Frome Town opened their Southern League Premier South campaign with a 2-0 victory against Wimborne Town at the Special Effect Stadium on Saturday. Archie Ferris proved pivotal for the hosts, scoring in each half to secure all three points for manager Danny Greaves’ side. Despite a promising start from Wimborne, including early attempts by Lewis Williams and Sam Roberts, Frome took the lead seven minutes before halftime when Ferris headed in a cross from Albie Hopkins. The striker added a second goal in the 71st minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by Wimborne. Goalkeeper Kyle Phillips was named Man of the Match after a series of key saves, though Wimborne was unable to find a reply.
Evesham also began their season successfully, defeating Basingstoke 4-2 away from home. While Basingstoke created several early chances through Tom Blake and Jeremiah Okine-Peters, it was Evesham who broke the deadlock late in the first half. Kai Churchley and Brandon Liggett scored in quick succession to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. Churchley completed a hat-trick in the second half, adding two more goals as Basingstoke struggled to penetrate Evesham’s defence. The hosts managed to pull back two consolation goals in stoppage time, including a long-range finish by debutant Joe Lewis-Evans and a tight-angle strike from Aleks Kokoszka, but Evesham held on for the win.
Chertsey Town claimed a 1-0 victory at Gloucester City’s KMM Energy Stadium, spoiling the home side’s season opener. Despite chances at either end, the only goal came midway through the second half when Joe Grant netted with a precise left-footed strike. Gloucester City’s goalkeeper Jared Thompson made several saves, but was unable to prevent Grant’s goal. Substitute Ethan Dunbar nearly equalized late on but was narrowly denied, allowing Chertsey to secure the three points.
Berkhamsted recorded a 2-0 home win over Havant, with both goals coming via set-piece situations. Jonathan Lacey opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before halftime after James Gurteen was fouled inside the box. Lacey then assisted Luke Andrews’ close-range finish early in the second half to put the game beyond reach. Although Havant threatened with several crosses late on, Berkhamsted’s defence and goalkeeper Hubert Gracyk effectively managed the closing stages.
Hanworth Villa marked their debut campaign in the Southern League Premier South with a 2-0 home win over Taunton Town. Michael Harding and Ethan Light each scored, with Harding opening the scoring in the 34th minute after a penalty area scramble. The visitors were reduced to ten men following the sending off of Dan Koita, which shifted momentum further in Hanworth Villa’s favor. Despite some chances for Taunton, the home side maintained control throughout.
Poole Town began their season strongly, earning a 2-1 victory against Chichester City at Oaklands Park. The visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute following an indirect free-kick awarded after an errant back pass, with Charlie Davis scoring the resulting shot. Poole doubled their advantage minutes later through Ezio Touray, who converted a pass from Ik Hill. Chichester reduced the deficit with a late header from Joseph Clarke but were unable to mount further pressure as Poole’s goalkeeper Adam Parkes kept a clean sheet.
The opening day fixtures across the Southern League Premier South demonstrated competitive intensity, setting the tone for the new season.