The 2 biggest clubs in Isle of Wight football – Cowes Sports and Newport – face off tonight (Friday) in the final of the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes.
Cowes Sports have Wessex Premier status. Newport, however – despite playing in the division below – are still the favourites of many to lift the trophy.
The Port have history on their side. The County Town club have won the Gold Cup 42 times in the post-war period as opposed to just 12 wins for Cowes. Last Season, Newport beat Cowes 4-1 in the final despite conceding an early goal.
Can Cowes take local bragging rights by beating their greatest local rivals?
Cowes Sports’ assistant manager Andy Brown says:
“Newport have a strong experienced squad and have had a great season plus are very unfortunate not to have gained promotion for the 2nd year running. We respect them and probably go into final as underdogs in some peoples eyes (even though we are playing in the Premier Division).
“We are a young side who are improving all the time and in confident mood. Our aim is to cap this season off having finished strongly – winning premier league status again – by adding winning the Gold Cup.”
For Newport, Chairman Peter Westhorpe has said:
“Gold Cup finals are always a close affair and this year should be no different. Hopefully, the match will be a good game for those spectators watching. After a long hard season both clubs will be looking to finish on a high and win the trophy.”
Kick off for the Gold Cup final is at 19:30.
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 6th May
Games to kick off at 14:00 unless otherwise shown
Division 1:
Brading Town v Northwood St Johns (ko 13:30)
Cowes Sports Reserves v West Wight (ko 13:00)
ECS v Sandown & Lake
Ryde Saints v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Combination 1:
Brading Town v Shanklin (ko 15:45)
Northwood St Johns v West Wight
Sandown & Lake v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Fixtures courtesy of IOW DFA
