CITY OF SOUTHAMPTON YOUTH LEAGUE U/16 - Sunday 28 Oct 2007

Division 4 side Phoenix Rangers enjoyed their trip to Wellow to face Calmore Rangers, placed a division higher. After going ahead early in the game, they weathered the storm well as Calmore played some attractive football but without creating many clear-cut opportunities to equalise. The equaliser finally came though, only for Phoenix to break quickly and regain the lead. Calmore's pressure again paid-off with a second equaliser and, with time running out, extra-time looked likely, but Phoenix showed their commitment by hitting back straight from the kick-off to net the winner. Their captain played a key role in the victory with a tireless performance and encouragement to his team-mates.

The weekend certainly wasn’t upset free. Nowhere was this shown more than when unbeaten Division 4 side Burridge travelled to Division 1 side Salisbury City. The plucky Burridge outfit fought hard right to the end and were able to cause the biggest upset of the cup beating Salisbury 3-2 and advancing with one of the favourites crashing out at the second hurdle. Fellow Division 4 side Wyvern also caused an upset in a close fought match with Division 2 side Alresford Town. The match that could have gone either way eventually came out in favour of the underdogs as they triumphed 4-3. Upsets however where convincingly avoided by Division 1 sides Eastleigh and Eastleigh Spitfires. Eastleigh were very impressive as they thrashed Division 3 side Hamble United 28-1. Likewise Eastleigh Spitfires also put their name into the hat for the next round beating Townhill Emperors 12-1.

Away from the cup normal business was being carried out by Division 1 leaders AFC Totton A. This week they travelled to VT in hope they would continue their 100% start to the season. The always impressive Totton outfit won 6-2 to put them 5 points clear at the top of the league.

The only fixture in Division 2 saw Titchfield United go within 3 points of league leaders AFC Totton B. They overcame a tricky fixture with Littleton in the end coming out 3-2 winners.

Division 3 has new leaders as Portswood United capitalised on a game in hand in quite some fashion. Portswood beat league strugglers Chamberlayne 9-1 and with the goals scored they top the league on goal difference.

Division 4 saw the Cherbourg Derby as Cherbourg A met Cherbourg B. Cherbourg B were again disappointing though and ended up on the wrong end of a 6-0 loss. The result puts Cherbourg A 2nd in the league and will meet 1st place Burridge next week, still buzzing following their cup triumphs. Bitterne also joined the top 5, now separated by just 2 points, as they overcame Hythe Strikers 3-2.