Michelmersh & Timsbury turned in an heroic performance in the Southampton FA Veterans Cup final but eventually lost 1-2 against a vastly experienced AFC Stoneham side on Tuesday evening.

The ‘Marsh had done extremely well to reach this prestigious final, and their appearance certainly made a refreshing change in a competition so often dominated by the big guns. A crowd of over 200 gathered at Romsey Town, many of which were hoping to see a massive cup shock and their hopes were raised further when M&T took an early lead after the alert Scott Croucher capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score. As expected, league champions and cup holders Stoneham responded strongly with a sustained spell of pressure, but the underdogs continued to frustrate them with goalkeeper Pete Allison making some crucial saves. Eventually, however, a deflected shot saw parity restored before the interval. 

Stoneham, who fielded many experienced Wessex League campaigners including Winchester City manager Craig Davis continued to enjoy the majority of play during the second half, but Michelmersh continued to stubbornly hold firm with centre backs Stuart Curtis and Jon Cook both in excellent form. The game looked set to end all square, until the 82nd minute when a corner was skilfully turned into the net at the near post. Michelmersh refused to give in and in an exciting finale, they threw everyone forward, but Stoneham just managed to hold on to secure a narrow victory. The game had been an entertaining and well contested affair and very well controlled by local referee Colin Morris. 

On Wednesday evening (May 8) Braishfield are due to play Crofton Saints in the Southampton Senior League Cup final. They go into the match as underdogs against the Premier Division champions who have already twice beaten earlier this season. The match is being played at AFC Totton with a 7:30pm kick off and Braishfield are appealing for plenty of support in their quest to cause an upset.

Back row, left to right: Alex Rowsell, Stuart Curtis, Adam Sherman, Scott Croucher, Simon Higgins, Tim Pragnell and Phil Cranston. 
Front row, left to right:Gavin Hodder, Will Baggs, Pete Beeching, Pete Allison, Jon Cook, Lloyd Fleming and Tim Mellhuish