2nd-placed Newport IW face Wessex Division 1 leaders New Milton Town at Beatrice Avenue this afternoon (Saturday). A win by a 3-goal margin would see the County Town club top the table after 3 games. Port – who have a 100% record in the 2 games they have played in the season to date – trail New Milton by 3 points but have 2 games in hand. Port co-manager Joe Butcher says of his side’s chances of topping the table at 17:00:
“I think Saturday will be a good game, New Milton are one of the sides I thought would be up there this year before a ball was kicked, and I’ve personally played with a couple of them. “I think it’ll be a good indicator of where we are at with the result of the game, but Marty and I are looking forward to it.”
Also in Wessex Division 1, 4th-placed East Cowes Vics travel across the Solent to play Totton & Eling. Like Newport, Vics have a 100% record in the 2 games they have played in the season to date. On Wednesday, the Victorians took all 3 points home across the Solent from their trip to Clanfield. Vics boss Alex Smith says of the win:
“We were delighted with the performance and result at Clanfield. We were excellent in the 1st half and controlled the game, playing the way we wanted to play. A great team goal and a moment of individual brilliance from Chappers gave us the 2-0 lead we deserved. “Clanfield made 5 changes at half time and were far stronger in the second half; we soaked up their pressure well and were pleased with the clean sheet.”
Alex says of his side’s chances of continuing their winning run at Miller’s Park in Totton:
“Totton & Eling will be a challenging place to go, and they’ve had a steady start to the season. “We’ve been working hard at training and are focussed on reaching higher levels of performance. “We’ll continue to try and click the pieces of the jigsaw together and improving week on week.”
In the Wessex Premier, Cowes Sports take on Hythe & Dibden at Westwood Park. The Yachtsmen are still seeking their 1st win in a competitive game this season. Cowes travelled to AFC Portchester on Tuesday, losing 7-1 to arguably the strongest side in the league. Manager Max Draper says of the defeat:
“It was a tough day out at Portchester. Although we were short of 7 key players that was no excuse for conceding 7. “Portchester have built a very good side. It’s the best side I’ve seen there for a long time, and they didn’t let up. “To be fair to them, if they maintain those standards, they will be a force that will be hard to stop this season.”
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The Yachtsmen will be going into the game determined to make up for the loss of 3 points midweek. Max says:
“We talked Thursday and have cleared the air and we welcome back some key players back for Saturday. McKie, Carter-Knight, Oatley, Hancott and Chase will all be back, and people know how important they are for us. “After Thursday’s session and meeting, it will be important we bounce back and kick start our season again, righting the wrongs of Tuesday. “The players know we owe a performance and that is the most important thing.”
In Harwoods Division 1, the game between Shanklin and AFC Wootton is off because Wootton are unable to raise a side. Last Saturday, Wootton were also unable to raise a side for their game against Vectis. This has led to speculation that the club may fold. AFC Wootton have said:
“To stop all the comments and speculation, yes, unfortunately we have had to cancel our game Saturday away to Shanklin Football Club.” “Unfortunately, the club is having some serious issues and although previously stated that we are not folding, conversations have been had regarding this possibility. “It’s not what anybody wants but having lost a substantial amount of players pre season and with a lot of unavailability due to holidays, work and summer sports, we have been unable to field a side.”
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 17th August
Wessex Premier Cowes Sports v Hythe & Dibden Division 1 Newport IW v New Milton Town Totton & Eling v East Cowes Vics
Isle of Wight football fixtures for Saturday 17th August
All games to kick off at 14:00 Harwoods Division 1 Bembridge v W & B Sports Brading Town v Cowes Sports Reserves Shanklin v AFC Wootton OFF Vectis v Northwood SJ. Ventnor v Binstead & COB Combination 1 Bembridge Reserves v West Wight Reserves Binstead & COB Rererves v W & B Sports Reserves East Cowes Sports Reserves v High Park Reserves Osborne Coburg Reserves v Shanklin Reserves
Evening fixtures for Tuesday 20th August
Division 1 Binstead & COB v Cowes Sports Reserves Brading Town v West Wight (19:00)
Evening fixtures for Wednesday 21st of August
Division 1 Ventnor v Bembridge Combination 1 Shanklin Reserves v Ventnor Reserves West Wight Reserves v Binstead & COB Reserves
