UPDATE: Both Wessex League games featuring Isle of Wight clubs this evening – Cowes Sports v AFC Portchester and East Cowes Vics v Ringwood Town – have been called off after failing 12:00 pitch inspections.
Cowes Sports – who are currently on an unlucky run of 10 games without a win – face league leaders Portchester in the Wessex Premier at Westwood Park this evening (Tuesday).
The Yachtsmen have been playing well over recent games despite not picking up 3 points. On Saturday, they led 2nd-placed Stoneham for 85 minutes before going down to 2 late goals. The Island side have been bolstered by the signing of former Newport favourite Mark Taylor from Pan.
AFC Portchester can reasonably be described as the richest, best supported, and strongest club in the Wessex League. They have picked up 56 points out of a possible 60 in the season to date and are still undefeated in the league.
Anyone coming to Westwood Park for the game will be able to watch the skills of former Portsmouth player Brett Pitman, who has already bagged 28 goals for Portchy in the league. Scott Jones – possibly the best forward from the Isle of Wight – may also feature in the Portchester side.
Portchester have been attracting big crowds of late: 1,500+ in their last home game. A significant number of away supporters may be expected this evening.
Cowes players and supporters should take heart from the fact that the last time Portchester played at Westwood Park in 2021, they suffered an ignominious defeat.
Cowes assistant manager Andy Brown says:
“Everyone put in a top performance on Saturday, and we are proud of them. We were leading until 85th minute, only conceding to a dubious penalty decision and then lost in time added on. Everyone was gutted we did not get anything out of game – such fine margins but lots of positives.
“Portchester, as we know, are the top side, unbeaten in 20 games, so fixtures don’t come any tougher than this one. Although doubtful, we hope weather will be kind and again look forward to the challenge plus experience of playing top players!
“Our aim will be to maintain the focus, intensity and fighting spirit!”
Kick off at Westwood Park is at 19:45 (weather permitting).
In Wessex Division 1, East Cowes Vics – who have now gone 20 games without a win – take on Ringwood Town at Beatrice Avenue.
Ringwood currently lie in 13th place and have gone 4 games without victory. Last Saturday, Ringwood drew 3-3 with Ash United.
Vics are currently 3rd-from-bottom in the drop zone, 7 points behind 17th-placed Whitchurch United. On Saturday, the East Cowes side lost 1-2 to bottom club Fleet Spurs.
Vics have recently made another new signing – Adam Voller – who is dual signed with National League Eastleigh.
Kick off is also at 19:45.
The game is subject to a pitch inspection at 12:00.
Island Echo will endeavour to keep our readers informed of any match cancellations.
