Struggling East Cowes Vics are set to entertain near neighbours, high-flying Newport, at Beatrice Avenue on Monday (27th December) in a game overshadowed by the Port’s off field woes.
Newport have been given 30 days’ notice to quit their current home of Smallbrook Stadium by co-tenants Ryde Saints. It is understood approaches have been made to East Cowes Vics to share their Beatrice Avenue ground, but that Vics are unlikely to accommodate their local rivals.
Vics manager Richie Woodburn said:
“[Newport’s] main focus should be on developing their new ground which is due for completion apparently within 6 months or so. Not looking for another temporary home at this late stage!
“We have accommodated requests from Newport when possible, allowing them to play a recent midweek home fixture at ours and reversing the upcoming Xmas Derby due to the inadequate floodlight situation currently at Smallbrook. With our reserves now firmly established, we would find it impossible to fully accommodate Newport’s requirements on no more than a match-by-match basis that does not compromise our own commitments.”
Newport’s difficulties have created disquiet within their squad. One senior player said:
“It’s been 5 years of bullshit. Should never have left St George’s under the terms agreed, and those who were involved should be ashamed.”
However, Richie believes the off-field difficulties are more likely to galvanize his opponents than dishearten them.
As for the game itself, Vics will be without 2 key players – Liam Newbold and Jamie Wright – who are both suspended. A third 1st team regular – Ollie West – will face a fitness test before the game.
With Newport 3rd in Wessex League 1 and joint top scorers with 71 goals from just 21 games, on paper, form would suggest an easy win for the Port. However, Richie does not expect his side to meekly concede to the promotion challengers. He said:
“I’ve played in many derbies. League form goes out the window in such games. I want us to give them a game and I want it to be competitive. A win for us is unlikely, but it can happen.”
Kick off for Newport v East Cowes Vics at Beatrice Avenue is at the earlier time of 14:00. A large crowd is expected for the game, so those wishing to attend are advised to come some time before the start.
On Tuesday (28th December), 15th-placed Cowes Sports play 10th-placed Moneyfields.
The Portsmouth-based side, who withdrew from the Southern League at the start of this season, will be difficult opponents, as Cowes discovered when they lost the corresponding fixture 4-0 in August. However, assistant manager, Alex Smith, is confident the Yachtsmen can give a good account of themselves. Alex said:
“We’re excited for it. We had a really tough game against them in the season opener, and I personally thought they were outstanding, so I have been a little surprised to see them slip up on a few occasions. They’ll climb the table once they’ve played all their games in hand.
“With that being said, we’ll always fancy ourselves at home; we’ve got a good fan base, create a top atmosphere and have some wrongs to right after a lacklustre second half at US Portsmouth last week. We’ll play on the front foot and look to finish the year on a high.
“We’re a very young group, me and Max included, and our approach is very different to the previous managers at the club. To some, the way we work is ‘risky’: we take calculated risks in the way we play and in team selections. The game model that we’re still working on embedding is very different to what’s been asked of the players before. We’re working hard on developing leaders within the group after many senior players stepping down over the last couple of seasons. They’re learning all the time, as are me and Max.
“So far, with the points we have on the board, I’d say there’s evidence to suggest we’re heading in the right direction, with lots of work still to do of course.”
Tuesday’s game kicks off at Westwood Park at the usual time of 15:00.
