“Going into the game, we obviously had our sights firmly set on the win. “With losing Liam Newbold to a knock and Jordan Chapman to illness, the squad had already been somewhat shuffled, especially with Rafferty Boyd-Kerr and Harrison Yates being away and Aedan Coode still injured – we knew it would be a challenging evening at a place where they’d won their last 6 at home. “We started brightly and had the best of the majority of the 1st half; a couple of great opportunities went begging. Clanfield grew into the game and whilst we still had our own strong spells in the 2nd half, Clanfield had a number of big chances, which could have led to goals on another day. “We got plenty of bodies between ball and goal, and made some unbelievable blocks and tackles to keep the clean sheet intact – as well as one particular outstanding save from Alex Ram to tip a looping effort onto and over the bar. We rallied superbly, knowing it was more important not to lose than it was to win and we move on to a huge game v Alresford at home on Saturday. “Man-of-the-match went to Callum Chase, who marshalled the troops excellently, finding himself, as usual, in the thick of the key moments in our box, winning key headers and tackles throughout.”
COWES SPORTS v W&B SENIOR (GOLD CUP) QUARTER FINAL POSTPONED
The Gold Cup quarter final between Cowes Sports and W&B – due to take place this evening (Tuesday) – has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. 
“For the avoidance of doubt, here is an email sent by the IWFA Secretary this morning regarding the postponement of tonight’s game. “W&B FC have subsequently requested a pitch inspection by a qualified referee and this has just taken place. “The result confirms that the pitch is unplayable, and the correct decision was made.”
The Isle of Wight Divisional Football Association Secretary had written:
“I am as annoyed as everyone else is that this game has had to be called off, but we need to look at the bigger picture. “I had to make a decision and – after looking at the the state of the pitch on the photos – used my judgment and agreed that the pitch was unfit to play on. I decided we were only delaying the inevitable as it was not going to improve. “The IOW DFA has to be fair to Cowes Sports FC as well as Vics and Brading, for whom we rely on to host cup finals every year by ensuring one of our matches does not do lasting damage to their pitch. “We are also mindful of the need to ensure all concerned are made aware, as quickly as possible, that the game will not be played. “I asked that all quarter final matches are played by the 8th of March 2024, but there is always slippage. “The re-arranged game will now be played on Tuesday the 12th of March 2024. “Hopefully, this will now bring an end to the unwarranted comments circulating on Social Media.”
The IOW DFA Chairman Geoff Ruck added:
“Cowes have let a referee inspect the pitch this evening. “In the view of the referee, the game should not have gone ahead as the area in front of the stand (in particular ) is unplayable.”
