East Cowes Vics play their biggest game for some years at Beatrice Avenue against top-of-the-table New Milton Town this afternoon (Saturday).
New Milton are currently 12 points ahead of Vics in the Wessex Division 1 table, but the East Cowes side have 4 games in hand over the league leaders.
Victory for the visitors would see the mainland side go 15 points clear of their Island opponents, making the chances of their being caught by Vics highly unlikely. However, victory for the Victorians would narrow the gap to 9 points.
Taking maximum points from their games in hand would then put Vics 3 points above New Milton.
Only 1 team is automatically promoted to the Wessex Premier, with the 4 teams below competing in the playoffs.
The Victorians are on a run of excellent league form, having won 7 successive games since losing to Follands back in December. Vics also have by far the best defensive record in their division, having conceded just 21 goals in 23 games.
However, New Milton are a formidable side, who have gone unbeaten since the end of August when they were defeated 4-5 by Frimley Green. Last Saturday, NMT were uncharacteristically held to a draw by 2nd-from-bottom Whitchurch United.
Vics manager Alex Smith is keeping his cards very close to his chest with regards to this crucial fixture, telling Island Echo:
“We’re all looking forward to the game and the opportunity it brings to affect the way the table looks. It’s one we’ve had our eyes on for a while.”
With no other Wessex League games being played on the Isle of Wight and New Milton bringing travelling support, a bumper crowd of over 200 can be expected.
Also in Wessex Division 1, 6th-placed Newport IW travel to Westleigh Park to face 9th-placed Clanfield.
Port are 5 points below the playoff places but have a game in hand on Hamworthy United, the team above them in the table.
Newport co-manager Joe Butcher says of his side’s chances:
“It’s a big game for us. Clanfield are in the chasing pack, and I think a win for us probably sees them off the top 10. A win for them and they are in the chase.
“We train every week on a 4g (artificial) pitch, so it should suit us.
“We have still got plenty of injury issues, but we’ll be heading there wanting to bring 3 points back.”
On Newport’s prospects of reaching the playoffs, ‘Butch’ says:
“Our next few games will tell if we stay in the mix. We need to win Saturday, then we have Fleetlands and Hamworthy to play at home.
“But Fleetlands have it in their hands with the games in hand.”
On Vics’ chances of overcoming New Milton Town, Butch believes:
“It’s a tough one that. Vics are going well, but New Milton haven’t lost in around 20 league games.
“I think if New Milton win, Vics’ title challenge becomes very difficult. Some big players for Vics have been injured in recent games too.
“My gut says NMT will be too strong. They keep strengthening with players from 2 leagues higher.
“But Vics – on their day with their best team out – can definitely push them all the way.
“It’ll probably be a game of fine margins like Vics’ cup game (against Portchester) recently.”
Wessex Division 1 table (top 10) below:
In the Wessex Premier, the Yachtsmen travel to the Isle of Portland for a “battle of the Islands” contest.
Cowes Sports currently occupy 14th spot in the table, with Portland United 2 places below.
Co-manager Ian Potts says of the game:
“We are excited about the trip. In the past, it has been a venue which we haven’t found to be successful for us, but we are aiming to change that this weekend.
“The lads have worked hard in the week and feel prepared for the challenge. Although results may suggest they are not in great form, make no mistake, the new manager (Kyle Critchell) has benefited Portland, and they have suffered very narrow defeats against top sides in the league.
“We are expecting a tough physical battle, and we are well aware of the quality and threats they possess. We are looking to build on a hard working performance last week against Stoneham and add some attacking quality.”
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 15th February…
Wessex Premier
Portland United v Cowes Sports
Division 1
Clanfield v Newport IW
East Cowes Victoria v New Milton Town
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 15th February…
Challenge Cup
West Wight v W & B Sports
Memorial Cup
Niton Community v Vectis
Harwoods Division 1
Binstead & COB v Northwood SJ
Cowes Sports Reserves v Ventnor
Osborne Coburg v Brading Town
Shanklin v Bembridge
Division 2
Newport Reserves v Seaview
Oakfield v Sandown & Lake
Ryde Saints v East Cowes Sports
Combination 1
Northwood SJ Reserves v Bembridge Reserves
Sandown & Lake Reserves v High Park Reserves
Ventnor Reserves v West Wight Reserves
Combination 2
Bembridge A v Sandown & Lake A
High Park A v West Wight A
Newchurch Reserves v Osborne Coburg A
Vectis Reserves v Niton Community Reserves
