Island rivals Newport and East Cowes Vics face a vital few days of football, both in the Wessex League, and when they meet in the semi-final of the Isle of Wight Gold Cup.
Newport Fate In Vics’ Hands
In a nail-biting few days of Wessex League football, Newport will be hoping arch rivals East Cowes Vics can become their ‘best friends’ by keeping alive their hopes of winning the Division One title.
It could hardly be tighter for the one automatic promotion spot, with Vics set to take on two of Newport’s main threats, Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Andover New Street. All Newport can do, is win their last two league games, and then hope for the best! But at least they are already guaranteed a top five finish, and a place in the end-of-season play-offs. This is how the drama will unfold.
*Newport (76 points) are currently in fourth place, and host Fleet Spurs tomorrow before completing their fixtures at home to Whitchurch United tomorrow week.
*Leaders Bemerton (79 points) take on East Cowes Vics at Beatrice Avenue tomorrow, and complete their league programme tomorrow week at home to Andover Town.
*Second placed Andover New Street (78 points) are away to Ash United tomorrow, and finish their league fixtures next weekend at East Cowes Vics.
*Third placed Folland Sports (78) have only one game remaining, and that is at home to Verwood Town tomorrow.
So, mathematically, Port could still finish top, provided they win their final two games and other results go their way. But perhaps the more realistic target is a very creditable second or third place - unless their Island neighbours and former landlords, Vics can spring a double surprise by beating both Bemerton and Andover New Street.
To make the Island rivalry/friendship situation even more intriguing, Newport and Vics meet in the semi-final of the prestigious Isle of Wight Gold Cup at Cowes Sports’ Westwood Park ground on Tuesday evening (7.30pm kick off).
Newport manager Steve Brougham said:
“We beat Andover Town in midweek, and it was the best we’ve played all season. So hopefully, that will give us a bit of confidence going into these next three games. We have to make sure we finish the season winning our last two league games, and then see where we are.
"If we can finish third it would give us a home tie in the play-off semi-final, and if we win that one, we would then be away in the final. A second-placed finish would be even better, because that would mean a home tie for us in both the semi-final and final.”
Steve added with a smile:
“I wish East Cowes Vics all the very best in their two remaining league games, but not for the Gold Cup semi-final.”
Vics boss Richie Woodburn said:
“It’s a massive end to the season for us. We play the best team in the league tomorrow, and arguably the second best team on Tuesday in the Gold Cup. We are missing a few players through injury, but we are safe from relegation so can just go out and enjoy ourselves.
"We will put out our strongest team for each game; the lads have put their heart and soul into it for me all season, so they can relax, and see where it takes us. And if we happen to beat Bemerton and New Street, then good luck to Newport - apart from on Tuesday evening!”
Meanwhile, Cowes Sports, still smarting from the 7-0 mauling by Fareham Town in midweek, will be looking for a much-improved performance tomorrow when they visit Alton, before they conclude their Premier Division campaign next weekend at home to doomed Hythe and Dibden.
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