Bels in Hampshire Cup

BELS are the latest club to confirm that they will take part in a county cup next season.

The news follows Vale Rec who during the week announced that they had been accepted to enter the Somerset Senior Cup.

The recently reformed Guernsey Athletics are also in the process of entering in the Hampshire Cup while St Martin's are also keen on playing in the more prestigious FA Vase.

It was understood that Bels were looking to join the Dorset Cup, but yesterday they confirmed that they were going to take part in the Hampshire Cup.

The first round is on Saturday 5 September.

'It's absolutely fantastic news,' said Bels' new coach Ian Champion.

'I think most clubs are looking to be involved in an off-island tournament. It's really great news for Bels.

'It provides football to the boys at a standard that they don't normally play at.'

It was also confirmed yesterday that Tom Strawbridge (pictured) had left Sylvans to join St Martin's.

The defender is part of the Guernsey squad that is taking part in the Island Games football competition in Aland at the end of the month.

It is the first big move of what has so far been a quiet June transfer window.