NMO co-founder speaks of positivity ahead of the 2025 In-Excess Cup Final against M.A. Hart Bournemouth Football League’s New Forest Rangers at Hurn Bridge Sports Club

New Milton-based NMO men’s team will compete in their first-ever cup final next week, taking on New Forest Rangers in the 2025 In-Excess Cup Final at the home of Christchurch FC, Hurn Bridge Sports Club.

NMO coaches Paul Cole and Tom Boreham led NMO to their highest-ever points tally, and this year, after a penalty-shootout victory over NMO’s biggest rivals, AFC Burton, they secured the side’s first final.

The upcoming winner-takes-all finale is a welcome relief to the NMO family, which has endured a torrid time recently.

“This final has given the Oranges something to feel positive about at last,” said NMO co-founder Darryl Stevens. “The NMO Ladies had a cup final a few seasons back, but this season, they struggled to recruit new players and lost three players before pre-season. Five more had left after two games and lost a player to a long suspension, meaning the team did not survive.

“With the loss of co-founder Shell Stevens and the uncertainty over the health of NMO legend Matt Hillyar, the final has finally given us something to cheer.

“When NMO started joined the M.A. Hart Bournemouth Football League in 2016, after forming in 2013, the league secretary Mandy Forbes said I’d have to wear a suit if we ever reach a final – I won’t be doing that, though!”

NMO head into the match as heavy underdogs after facing New Forest Rangers twice this season and losing on both occasions.