AFTER some intense cup football this past few weeks, the Isle of Wight's top clubs can focus on getting vital points on the board when they return to league action this afternoon (Saturday).
It has not been an auspicious start for the Island's 'big three' — East Cowes Vics, Newport and Cowes Sports — so all of them will be keen to get a positive result to kick-start their stalling seasons in their respective Sydenhams Wessex leagues.
In the Premier, the Yachtsmen sit second bottom on goal difference after lsoing their opening two matches by a single goal.
Today they have an opportunity to leap-frog their opponents, Fleet Town, who have just a point from their three games.
Cowes striker, John McKie, will not be travelling with the squad, due to a hamstring injury he picked up three weeks ago.
In Division 1, Newport face Verwood Town for the second time in three weeks.
Both sides have a point from their first two games, it being a 2-2 draw earlier this month, so a win would catapult them into the top half of the table.
Port boss Andy Sampson welcomes back Spike Pearce and Jacob Reynolds, both from suspension — neither of whom featured in their most recent encounter with Verwood.
Everyone in the team came through last week's match safely, although Jared Cousins remains on the injured list.
Kick-off at Beatrice Avenue is at 3pm, with track and trace procedures will be in place.
If you have downloaded the NHS app, you can scan our barcode at the entrance to the ground, otherwise you will need to provide contact details.
If you travel in a group, this can be no larger than six individuals and you can save time at the turnstiles by pre-printing and completing a group contact form.
Following changes to Covid 19 legislation this week, as is the case in pubs and restaurants, masks must be worn when entering the clubhouse — even if just going to the toilet.
They can be removed when sat at a table. Please ensure you have a mask with you.
Meanwhile, East Cowes Vics, who beat Downton 2-1 a fortnight ago, face bottom club Whitchurch United away from home.
A win would push them up with the leading group.
In the Harwoods Island League, some of the early pacesetters in Division 1 will have to be at their best to continue their 100 per cent winning starts to the season.
Whitecroft and Barton Sports have a tricky game away at Northwood St John, but go into it off the back of a 9-0 demolition of Ventnor last week.
Shanklin have a tough match away at Binstead and COB, with the home boss, Jame Connor, looking to get his first points on the board today.
Bembridge, who have also got off to a flyer, will not find their away game at West Wight any easier as they try to make it three wins out of three.
All Island league games kick off at 2pm.
TODAY'S FIXTURES (SATURDAY)
Sydenhams Wessex League Premier: Fleet Town v Cowes Sports.
Sydenhams Wessex League, Division 1: Newport v Verwood Town; Whitchurch United v East Cowes Vics.
Harwoods Island League, Division 1: Binstead & COB v Shanklin; Cowes Sports Reserves v Carisbrooke United; Northwood St John v Whitecroft & Barton Sports; Ryde Saints v ECS; Sandown v Vectis; Ventnor v Brading Town; West Wight v Bembridge.
Division 2: Adgestone v Newchurch; Oakfield v Wootton; Osborne Coburg v Wroxall; Pan Sports v Yarmouth & Calbourne; Seaview v Newport A.
Combination 1: Brading Town Reserves v Northwood St John Reserves; Carisbrooke United Reserves v West Wight Reserves; ECS Reserves v Seaview Reserves; Ryde Saints Reserves v Sandown Reserves; Shanklin Reserves v Binstead & COB Reserves; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves v Oakfield Res.
Combination 2: Wootton Reserves v Ryde Saints Reserves; Bembridge Reserves v Sandown A; Newchurch Reserves v Ventnor Reserves; Niton Community Reserves v Vectis Reserves; Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves v Osborne Coburg Reserves.
TUESDAY
Sydenhams Wessex League, Division 1: East Cowes Vics v Newport (7.45pm).
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article