In the only Wessex League game to be played on the Isle of Wight today, 6th-placed Newport take on 11th-placed Totton & Eling at Beatrice Avenue.
Port – who lie 2 points off the play off positions – are unbeaten in 8 league games since losing to AFC Fawley on 7th September. Newport have the 2nd best defensive record in their division having conceded 16 goals in 14 games.
Totton & Eling have the 3rd best defensive record in Division 1, having conceded 18 goals in 16 games, but lost their last game 0-6 to Frimley Green.
Newport co-manager Joe Butcher says of the game:
“I think it’s another tough game, they obviously had the best defensive record in the league until last week. A lot of their games seem to be decided by the odd goal. It came as a surprise to see them lose 6-0 last week.
“It’s another chance for us though to keep up the pressure on the playoff spots and continue to try and build a gap between us and the chasing pack while still having games in hand in the bank.
“However, you can’t turn up and think you’ve already won. If you don’t match the other team’s effort as a minimum you can lose.”
Also in Wessex Division 1, 4th-placed East Cowes Vics make the long journey to Berkshire to face 15th-place AFC Aldermaston.
Vics – who have the best points-per-game average in Division 1, together with the best defensive record, having conceded just 12 goals in 13 games – are without a win since overcoming Fairford Town in the FA Vase on 19th October.
Manager Alex Smith says of the Victorians’ prospects against the Atom Men:
“We’re very much looking forward to getting our league games in again. The Vase games were exciting and beneficial, but our last league points came on the 15th October, so it’s important to add to our tally.”
In the Wessex Premier, 12th-placed Cowes Sports travel to Somerset to play the side immediately below in the table: Wessex League newcomers Wincanton Town.
The Yachtsmen will be looking to return to good form after being comprehensively beaten by Stoneham in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.
Co-manager Ian Potts says of the game:
“The team are feeling all good and looking forward to our long trip to Wincanton Town.
“We are excited about going to a new club and ground. We have done our homework on them and had a good training session to prepare. The squad are hopefully ready to get a result.”
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 16th November
Wessex Premier
Wincanton Town v Cowes Sports
Division 1
AFC Aldermaston v East Cowes Victoria
Newport IW v Totton & Eling
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 16th November
Harwoods Division 1
Binstead & COB v West Wight
Cowes Sports Reserves v Vectis
Northwood SJ v Bembridge
Osborne Coburg v Shanklin
W&B Sports v Brading Town
Division 2
East Cowes Sports v High Park
Newport Reserves v Niton Community
Oakfield v Seaview
Combination 1
Brading Town Reserves v Northwood SJ Reserves
Sandown & Lake Reserves v East Cowes Sports Reserves
Ventnor Reserves v Shanklin Reserves
West Wight Reserves v Bembridge Reserves
Combination 2
High Park A v Ventnor A
Niton Community Reserves v Oakfield Reserves
Osborne Coburg A v Sandown & Lake A
Ryde Saints Reserves v West Wight A
Vectis Reserves v Newchurch Reserves
