The Isle of Wight’s sole Wessex Premier League representatives Cowes Sports face 2nd-placed Bemerton Heath Harlequins at Westwood Park today (Saturday).
On Tuesday, the Yachtsmen put in a very poor performance in their 0-2 defeat to United Services Portsmouth.
Cowes Sports assistant manager Andy Brown says:
“Having played 14 games in 7 weeks, it’s taking its toll and we looked extremely tired on Tuesday, being very flat and did not performing to the standards we have set ourselves.
“We have also been picking up injuries, reflecting upon our inconsistency. John Mckie is still a doubt, plus now Brandon Hayward and Conor White. However, we welcome back Ollie West and possibly Jimmy Mumford and Eli Ahmed.
“We have given the lads a rest this week with no training, to try and regain some recovery in preparation for Saturday.
“Bemerton are 2nd and on a great run looking for promotion, plus will be smarting from our 0-0 draw when we played at theirs early in December.
“Obviously, it’s going to be yet another very tough game, although we will all give it a good go and try and make up for Tuesday.”
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Bemerton manager Shaun Hale – who was born and grew up on the Island – is not crossing the Solent expecting an easy victory for his side, however.
Shaun told Island Echo:
“I’m expecting nothing but a tough game. There’s no easy games in this league.
“4 teams are left in the race for promotion this season, so it’s all to play for.”
In Wessex Division 1, leaders Newport travel to North Hampshire to face 15th-placed Whitchurch United.
The County Town club should be brimming with confidence after 2 wins in which they scored 8 goals over the previous week.
The Port are currently just 1 point clear of 2nd-placed New Milton Town but have 3 games in hand.
In other games affecting the top of the table, New Milton Town are away to bottom club Fleet Spurs and 3rd-placed Andover New Street travel to Verwood Town.
Also in Division 1, East Cowes Vics entertain 4th-placed Petersfield Town at Beatrice Avenue.
Vics are currently on a poor run of form having lost 3 successive games after their 7-game unbeaten run.
Vics are 16th, just 2 points and places above 3rd-from-bottom Ash United in the Wessex League drop zone.
Wessex League tables below:
Wessex League fixtures for Saturday 4th March
Premier Division
Cowes Sports v Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Division One
East Cowes Vics v Petersfield Town
Whitchurch United v Newport (IoW)
Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday 4th March
All Fixtures to Kick-Off at 14:00
The Island Echo Isle of Wight Challenge Cup 1st Round
Northwood St Johns v Oakfield
Ryde Saints v Cowes Sports Reserves
The Island Echo Isle of Wight Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Brading Town v Pan Community OFF
Sandown & Lake v West Wight
The Isle of Wight Memorial Cup sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
2nd Round
Shanklin v Vectis
Ventnor v Niton Community
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 1
Bembridge v ECS
Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Binstead & COB
Division 2
AFC Wootton v East Cowes Vics Reserves
Osborne Coburg v High Park
Seaview v Carisbrooke United
No Fixture: Newchurch; Yarmouth & Calbourne
Combination Division 1
ECS v Whitecroft & Barton Sports OFF
Vectis v Northwood St Johns
West Wight v Bembridge
No Fixture: Binstead & COB; Brading Town; Sandown & Lake; Shanklin:
Combination Division 2
Niton Community v Osborne Coburg
Pan Community v Newchurch OFF
No Fixture: AFC Wootton; Bembridge ‘A’; Ryde Saints; Ventnor:
