Wessex round-up: Former Winchester City boss Ian Saunders takes sole charge at AFC Portchester

He takes sole charge in place of ex-Pompey boss and former Arsenal and England star Graham Rix, who has left the club by mutual consent.

Saunders, appointed as Rix’s right-hand man in March, took over the running of the side towards the end of last season when Rix took time out following a heart attack.

Rix had been at the Royals’ helm since being appointed head coach in February 2013.

A statement issued by chairman Paul Kelly read: “We would like to place on record our appreciation for Graham’s hard work as manager and what he has brought to the club behind the scenes, along with the memories he has given the club and its fans that they will always carry with them.

“Graham is a very popular figure here at AFC Portchester and he will be welcomed back at the club at any time.

“We would like to wish him all the best for the future.”

Saunders’ first game in sole charge ended in a 3-0 win over struggling Team Solent at Wicor Rec.

Goals by Steve Ramsey, Joe Bye and Joe Noakes chalked the first points on the board for Portchester, who had lost their opening two league fixtures to Alresford and Horndean.

After a season of struggle in the Southern One Central, relegated Petersfield Town have finally savoured league victory again.

Saturday’s 4-1 win over Amesbury Town secured their first three-point haul since November 2016.

Harry Giles, Joe Boxall, Luke Walker and Marcus Bedford were on target as new Rams boss Jim Macey got the better of his former club at Love Lane.

Amesbury, who had led through Harry Beckley, tweeted: “Not the performance we know we can produce today. One-nil up half-time and just didn't want it enough! Fair play to @PTFCTheRams.”

*SEVENTEEN-year-old Joel Jackson went from ecstasy to agony for Baffins Milton Rovers.

Having plundered a hat-trick in Baffins’ 3-2 home win over Fareham Town, the young striker broke his wrist in an accidental collision with Fareham goalkeeper Luke Douglas.

From trailing 2-0, Fareham pulled themselves back on terms through Sammy Kessack and a Simon Woods penalty.

But Baffins' teenage sensation Jackson made sure of all three points by completing his treble eight minutes from time.

“His injury is a major blow to him and us,” admitted BMR boss Louis Bell whose third-placed side host Alresford Town this evening (Tuesday) in the Sydenhams Premier.

*EDDIE Hodge’s double ensured Hamworthy United maintained their unbeaten start to the Sydenhams Premier season with a 4-1 win over Newport IW at The County Ground.

Hodge opened the scoring in the first half before the Islanders hit back through Josh Younie.

Further goals from Hodge, Edgar Zanin and Jamie Filkins took the Hammers to second in the embryonic league table ahead of tonight’s (Tuesday) trip to Bemerton Heath Harlequins, who lost 4-2 at Hamble Club.

Fit-again Sam Wilson (2), Brad Magookin and Nathan Lynch found the target for the merry Monks, who travel to Petersfield Town this evening (Tuesday).

Newport’s neighbours Cowes Sports picked up a useful point at home to reigning champions Portland United.

Gareth Bricknell’s late leveller clinched a 1-1 draw for Cowes who had trailed to Lewis Clarke’s opener.

Portland tonight host Lymington Town who had a Ross Bottomley-induced own goal to thank for their 1-0 win at Shafesbury.

Lymo have welcomed in new signings Manny Soetan and Owen Fee, both of whom have previously played for the club.

*BASHLEY took to the skies to reach the second round of the Hampshire FA Senior Cup.

The Foresters flew to Guernsey for their first-round tie which ended in a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Northerners AC.

Bash did it the hard way, falling behind to Scott Bougourd goal and only getting back into it six minutes from time when Lewis Ross converted a penalty after being upended in the box.

Their late winner arrived when Lewis Aimson crossed from the left by-line for the rampant Ross to slide the ball under the keeper.

Bash will travel to the winners of the Tadley Calleva versus Cowes Sports tie.