Newport Edge Closer While Vics Ensure League Safety 

Newport have moved closer to a Wessex League Division One play-off place, while East Cowes Vics are assured to Division One survival - but there was Premier League disappointment for Cowes Sports. 

Newport Warm Up For Crucial Clash

Newport edged ever closer to securing their place in the First Division play-offs at the end of the season, when they saw off the challenge of Ash United 3-0 at Smallbrook Stadium. They completed the victory without really having to move into top gear, but are now preparing themselves to a crucial, top gear clash against promotion rivals Andover Town tomorrow evening (Tues), at Smallbrook Stadium (7.45pm).

A goal by Connor Kelly after only two minutes settled any Newport nerves, and a Josh Younie free kick doubled the advantage before half time, with Jordan Browne’s header in the second period confirming the victory. 

Manager Steve Brougham said:

“Although we perhaps weren’t at our best, it is all about getting results at this stage of the season. If we can beat Andover Town, then we will be looking to pick up maximum points between then and the end of the season, which could be good enough to take second place, or even win the title. The aim is still to finish as high as we can, but we know we can’t take our foot off the pedal, and we will really be up for the meeting with Andover Town.

"We have three League games to go, and although we have a few players with injury niggles, we have a decent squad with others becoming available again, so we will be giving it our best shot.”

Vics Status Assured Despite Defeat

Despite suffering a 3-1 defeat at home to Millfield, East Cowes Vics could allow themselves a small celebration, knowing their First Division status is assured for at least another season. A 1-1 draw between Totton and Eling and Fleets Spurs, the two sides below Vics in the table, meant neither of them can now move out of the relegation places. 

Even so, it was something of a bitter-sweet afternoon for Vics manager Richie Woodburn, who was pleased to have confirmation that his side are safe, but disappointed that after an inspired first half display against Millbrook, his young players allowed the opposition to score three soft second-half goals to run out 3-1 winners.

Richie reflected:

“I always felt we would be safe, but it is good to have it confirmed mathematically, going into our final two league games. We started really strongly, and should have been out of sight by half time. We dominated the first half but scored only the one goal through Toby Snow, and then didn’t really turn up for the second half. They played much better, we seemed to think it would be easy, but allowed them to score three sloppy goals due to poor defending.

"So we secured our League status, which was our prime objective, but not in the way I would have wanted. Now let’s enjoy the rest of the season, and see what happens against the top three sides in the division, including Newport in the IW Gold Cup semi-final.”

Yachtsmen ‘Not Ruthless Enough’

Cowes Sports’ trip to Horndean in the Premier League ended in defeat, although their overall performance was far better than the 4-0 scoreline suggested. The Yachtsmen wind up their League season with a trip to Fareham Town tomorrow night (Tues) before visiting Alton and them taking on second-bottom Hythe and Dibden at home. But they will also have the IW Gold Cup semi-final tie against Island League Division One leaders Whitecroft and Barton, firmly in their minds.

Reflecting on the Horndean defeat, Yachtsmen manager Max Draper said:

“We turned in a much better performance, but a clinical team put us to the sword. We played well and had plenty of clear-cut chances, and our three youngsters, Ben Tickner, Harrison Dempsey and Teddy Mumford were fantastic.

“We played some good football, but were not ruthless enough, and they were. We go into the next few weeks hopefully getting players back from injury and suspension, to put us in better shape.”