January Lockdown
With the announcement on the 4th of January of a national lockdown, not only will the Southern League remain "paused", but all other football activities involving Sholing teams & use of the ground will halt as well. All U23 & youth team football is suspended and Saturday soccer schools are cancelled until at least when the lockdown is partially or fully lifted. All we can do now is follow the rules, stay at home where you can and please stay safe.
Management & Coaching Staff Changes
Sholing 0-2 Torquay United
The Boatmen's historic run in the FA Cup came to an end at the hands of the National League leaders, in a game that turned on the officials decisions, more than the perceived gap in class. Sholing matched Torquay for long periods, created some decent chances, but were dealt a cruel blow on the stroke of half time when the linesman gave a soft penalty, which was scored. Boatmen continued to play well in atrocious conditions in the 2nd half.], but a defensive mistake on 75 mins handed Torquay the killer second. A minute later, Dan Mason's powerful header appeared to be blocked on the line with the help of a hand, but nothing was given. Sholing can be very proud of their performance and if we had a bit more luck, it might have been a different result - Match Report & Photos
Sholing 1-0 Lymington Town
Boatmen won and retained the Russell Cotes Cup, lifting silverware in October for what must be the first time. Dan Mason got the only goal, knocking in a corner at the far post in a keenly fought game. Sholing had the better of the chances, with Dan Miller heading against the bar and the Lymo keeper pulling off good saves to deny Byron, D-Dan & Sawyer. Lymington had more pressure in the second half, working some good shooting chances, but majority of their final efforts were off target, although they did hit the outside of the post very late on - Match Report
Sholing 5-2 Walton Casuals
Boatmen created club history by reaching the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round for the first time after a stunning game of football at the Mackoy Stadium. A first half that took 98 minutes to complete after 2 floodlight failures, saw Stu Green put us in front, capitalising on a weak back pass, before Walton hit back with 2 goals to go in front, before Stu Green again was sharp to take advantage after good work by Byron. Then the lights went out, came on, then went out again, before the final 2 mins of the half were played out, with both teams agreeing to switch straight around to start to the second half. What a half it was to be for Sholing, with Charlie Wagstaffe scoring his first for the club, after striding into the box and stroking the ball home. Then after Green had been tripped, Dan Mason blasted in a penalty, before Brad Targett burst down the left channel and slotted past the keeper. It was a brilliant game of attacking football by both sides, but a great shift by all the Sholing players and will live long in the memory! The draw will take place on Thursday for the 4th Qualifying Round - Match Report & Video Highlights
Home game guidance for fans
In line with the latest Government instructions, face masks must be worn inside the clubhouse on matchdays and the Saturday morning breakfast club. Orders for food & drink will be taken from the tables, but orders can also be placed via the outside hatch. Also, a QR code will be available to scan at the turnstile for the NHS Covid19 App. The rest of the advice is as before, please social distance inside the ground & waiting at the turnstile, sanitise your hands, pay by contactless terminals & 1 in 1 out system for the toilets. Our home games are limited to a capacity of 400, which we expect will be enough to cope with usual demand, but if we reach that figure, the turnstiles will have to close. Full details & our Covid Documents can be viewed here
