All 3 Isle of Wight Wessex League teams – East Cowes Vics, Cowes Sports and Newport – are in FA Vase action this afternoon (Saturday).
East Cowes Vics – the only Island side to be drawn at home – play Wessex Premier Premier Division outfit Brockenhurst at Beatrice Avenue.
Vics – unbeaten in all competitions in the season to date – will be seeking a 5th successive victory.
Alex Smith has said of the midweek Hampshire Senior Cup win away to Lymington Town:
“I was delighted with the way we delivered a very complete performance during the 1st half on Wednesday, completely dominating the game. The 2nd half, we took our foot of the gas a little but still had the game well under control. Especially pleasing, considering we rotated out a number of regular starters for a rest before Saturday.”
Alex sees Brockenhurst – who play one step above Vics in the league pyramid – as favourites to win the FA Vase tie.
However, the Vics manager is still hopeful Vics can reach the next round of the competition, saying:
“If we can continue to play well then we are more than capable of causing an upset. Unfortunately, Cal (Callum Chase) and Yak (Jacob Reynolds) will miss out through extremely harsh suspensions following the Ringwood game – a game which was played in good spirits with very, very few fouls but a game in which cards were brandished with a flourish.
Article continues below this advertisement “I’m fortunate to have been able to watch Brockenhurst this season, so we’ll be well prepared and look to prove our strength in depth.”
Cowes Sports have been handed the most difficult draw – away to probably the Wessex League’s strongest side AFC Portchester.
The Yachtsmen began their season with 2 defeats but have now gone 3 games unbeaten; Portchester have won 5 of the 6 games they have played in the season to date.
Cowes Sports manager Max Draper says:
“We look forward to Saturday’s game like any other. We have had some cracking draws in the cups this season already and would love for that to continue.
“We are under no illusion that in many peoples eyes we are the underdogs, and we are playing a team bang in form and probably one of the favourites, but we will do everything in our power to put in a performance we are proud of and who knows where that will take us.
“We are building week by week and gelling as a team. Anybody who has watched us since the opening day would agree. Now, it’s about building confidence and consistency as well as adding that clinical aspect to our game.
“Here’s to another great game and a week ahead where we should get some players back available.”
Newport have also had a difficult draw – away to Combined Counties Premier South side Alton.
The Port have won just 1 of their 4 games to date in all competitions. Alton have similar record with s a win, a draw and 2 defeats.
Newport Football Club Chair John Davies has said of the tie:
“It will be a difficult task for a squad missing a few key faces due to unavailability, and the fact the game is being played on an artificial surface.
“Alton have had a solid start to their league campaign and beat Ringwood away in midweek, but it’s cup football; Newport are playing well despite the results and with a great team spirit.
“We will give it a go and see what happens.”
Any Newport supporters wishing to travel with other fans and the team have been advised to catch the 12:05 Red Jet from Cowes.
Isle of Wight Wessex League club fixtures
Saturday 26th August
Isuzu FA Vase:
Alton v Newport
East Cowes Vics v Brockenhurst
Portchester v Cowes Sports
Wednesday 30th August
Velocity Wessex League Cup:
Whitchurch v Cowes Sports
Harwoods Renault Saturday League fixtures for Saturday 26th August
Division 1:
Bembridge v Shanklin
Binstead & COB v Ventnor
Cowes Sports Reserves v Northwood
ECS v Whitecroft and Barton Sports
Vectis v Brading Town
West Wight v High Park
Division 2:
Newchurch v Niton
Oakfield v Sandown and Lake
Osborne Coburg v Wootton
Seaview v Newport Reserves
