The 4 Isle of Wight teams who have battled through to the last 8 of their respective Hampshire cup competitions all have difficult opposition to face if they are to make it through to the semis.
In the Hampshire trophy, current holders Brading Town play Gosport side Fleetlands, who currently lie in 6th place in the Hampshire Premier League.
Romans’ manager Steve Lawton said:
“I’m pleased to get a home draw, but once you get to the latter stages you know you’re going to play a good side. We played Locks Heath from the same division in the first round, and they were a very good side. I came up against Fleetlands quite a few times as a player and they are a very well-run club playing in a very strong league. We as a club are very much looking forward to the game.”
Last season’s Hampshire Trophy finalists, Shanklin, who are currently unbeaten in the Isle of Wight League, play north Hampshire side Stockbridge, who are 4th in the Hampshire Premier at the time of publication.
Shanklin manager Paul Haward has told Island Echo:
“We are pleased to get a home draw at this stage of the competition, I feel it gives us a slight advantage. We don’t know too much about the opposition but being at the quarter final stage we expect a very tough game, but at the same time myself and the lads are confident ahead of the game.”
In the Hampshire Vase, Wootton have been drawn away to difficult opponents – St Francis – who play in the Southampton Saturday League. St Francis have already knocked out 2 strong Island sides – W&B Reserves and Shanklin Reserves – on their way to the quarter finals.
Wootton manager Dan Partridge said:
“It’s a tough draw, especially away from home but we don’t expect an easy tie at this stage, so we will go there full of belief. I trust in my lads to go out there, give everything they have, and hopefully we can get the job done. It’s exciting times at the club, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Also in the Hampshire Vase, Isle of Wight Division 2 leaders Pan Community have been drawn away to Bournemouth Saturday League side, Bisterne United.
Pan manager John Sivier said:
“Bisterne United are another very good team, who remain unbeaten so far this season. The 3 previous teams have all been at the top of their leagues, so we will approach this game in the same way as the rest. We believe in ourselves and feel that we have a good chance to get to the final as we have a strong squad that never give up and believe in themselves.”
The Hampshire Vase and Trophy games are scheduled for 5th February.
Teams from Isle of Wight Division 1 are eligible to play in the Hampshire Trophy and Division 2 and reserve sides compete in the Hampshire Vase.
