Bemerton Heath Harlequins make history with Southern League promotion

From next season it will compete in the Southern League. 

The club has made history - it is the first time since its formation that the club has achieved Step 4 status. 

Bemmy finished second in the Wessex League Premier Division on 95 points - just three points behind league champions Horndean. 

Club secretary Ian Saunders said: "It is genuinely the best feeling in the world. It has been a tough and long season both on and off the pitch, but that feeling at the final whistle on Tuesday was one of both relief and pure joy."

We apologise for the lack of tweets today, but where do we start? Firstly we wanted to say thankyou to everyone who has sent messages, we hope to answer them all

We would like to congratulate @Horndean_FC on their first but absolutely deserved Premier Division title 👏🏼👏🏼(1/3)

— BHHFC (@BemertonHeathFC) April 26, 2023

Next season will be a challenge for the club - not only the higher level of football, but also the travelling and the financial aspects of the non-league game, but Ian said the club is determined to embrace the opportunity and try to ensure it maintains its Step 4 status this time next year.

"Anything more than that would be a huge bonus", he said.

The club congratulated manager Shaun Hale and his staff for the huge amounts of time and dedication that they have put into the club over the past couple of seasons - the reward for their efforts is Step 4 football

Ian added: "The players have been magnificent all year. We lost a couple of our experienced players early in the season to clubs already at Step 4 and then we lost our striker Ronan Clancy with a broken leg, but the group really pulled together, especially in the last three months, to deservedly earn their place in our club history AND earn the right to test themselves at the next level.

"A huge thanks must go to the Chairman Steve Slade, our fantastic committee and to everyone that works tirelessly behind the scenes. Their support, often unnoticed, has been a huge part of our club's success over the past two seasons.

"Finally we wanted to t say that the performances and togetherness since January were all in the loving memory of our recently passed club legend and former Vice Chairman, Clive ‘Leo’ Leonard.  He was one of the main driving forces behind everyone and a true pillar for all things Bemerton. We hope we have made him proud.

"If anyone in the area is looking to help support our fantastic community-basedthe  club as we embark  into unknown footballing territory, please get in touch with club via email at bhhfcsec@gmail.com."