Now the attention switches back to the league, with another difficult away challenge waiting at a Sholing side currently sitting 15th with seven points from their opening six matches.

The Boatmen began the campaign with defeat against Bath City before recording an impressive 1-0 away victory over Poole Town. A draw against Hanwell followed, before defeats against Chertsey, Bracknell and then a return to winning ways against Gosport Borough.

They have also progressed in the FA Cup, beating Andover New Street 2-0, although a much-changed side exited the Hampshire Senior Cup in midweek with a 2-0 defeat to Moneyfields.

There is plenty of experience within the Sholing ranks. Sam Magri has established himself at the heart of the Boatmen defence since joining in October 2025, while the Mason brothers provide two very different forms of experience.

Byron Mason has made more than 725 appearances for Sholing and captains the side, having lifted more than a dozen trophies during his long association with the club.

Younger brother Daniel is the club’s all-time leading scorer after surpassing 283 goals and remains a major attacking threat.

Then there is Michael Folivi, a forward whose career has taken him from a professional contract at Watford and a Premier League appearance against Stoke City to extensive experience across the Football League, National League and National League South.