2 Wessex League games are being played on the Isle of Wight today (Saturday): Cowes Sports take on Blackfield & Langley at Westwood Park and Newport face Whitchurch United at Beatrice Avenue.
The Yachtsmen have have won, drawn and lost in their 3 league games in the season to date. A win against Blackfield & Langley would suggest the Westwood Park outfit are on course for a top half of the table finish in the Wessex Premier.
Blackfield & Langley have been winless in their 3 games so far. Their team is likely to incude former Newport favourite Ryan Hughes,
Manager Max Draper says of his side’s prospects:
“Another big match this Saturday against Blackfield. This always seems to be a high-scoring game, so our first target will be to remain solid defensively and then to impose ourselves on the game.
“I’m not a big believer in people looking at the tables right now. Teams are gelling at this time of year, so we approach every game with the attitude that we are underdogs.
“Jordan Cook picked up a knock last night so will probably be missing this weekend which is a shame as he has been a real bonus this season. But we go into it in a good mindset and are improving week on week, so we hope we can bring the points home.”
In Wessex Divison 1, Newport face North Hampshire side Whitchurch United, who lost 2-6 to Cowes Sports in the Wessex League Cup midweek.
The Port picked up their 1st win at Beatrice Avenue against Ash United a fortnight ago and will be seeking to double their points tally with a 2nd successive home league victory.
Newport Chairman John Davies says:
“After a couple of tricky cup ties, it’s back to our bread and butter this weekend with a home game against a team that in all probability will be in or around us come the end of the season, so it’s important we take advantage of being at home and secure points.
“We hope to have a couple of players back and a couple of new faces just to give the squad some depth and the manager more options. It’s the start of an important week with trips to Clanfield and Cove to follow, so a real chance to get some confidence through positive results.”
Also in Wessex Division 1, East Cowes Vics travel to Downton in Wiltshire.
Vics have made the most positive start of any of the Isle of Wight Wessex League sides with a 100 percent record in the 3 games they have played in the season to date,
However, Downton – currently occupying 2nd spot in the table – are likely to prove a tougher test than any of the East Cowes side’s previous opponents.
Manager Alex Smith says:
“We’re excited for a great test against Downton, who we know are an excellent side. They’re one of the biggest contenders for promotion this year for sure, and it’ll be a good opportunity for us to play such a strong side at this point in the season.
“We, of course, look forward to welcoming back Cal and Yak (Callum Chase and Jacob Reynolds) but will unfortunately be without Raff (Rafferty Boyd-Kerr),who begins his suspension. We have a couple more making their way back towards full fitness and will hopefully welcome them back into the first-team squad over the coming weeks.”
In the Island League, leaders Whitecroft & Barton Sports face 2nd-placed Cowes Sports Reserves at Sandy Lane. Both teams have a 100 percent record in the 4 games they have played.
The 1st Saturday in September also sees the start of the Island Combination Leagues season.
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 2nd September
Premier Division:
Cowes Sports v Blackfield & Langley
Division One:
Downton v East Cowes Victoria
Newport (IoW) v Whitchurch United
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 2nd September
Games to kick off at 14:00 unless otherwise stated
Harwoods Renault Division 1
Binstead & Cob v Northwood St Johns
Brading Town v Bembridge
Shanklin v High Park
Ventnor v Vectis (13:00)
West Wight v ECS
Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Cowes Sports Reserves (15:00)
Division 2
Newchurch v Ryde Saints (13:00)
Osborne Coburg v Seaview (13:00)
AFC Wootton v Niton
Combination 1
Bembridge v ECS
Osborne Coburg v Brading Town (15:00)
Sandown and Lake v West Wight
Vectis v Northwood St Johns
Ventnor v Shanklin (15:00)
Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Binstead & Cob (13:00)
Combination 2
High Park FC v AFC Wootton
Newchurch v Niton (16:00)
Seaview v Bembridge ‘A’
Ventnor ‘A’ v West Wight ‘A’
It would be nice to mention East Cowes Vics Development in your write ups, as the Hampshire Combination / league always goes un-noticed along with the Hampshire Development Under 18s league with both Cowes and Vics participating in.