Great Weekend For Newport And Vics 

FOOTBALL: Newport and East Cowes Vics both picked up valuable Wessex League wins at the weekend, while injury-hit Cowes Sports went down fighting. 

Newport Show True Class 

Newport gave their Division One promotion hopes a huge boost when they overcame a difficult trip to the mainland to see off promotion rivals Andover New Street in a five-goal thriller. The Island side turned in an impeccable performance, to the delight of manager Steve Brougham, to secure the 3-2 result.

The victory saw Newport leapfrog New Street up to third place in the table, and within touching distance of leaders Bemerton and second placed Folland Sports, with their final four games of the season all at home. 

Steve said:

“It was an excellent performance, and just what we needed. We played really well, particularly in the first half, and could have been five goals up at the interval.”

Newport took an early lead, and although New Street levelled, the determination and tenacity of the Islanders saw them go in at the break with a 3-1 advantage. Although New Street managed a second goal after the break, Newport remained in control to run out worthy winners. Connor Kelly put Port in front, and Joe Craig and Josh Younie also found the net in an enthralling opening 45 minutes.

Steve continued:

“Even when they got back to 3-2, we weren’t just trying to hold on, because I thought we were excellent, and in control throughout. It was a very important win for us. If we had lost, it would have put us under pressure in trying to secure a top five finish to get into the play-offs. But this victory has given a great opportunity, and it’s in our own hands.”

Cant Shows He Can For Vics!

East Cowes Vics all but banished any lingering threat of relegation from Division One when they turned in arguably their best performance of the season to snatch a 1-0 victory at seventh-placed Downton.

Sam Cant, who was passed fit to play at the last minute following a nasty shin injury, swooped for the crucial winner to the lift the spirits of a Vics side again hit by injuries.

Although Vics are not quite safe, all three teams below them have some difficult games ahead.

Manager Richie Woodburn said:

“This has to be our best result of the season. I had 10 players out for various reasons, so bearing in mind I had five 16-year-olds in the squad, it was an incredible result.

“Having Sam Cant back as a physical striker and focal point up front, was a massive bonus that took the pressure off us a bit. But the fact that nine players from this game have played in our reserves this season, shows the healthy position this club is in. This was reward for all the effort they have put in, and I’m pleased for the players, the club and everyone involved.”

Vics face another big test tomorrow (Tuesday) when they visit Laverstock, who are pushing for a play-off place. But a Vics victory would not only see them safe, but also virtually end Laverstock’s promotion hopes, and give Newport’s play-off chances another big boost.

Richie smiled:

“If we do Newport a favour by beating Laverstock, maybe they will do us a favour by not fielding their strongest side when we play them in the semi-final of the Isle of Wight Gold Cup!”  

Task Too Much For Yachtsmen

Injury-ravaged Cowes Sports found their task just too much when they visited Alresford Town in the Premier League, suffering a 3-1 defeat. But the game gave the Yachtsmen the opportunity to further blood some of their many promising youngsters, including 16-year-old debutants Harrison Dempsey and Ted Mumford, with the latter getting on the scoresheet with an equaliser, after the hosts took an early lead.

Yachtsmen first team coach Alex Smith said:

“It was always going to be difficult, and in fairness to Alresford, they played some ambitious football on a difficult pitch, so credit to them. We were still in with a chance at 2-1, but once they got a third, it really killed it for us.”

He added:

“Since Christmas, we have been fighting for a position somewhere between 13th and 16th, and although we are 17th, we are only a point off 15th. So, I still feel it has been a decent season, all things considered. It was never going to be easy at Alresford without nine first team regulars.

“Now we are preparing for a huge game tomorrow night (Tues) when we face West Wight in the IW Gold Cup. We still want to get more league points, but the Gold Cup is mega, and we know this will be an incredibly tough game for us.”