Busy Week Ahead For Island's Wessex League Teams

​​​​​​​Newport and East Cowes Vics meet in the Isle of Wight Gold Cup semi-final tomorrow evening (Tuesday ), at Cowes Sports’ Westwood Park ground (7.30pm), but victory is not the only target for Newport in a busy week for both clubs.

Newport Have Sights On Third Place

Newport will go into tomorrow night’s (Tues) Isle of Wight Gold Cup semi-final against East Cowes Vics brimming with confidence, following their 8-0 mauling of Fleet Spurs in the Wessex League, Division One clash at Smallbrook Stadium.

Already assured of a place in the end-of-season play-offs, Newport will be aiming to put Vics to the sword, but then rely on their neighbours to help them secure second place in the table, which would mean a home tie in both the semi-final and final of the play-offs.

The weekend results left Newport fourth in the table, but only two points behind both Folland Sports, who have completed their league programme, and second placed Andover New Street. Mathematically Newport could still lift the title, but they would not only have to beat Whitchurch United next Saturday, but rely on Vics beating New Street, and champions-elect Bemerton Heath Harlequins losing to Andover Town. 

A goal from Joe Butcher after just four minutes put Newport in front against Fleet, and they added four more before the break through Liam Harper, Josh Younie, Aaron Burford and Jordan Browne. Harper, Connor Kelly and Younie completed the rout with three more second-half goals. 

Newport manager Steve Brougham said:

“We looked comfortable throughout, and did what we had to do. Our aim is to finish third at the worst, so we get a home tie in the semi-final, probably against Folland Sports. But first we have to beat Whitchurch, and then see how the other results pan out.

“Of course, we want to win the IW Gold cup, but I have to say finishing third in the league is actually more important. It has been a busy few weeks, and we have some tired legs in the squad, so I shall just have to wait before deciding who plays against Vics.”

Vics Feel The Bemerton Force 

Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ march towards the Division One title continued when they brushed aside the challenge of East Cowes Vics at Beatrice Avenue to knock in five goals without reply. 

It was always going to be a massive task for Vics to try to halt the Bemerton juggernaut, and so it proved. Vics boss Richie Woodburn has advocated for some weeks that Bemerton are the best team in the division, and saw nothing to change his mind. 

He said:

“We were like rabbits in the headlights early on, and got put to the sword. They put the game to bed with four goals in the first half, but we did better after the break, changing our formation, and they only scored their fifth late on.

"I think some of my lads had one eye on the IW Gold Cup semi-final against Newport to be fair. They might be a bit complacent after beating Fleet Spurs so easily, and we have been chasing our tails. But let’s see how it works out. Newport will be confident they can still beat us even if they put out a weakened side, but let’s see if we can take advantage of it. They are in great form, and we are in poor form, but this is a cup game, so who knows what might happen if we can make it a contest.” 

Yachtsmen Lose At Alton

Cowes Sports’ penultimate Premier Division game of the season ended in disappointment when they were beaten 3-0 at Alton. The Yachtsmen trailed 2-0 at half time, and although they turned in a much better performance in the second period, they missed a couple of chances before Alton wrapped up the points with a third goal. 

The Yachtsmen will be hoping to end their League campaign on a winning note this weekend when they host lowly Hythe and Dibden. A victory would ensure at least a 16th place finish for the Island side, but if results went their way, they could still sneak into 15th spot.