UPDATE: Newport’s game against Andover Town has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The Yachtsmen will be battling to save their Wessex Premier League status when they travel to 8th-placed Christchurch on Saturday.
Cowes Sports are currently just 3 points above Blackfield & Langley, who occupy the 2nd-from-bottom relegation spot.
The Isle of Wight’s sole Wessex Premier League representatives have been bolstered by the return of Henry West from East Cowes Vics and the Jimmy Mumford from long-term injury.
Assistant manager Andy Brown says:
“We only have 5 league fixtures remaining, and it’s a tough run in. All fixtures have to be treated like a cup final, with vital points required in maintaining the gap between us and those below in the relegation zone.
“Our run-in starts with an away game vs Christchurch, who are on a great run, having won 8 of the last 9 games. We, however, only lost marginally at home and missed some golden opportunities to get 3 points, so have to be confident of getting something from the game.
“We will be missing some key players for this fixture, however. We also hopefully welcome back Fin Phillips (who scored against our opponents earlier in the season), Jimmy Mumford from a long-term injury, plus new signing Henry West. Henry, I think, is a great acquisition and will give us some qualities we have been missing.”
Article continues below this advertisement
In Wessex Division 1, 16th-placed East Cowes Vics face 2nd-placed New Milton Town at Beatrice Avenue.
Vics appear to have eased their relegation fears after beating the side immediately below them in the table – Ringwood Town – midweek. The East Cowes side are now 7 points above Amesbury Town, who currently occupy the 3rd-from-bottom relegation spot.
Vics manager Alex Smith has said:
“We certainly wouldn’t be favourites for the game on Saturday: New Milton will be a very tough test. With that being said, our results at home against the league’s top sides have been positive overall, and we’ll fancy our chances of causing an upset.”
UPDATE: Newport’s game against Andover Town has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
In the Wessex Division 1 promotion battle, 3rd-placed Newport travel to North Hampshire to face Andover Town.
The Port were unable to play midweek, when their game away to Fleetlands was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Last Saturday, the County Town club secured 3 points with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Amesbury Town. A win this Saturday would see the Port go within 1 point of leaders Andover New Street if other results go their way.
Also at the top of the Division 1 table, Andover New Street face a difficult away tie at 5th-placed Petersfield Town.
Wessex League tables below:
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 25th March
Premier Division
Christchurch v Cowes Sports
Division One
Andover Town v Newport IOW OFF
East Cowes Vics v New Milton Town
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 25th March 2023
All Fixtures to Kick-Off at 14:00
The Isle of Wight Memorial Cup sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
3rd Round
Brading Town v Cowes Sports Reserves
The Isle of Wight Memorial Cup sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
4th Round
West Wight v Shanklin
The Ken Morris IOW Junior ‘A’ Cup Semi-Final
Ventnor v ECS Reserves
Harwoods Renault Saturday League Division 1
Vectis v Bembridge
Binstead & COB v Northwood St Johns
ECS v Sandown & Lake
Pan Community v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Ryde Saints v Oakfield
Harwoods Renault Saturday League Division 2
High Park v Niton Community
Yarmouth & Calbourne v Osborne Coburg
No Fixture: AFC Wootton; Carisbrooke United; East Cowes Vics Reserves; Newchurch; Seaview.
Harwoods Renault Saturday League Combination Division 1
Northwood St Johns v Vectis
Sandown & Lake v Brading Town
Shanklin v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
No Fixture: Bembridge; Binstead & COB; West Wight.
