In possibly the only game likely to be played today by our Wessex League clubs (Saturday), Cowes Sports travel to Dorset to face Shaftesbury on their artificial pitch. Shaftesbury currently lie 2nd in the Wessex Premier and have strengthened their side this season with the signing of former Portsmouth player Brett Pitman from Portchester. Manager Max Draper says:
“We go into Saturday after a couple of weeks of rest due to the weather on the Island. It’s given the lads a chance to rest and get over some niggles and illnesses which is good. However, this can go the other way if we don’t approach the next 7-10 days with the right mindset and if we are not ready to compete at 110% again. “Shaftesbury is probably up there with one of the toughest places to go in Step 5 football. They’ve built a formidable team with a mix of experience from the leagues above and are a force to be reckoned with. It gives us a good chance to go there and show what we have learnt from the previous few weeks. “We know we can compete with the best teams in this league but we have to show a ruthless side that’s sometimes been lacking when its crunch time so that is our target for Saturday ‘ruthlessness’ in both boxes. “We welcome back George Colson from suspension but will look to mix things up from our last outing against Whitchurch. “Here’s to getting a game after a strange couple of weeks.”
In Wessex Division 1, 9th-placed East Cowes Vics take on 16th-placed Frimley Green at Beatrice Avenue (weather permitting). The game is subject to a 09:00 pitch inspection. UPDATE 09:30 East Cowes Vics v Frimley Green has been postponed due to concerns around player safety Manager Alex Smith says:
“I’m feeling hopeful of our chances of getting the game on, and Trev has got the pitch in great condition, but we won’t know for sure until tomorrow morning. “There are no easy games for us in this league. We give every game the same level of credit and preparation and as usual; we’ll have to be at our best to win. “We’ll be without Callum Chase and Alex Ram, who are away, and have obviously been a huge part of our defensive unit – so will be looking for others to take the lead. Charlie Marsek is working his way closer to fitness which is really pleasing.”
Also in Wessex Division 1, 17th-placed Newport travel to North Hampshire to face 2nd-from-bottom Andover Town. The Port are without a win in 7 games and will be looking to pick up their 1st 3 points since 9th September. Andover Town v Newport IoW is subject to a 09:00 pitch inspection. UPDATE: 09:00 Andover Town v Newport (IoW) has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
It was to be Hampshire Cup day for our Island League clubs with 12 sides in the 2nd round of their respective competitions. However, most games have already been postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 4th November
Wessex Premier Shaftesbury v Cowes Sports Wessex Division 1 East Cowes Victoria v Frimley Green OFF Andover Town v Newport (IoW) OFF
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 4th November
Isle of Hampshire Trophy Brading Town v United Services Portsmouth Reserves OFF Cowes Sports Reserves v Shanklin OFF Northwood St Johns v Clanfield Reserves OFF Sway v High Park Ventnor v East Cowes Victoria Athletic Development OFF Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Stockbridge OFF Hampshire Vase AFC Station v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves OFF Bembridge Reserves v Silchester Village OFF Folland Sports (A) v Sandown and Lake OFF North Warnborough v Osborne Coburg Osborne Coburg Reserves v Sandown and Lake Reserves OFF West Wight Reserves v Fordingbridge Turks OFF Harwoods Combination 1 ECS v Northwood St Johns OFF Shanklin v Ventnor OFF Vectis v Binstead & Cob
