Isle Of Wight's Wessex League Sides Back In Action

All three Isle of Wight football teams in the Wessex League are in action tomorrow (Saturday), looking for a pre-festive boost. In our weekly column we look at the prospects for Cowes Sports, Newport and East Cowes Vics. 

Peter White writes…

Hancock boost for Newport

Newport co-manager Steve Brougham is hoping recent signing Joe Hancock will have recovered from illness in time to figure in the Division One clash at Whitchurch United. 

Hancock can play at full-back or in midfield, and was formerly on Portsmouth’s books.

Steve said:

“He just seemed to fall out of love with football, but he has a couple of mates who already play for us, so he decided to join us. He seems to be enjoying the game again, and he will be a good signing. It’s good to have him on board.” 

Newport will be without both Mark McDonough and Joe Craig through suspensions.

Steve added:

“Whitchurch are always difficult to beat on their own ground, but we have got to go and play like we did last weekend, and find the consistency to be a top side in this division. We have had a couple of games when we have not really turned up, and we can’t afford any more like that. I would certainly settle for a 1-0 win at Whitchurch.”  

Yachtsmen hope to make a point

Cowes Sports manager Max Draper will be challenging his players to make up for the heavy defeat at Portchester last weekend when they entertain Alton in the Premier League.

The Yachtsmen still have their sights set on a mid-table finish, but Max is only too aware that his side must find more consistency if they are to meet his demands.

He said:

“We are in a strange position compared to previous years. We have put some points on the board, but have tended to do so when we have had a ridiculous number of injuries and players unavailable.

“We welcome back John McKie and Conor White after injury this weekend and that will give the squad a boost, although we have lost a few to illness yet again. We need to irradiate our inconsistency and put more points on the board before Christmas. Alton are a good side and have had some great results, so as always we will need to be at our best to take something from the game.”

Kick-off at Westwood Park is at 3pm.

Vics aim for lucky 13!

East Cowes Vics face another difficult clash in Division One when they play hosts to Folland Sports at Beatrice Avenue. (3pm kick off). Folland are third in the table, on the same number of points as Vics’ Island neighbours, and promotion rivals, Newport. 

Manager Richie Woodburn is not underestimating the enormity of the task, but believes that if his young players all gel on the same day they can be a match for anyone. 

Richie accepts that Vics have become involved in ‘a league within a league’ as only six points separate the bottom seven clubs. Vics are one of three teams on 17 points, and are currently in 15th place, with Petersfield and Ringwood Town only ahead of them on goal difference, while bottom club Fleet Sports have 11 points.

He said:

“There is quite a big gap opening between 13th spot and the teams above, so I think we must aim to claim that 13th place, and then try to build from that platform next season.”