4 Isle of Wight sides – Brading, Shanklin, Pan and Wroxall – have battled their way through to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Cup competitions.
In the Hampshire Trophy, Shanklin – last season’s beaten finalists – cross the Solent to face Portsmouth side Meon Milton of the Mid Solent League. Shanklin manager Paul Haward says:
“On the Meon Milton game, from what I have seen, they score a lot of goals and are having a good run in both the Hants cup and their own domestic cup. It’s a semi-final, and we know we will have to play well to progress to the final, but we are playing well and I’m confident we can win the game.”
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In the Hampshire Vase, Isle of Wight Division 2 leaders Pan Community face Mob Albion – also from the mid-Solent League – at Downside. Pan are hoping for a large crowd of supporters to cheer them on in their efforts to reach the final. Pan co-manager John Sivier says:
“This is a massive game for the lads, so let’s get as many people down to cheer the lads on in the bid to reach the final.”
In the Hampshire Plate, Wroxall take on Renegades on home turf. Wroxall – currently bottom of Isle of Wight Division 2 – have had a lucky path to the semi-final, having a bye in the 1st round, a walkover in the 2nd, and winning their semi-final on penalties. Wroxall’s Charlie Ball said:
“I’m optimistic. Anything could happen. Mainland sides have more money and therefore play on better pitches. They have never played on a pitch like ours.”
Hampshire Trophy holders Brading Town were to have played Stoneham Reserves at the Peter Henry ground, but unfortunately the game has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
In Wessex League games …
In the Wessex Premier, Cowes Sports – currently 16th – face a difficult tie away to league leaders Hamworthy United. The Yachtsmen were beaten 0-2 by the Hammers at Westwood Park last Saturday. Manager Max Draper says:
“This is another good test for us in going forward. We are beginning to look at different players in different positions for the coming months, with thoughts turning to how we can develop further of the next few years.
“We, as always, will have to make a few changes through injuries, suspensions and illness, but will do our best to give another good account of ourselves against the top side in the league.”
In Wessex Division 1, the Port – currently lying in 4th place – face the side immediately below them in the league table: Andover Town. Sides from 2nd to 5th are eligible for a play-off place this season.
On Wednesday (March 2nd) Newport had their Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup game against Oakfield postponed.
Also in Division 1, East Cowes Vics have a winnable game against Whitchurch United at Beatrice Avenue. Manager Richie Woodburn says:
“Whitchurch were fortunate to get a draw at theirs with the last kick of the game, and the lads are keen to rectify what felt like a loss at the time. Both sides have only won once since the turn of the year, so both sides will see this as an opportunity to collect the all-important 3 points.”
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 5th March 2022
Premier Division:
Hamworthy United v Cowes Sports
Division 1:
East Cowes Vics v Whitchurch United
Newport IoW v Andover Town
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 5th March 2022
All Fixtures to Kick-Off at 14:00 unless otherwise shown
Hampshire FA Saturday Trophy Semi-Finals
Brading Town 1st P-P AFC Stoneham Reserves
Meon Milton 1st v Shanklin 1st
Hampshire FA Saturday Vase Semi-Final
Pan Community 1st v MOB Albion 1st
Hampshire FA Saturday Plate Semi-Final
Wroxall v Renegades 1st
Isle of Wight 1st Irish Rifles Memorial Cup -Third Round
Sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
Carisbrooke United v West Wight
Cowes Sports Reserves v Northwood St Johns
East Cowes Sports v Vectis
High Park v Ryde Saints
Niton Community v Sandown & Lake
The Ken Morris IOW Junior ‘A’ Cup – 3rd round
Northwood St Johns Reserves v Shanklin Reserves
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 1
Binstead & COB v Oakfield
Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Bembridge (13.30)
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 2
Adgestone v Ventnor
Seaview v Newchurch
Yarmouth & Calbourne v Osborne Coburg
No Fixture: AFC Wootton; East Cowes Vics;
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Combination Division 1
Ryde Saints v Osborne Coburg
Sandown & Lake v Bembridge
West Wight v Brading Town
Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Oakfield (15.45)
No Fixture: Binstead & COB
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Combination Division 2
Bembridge ‘A’ v AFC Wootton
Newchurch v Ventnor
Vectis v East Cowes Sports
No Fixture: Carisbrooke United; Pan Community
Fixtures courtesy of IoW DFA
