Cowes Sports play their 2nd game of the season against fellow Wessex Premier outfit Laverstock & Ford in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup today. The Yachtsmen drew their opening Wessex Premier fixture away to Fareham Town on Tuesday evening. Manager Max Draper said of the point won:
“Against Fareham, we were exactly where we thought we would be. They were sharp, dynamic and play their pitch well. Considering our planned late start to pre season, we lasted the heat and that was pleasing, but there are plenty of things to iron out and improve. “We know we didn’t hit our stride in terms of our quality on the ball, so that is what we will look for Saturday as a start.”
Last season, the Yachtsmen beat Laverstock 0-4 in Wiltshire with goals from George Carter-Knight, George Colson, Connor Kelly and Will Bridi. Manager Max says of his team’s chances:
“At this stage, nobody knows what other teams have to offer. However, Laverstock is never an easy place to go, and I’m sure they’ll provide, like they always do, a stern test for any side going to visit them.”
UPDATE: The match between East Cowes Vics and Romsey Town has been postponed due to ferry issues. In the only competitive football fixture on the Isle of Wight today, in Wessex Division 1, East Cowes Vics take on Romsey Town at Beatrice Avenue in their opening game of the season. Vics lost some key players over the summer, with captain Callum Chase, promising midfielder Jake Wright and young striker Charlie Marsek all making the journey across the Medina to join the Yachtsmen. The East Cowes side also lost leading scorer Ji Nash to Newport. 2 Cowes Sports players have made the journey in the other direction, with Morgan Perrin and Caleb Neale becoming Victorians. Vics have also been bolstered by the return of Elliott Wheeler after a short spell with Winchester City. Last season, Romsey came away with a point from their encounter with Vics at Beatrice Avenue in September. Newport IW have no fixture today. However, this Wednesday (7th August), the Port start their campaign in Wessex Division 1 with the visit of Lymington Town.
