prior to the first lockdown in March 2020.