The British Army Men’s team’s inaugural match in the Hampshire Senior Cup ended in success at Squirrel Lane on Tuesday evening.

Wessex League Division One side Cove FC were the excellent hosts as two second half goals were the difference for the Army to secure a 2-0 victory and a home draw versus Southampton in the 2nd Round, date and kick off time to be confirmed. A pleasing first camp for new Head Coach Al Brown (RE)

Army: Jordan Brookes (REME), Clay Bryant (REME), Craig Stevenson © (RE), Dec Shuttleworth (REME), Zach Crawford (Infantry), Franklin Fitzmaurice (RE), Cam Storrie (REME), Jamie Turner (R Sigs), Jack Maunder (Infantry), Ryan Fagan (RE), Greg Peel (REME) Subs: Bryn Beange (REME), Lee McCombie (RE), Danny Constable (REME), Daniel Kodi (AGC), Felix Norman (GK) (RE)

New Under 23 Head Coach Keith Emmerson enjoyed a positive opening camp too based on the south coast. RLC’s Buster Reed scored the only goal of the game as United Services Portsmouth were defeated.

Concluding on an enjoyable opening the RAPTC man said, “As the Head Coach I am immensely impressed and proud of the dedication and application of the 30 footballers who attended the camp. Their commitment, discipline and willingness to learn has been remarkable. Witnessing their hard work and determination on the pitch reinforces my belief in their potential. It’s truly inspiring to see such passion, character and resilience in such a young group of footballers”.

U23: Pocklington (RAC), Force (REME), Reynolds (RE), Cooledge (RAC), Thompson © (R Sigs), Watts (REME), Leighton (RAC), England (OCDT), Reed (RLC), Crone (RLC), Coker (AAC) Subs: Haslam (GK) (RE), Nicholson (Infantry), Smith (Infantry), Smith (RLC), Hamilton-Taylor (RE)