Newport are just two steps away from fulfilling their dream of playing in the Wessex League, Premier Division next season. They take on Folland Sports in a Division One play-off semi-final at Smallbrook Stadium tonight, with the winners going through to face Laverstock and Ford on Saturday (23) for a place in the top flight.
Newport have home advantage tonight by virtue of the fact they finished in third place in Division One this season, one spot above Folland. And if they secure victory, their showdown final will again take place at Smallbrook, after last night’s other semi-final resulted in a 3-0 victory for Laverstock and Ford over promotion favourites Andover New Street. Provided they win tonight, Newport will have home advantage again on Saturday, as they finished higher in the table than Laverstock.
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm, and Newport manager Steve Brougham is urging Isle of Wight football fans to go along to Smallbrook Stadium, to give his team their backing in what is the club’s biggest match for several seasons. The tie has to be settled tonight, with extra time and penalties if necessary.
Steve said:
“Home advantage for us in the semi-final is important, because Folland are very good on their own pitch, as their record of 12 wins and six draws from their 18 league games underlines. Having said that, the only league game we lost at home this season in the league was against Bemerton.
“We beat Folland at our place early in the season, and drew 2-2 away, but since those games I think they have improved and done extremely well in the league, and have also reached the Southampton Senior Cup final.
“So, it’s going to be a tough ask for us, but I’m sure that on our day we can do it. It would be really good to see a lot of people from the Island coming down to support us, which I’m sure it would give my lads a big boost. It is a big one-off game, and we would appreciate all the support we can get. If we get through, then being at home in the final is another big bonus.”
Newport, who have won their last seven league and cup games, will be without Spike Pearce, who has not recovered from an injury he picked up in the Isle of Wight Gold Cup semi-final against East Cowes Vics, and a couple more players are facing late fitness tests. But the Island side have shown in the latter stages of the season that they have adequate cover in all positions.
Steve added:
“I just hope we go out and put in a performance I know we are capable of, because I have maintained all along that when we play to our best, we are good enough to beat any side in this division. If we can perform as we did against both Andover New Street and Andover Town in league games in recent weeks, then we will go close.”
Admission to the match is cash only, £6 adults and £4 concessions and season-ticket holders.
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