The most prestigious game in the Isle of Wight football calendar – the Senior (Gold) Cup final – is scheduled for next Tuesday (10th May).
The final, to be held at Beatrice Avenue, home of East Cowes Vics , will see traditionally the 2 strongest sides in Island football, Cowes and Newport, lock horns.
Current holders Newport have won the Gold Cup 40 times in post-war seasons and Cowes Sports 11 times. The competition was last held in 2019 when Port beat W&B 6-1 at Beatrice Avenue. The Yachtsmen held the cup in 2018 after beating West Wight at St George’s Park.
Island Echo asked Island managers their opinions on the likely destination of the Gold Cup.
Newport co-manager Stewart Shepherd said:
“We are looking forward to Tuesday’s Gold Cup final against Cowes. Obviously, we are playing against the Island’s premier side, so this will be a great test for our lads. I’m sure they will be up for the challenge, and they will be giving their best shot at hopefully lifting the gold cup.
“We will be approaching this game in the same way as we have done all season in a positive, attacking way. Then, we can all look forward to a few weeks off and then start preparing for the new season ahead which will come round in no time.”
East Cowes Vics manager Richard Woodburn has said:
“I think it’s tough to call. Cowes have played against higher quality opposition all season and will have a point to prove that they are the islands top side, while Newport have that winning mentality and will be motivated to end their season on a high after their promotion disappointment. So, it’s perfectly poised! For me, the old adage of defenders win leagues, strikers win cups [rings true] and Newport have more.”
Shanklin manager Paul Haward says:
“It’s a tricky one. I think it will be a tight game, but I think Newport will edge it.”
Cowes Sports are currently the Isle of Wight’s senior side, playing in Wessex Premier: the league above Newport. Cowes manager Max Draper apparently relishes the idea that some see Newport as “favourites” for the final as this will provide his players with motivation to perform.
Fixtures for Saturday 7th May
The 1st Irish Rifles Isle of Wight Memorial Cup
Sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
Semi-Final
Bembridge v Shanklin
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 1
Niton Community v Brading Town
Ryde Saints v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Fixture for Tuesday 10th May
Harwoods DACIA Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup Final
Newport IOW v Cowes Sports
at East Cowes Vics FC, kick-off 19:30
Fixtures for Wednesday 11th May
All Fixtures to Kick-Off at 18:00 unless floodlighting is used
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 1
Ryde Saints v Brading Town
Shanklin v Whitecroft & Barton Sports
