| Full name | Fair Oak Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1918 | ||
| Dissolved | 2012 | ||
| Ground | Lapstone Park, Fair Oak | ||
Fair Oak F.C. were a long running amateur football club based in Fair Oak, a large village located near Eastleigh in Hampshire, England.
In existence for 94 years, the club and were long standing members of the Southampton League before progressing on to the Hampshire League 2004.
Fair Oak F.C. were founded in 1918 and initially played friendly fixtures before joining the Eastleigh & District League.
In 1955 they switched to the larger Southampton League, where they enjoyed a meteoric rise - gaining successive promotions from Junior Division 4 to Senior Division 1, winning three titles along the way. In 1960, they reached the Southampton Senior Cup final at The Dell, Southampton, but missed out on a memorable double after losing a thrilling match 1–2 against Old Edwardians (after extra time). [1]
Fair Oak remained a steady force during the Sixties. After again winning the Senior Division 1 title in 1969, they were promoted to the Premier Division, where then twice finished runners-up. However, they were relegated in 1975, and would not return to the top-flight until 1986. [2]
The Nineties saw Fair Oak's fortunes take off as they were league champions three seasons running, and in 1994 reached the Southampton Senior Cup final at The Dell. As underdogs, they faced Hampshire League side Colden Common and drew 1-1, but narrowly lost the replay 0–1. [3] Unfortunately, during this time the club were without a permanent home ground and were ineligible for promotion.
In 1996 Fair Oak returned to the village when a new sports facility at Lapstone Park was opened, and after a series of steady mid-table positions, they became founder members of the Hampshire League 2004. [4]
Fair Oak would play in the competition for eight seasons, finishing runners-up in 2010, but a decline in fortunes saw them fold two years later [5] - just six years away from their centenary.
Fair Oak F.C. played at Lapstone Park, Pavilion Close, Fair Oak, Hampshire, SO50 7PS. [8]
The venue is owned by Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council, and very much remains in use tody. It has a large car park, three football pitches and a large multipurpose pavilion. [9]
It is also home to the successful Fair Oak Cricket Club. [10]
Fair Oak had many fine players during their long history, most notably stalwart Harry May, who gave over 50 years devoted service. [11]
Fair Oak had a number of local rivals including Bishopstoke, Eastleigh Comrades and Capital (formerly known as Eastleigh Boys Club OB's).
For many years they played in exile at Stoneham Lane in Eastleigh and enjoyed a long running rivalry with landlords BTC Southampton.
