Cowes Sports face 2nd placed Hamble Club at the Zilch Waste Stadium (Westwood Park) in the Wessex Premier in the only competitive fixture on the Isle of Wight this afternoon (Saturday).
The Monks are 9 games unbeaten in the Wessex Premier since losing 2-4 to Fareham back in September. The Yachtsmen have been consistently inconsistent over recent games, winning 0-3 last Saturday at United Services Portsmouth after being thrashed 8-0 by Wincanton at the end of November.
Co-manager Ian Potts says of his side’s chances:
“The lads put in a really brilliant performance to get a good result against a solid team last week, so the squad are looking forward to testing themselves against one of the in form teams at the moment.
“The mood in the camp is happy and everyone is confident. We are looking to put another strong performance in and hopefully get a result going into the festive season.
“We would like to thank all our committee, volunteers, sponsors and supporters a wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
In Wessex Division 1, 5th-placed Newport travel to 10th-placed Lymington Town.
Newport thrashed Lymington 5-1 in the corresponding fixture at Beatrice Avenue on the opening day of the season. Port are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run.
Lymington are an improved side since the start of the season, winning 2-4 against East Cowes Vics on their 2nd visit to Beatrice Avenue.
Port co-manager Joe Butcher says of his side’s prospects today:
“Lymington are a difficult team to play – very young and hungry. Our quality going forward beat them last time, but they match you up man for man and attack in numbers. Even after the first game, I said to the boys that isn’t a bad side and will get results. Which they are now starting to get.”
When asked whether Port can remain in the playoff positions and possibly even catch leaders New Milton, Joe said:
“It’s nice to be in the top 5 – obviously, it’s in our hand to stay there Saturday. New Milton were my favourites at the start of the season, so it doesn’t surprise me to see them at the top. I think you’d have to have an unbelievable run to catch them, and they would need to have some more off days.”
Also in Wessex Division 1, 6th-placed East Cowes Victoria travel to 17th-placed Folland Sports.
East Cowes Vics have been in indifferent form of late, losing their last 2 games away to Frimley Green and Fleetlands and dropping out of the playoff positions.
However, Vics still have the best defensive record in their division and games in hand on all the teams above.
Manager Alex Smith says of the fixture:
“We’re determined to get back on track. It’s been a tricky spell for us with regard to league performances, and we’re very much aware of how important Saturday is.”
There are no Isle of Wight league or cup games today. The Isle of Wight football season returns on 4th January in the new year.
