Isle of Wight Divisions 1 and 2 are set to kick off at 14:00 this Saturday.
Are you sick of overpaid prima donnas play acting in the Premiership? Unable to afford the ferry fare plus entrance at St Mary’s Stadium or Fratton Park? Or are you a Spurs fan angered by the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich?
Fortunately, you are still able to get your football fix right here on the Isle of Wight. And entrance is either completely free of charge or costs no more than a couple of quid.
Why not watch local men you can relate to play for passion and pride? All Isle of Wight towns – bar (sadly) Yarmouth – have 1 or more teams, as do a fair few villages. All would be glad of your custom and support.
In Division 1 this Saturday, Isle of Wight champions Shanklin take on Binstead at the Molehill. Last year’s runners up and Island Echo Challenge Cup holders W&B play newly-promoted High Park at Steyne Park in what is likely to be a feisty encounter.
In Division 2, promotion favourites Osborne Coburg were to take on Carisbrooke United at Clatterford Rec, but unfortunately Carisbrooke are unable to raise a side. Newly-formed Newport Reserves play their 1st ever fixture in Division 2 against Newchurch at Watery Lane.
Island Echo aims to provide the most comprehensive media coverage of Isle of Wight League football in the 2023/24 season.
In the only Wessex League game to be played on the Isle of Wight this Saturday, East Cowes Vics will attempt to maintain their 100 per cent record in the season to date for the visit of Verwood Town.
Vics won their opening game at Beatrice Avenue against Millbrook on Tuesday thanks to goals from Josh Neale and Charlie Marsek. Their Dorset opponents lost their opening game 0-4 to Alresford Town, following which they were held to a 1-1 draw by Totton & Eling.
Manager Alex Smith says:
“We go into Saturday’s game full of confidence after our 2nd half performance against Millbrook and importantly learnt some great lessons from the 1st half.
“The opportunity to address our areas to improve is an exciting one, and we’re confident we can push on from Tuesday’s solid start to the season.”
In the Wessex Premier, Cowes Sports will hope to rectify their poor start to the season at Brockenhurst.
Last Saturday, the Yachtsmen went down to a 2-4 defeat to Southern League Melksham in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. On Tuesday, the Isle of Wight’s sole Wessex Premier League representatives were comprehensively beaten 1-4 at Westwood Park by Baffins Milton Rovers.
Can the Island’s highest ranking side chalk up their 1st win of the season in the New Forest? The Badgers are undefeated in the season to date, having beaten Fleet Town 6-4 in the FA Cup last Saturday, before which they were held to a goalless draw by Baffins at the start of the month.
Newport – who are something of an unknown quantity this season – play their opening Wessex Division 1 fixture away to top-of-the-league Downton in Wiltshire.
The Port lost most of their 1st team squad to Cowes and Vics during the close season. However, the County Town club are believed to be able to call on the services of several players from National League Eastleigh’s Development Squad – names yet to be announced.
Opponents Downton began their league campaign by trouncing Wessex newcomers Aldermaston 6-1, following which they beat New Milton Town 1-3.
The Port also face Totton & Eling at Beatrice Avenue on Wednesday (16th August). Kick off is at 19:45.
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 12th August
Premier Division
Brockenhurst v Cowes Sports
Division 1:
Downton v Newport (IoW)
East Cowes Victoria v Verwood Town
Wessex League fixture for Wednesday 16th August
Division 1:
Newport (IoW) v Totton & Eling
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 12th August
All games to kick off at 14:00
Division 1:
Bembridge v ECS
Binstead & Cob v Shanklin
Cowes Sports Reserves v Brading Town
High Park v Whitecroft & Barton
Ventnor v Northwood St Johns
West Wight v Vectis
Division 2:
Newchurch v Newport Res
Oakfield v AFC Wootton
Ryde Saints v Niton
Seaview v Sandown and Lake
Isle of Wight fixtures for Tuesday 15th August
All fixtures to kick off at 18:00 unless otherwise shown
Division 1
Cowes Sports Reserves v Shanklin
Ventnor v Whitecroft & Barton
Isle of Wight fixtures for Wednesday 16th August
Division 1:
Bembridge v Northwood St Johns
ECS v Vectis
High Park v Brading Town
West Wight v Binstead & Cob (19:00)
Division 2
Ryde Saints v Sandown and Lake
