Football: Massive six-pointer for Yachtsmen while Vics and Port face top teams

The Yachtsmen, lying second bottom, entertain bottom side Andover New Street at Westwood Park.

A win for Cowes could see them move up a place, but defeat would bring Andover to within three points, with a game in hand.

Cowes won their first match under John McKie last time out, a 1-0 home win over Brockenhurst.

Gareth Bricknell swivels and scores the only goal of the game in their last league match, at home to Brockenhurst recently.  Photo: Graham Brown

Looking ahead to the game, McKie said: "It's a massive game for us. We're under no illusion as to how big this could be for our season, but it hasn't affected our approach.

"It's a game that we prep for like any other. The lads are focussed as always, our mentality as a team is absolutely bulletproof and no matter how much scrutiny they come under, it doesn't bother them.

"They believe in what we're trying to do and have bought into it 100 per cent.

"We still have Connor White out for another few weeks as he recovers from his hamstring strain, and Dom Sexton is away, but we've got a great squad developing now so it's not a huge concern.

Player-manager John McKie under no illusions at task facing Cowes Sports against Andover New Street.  FILE

"We know what we need to do and have planned for nothing but trying to get the three points."

In Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League, Newport have a tough match as they welcome top of the table Amesbury Town.

Today's heavy rain could play a part in whether the match goes ahead, but Amesbury are likely to give Port quite an examination if it does.

Looking ahead to the game, Newport boss Andy Sampson said: "It will be a big challenge. Although we beat them in the FA Cup earlier this season, they have had a great campaign and recently had a great result against unbeaten Stoneham, winning 4-2."

Port boss Andy Sampson said Amesbury will be big challenge at St George's Park tomorrow. FILE

Newport will be without several key players, either through suspension or injury.

They include Mark Taylor, Jared Wetherick, Connor Kelly, Liam Triggs, Louie Fleming and George Holmes.  

It will be no easier for East Cowes Vics as they entertain high-flying Stoneham, who are tipped to get promoted this season, despite suffering their first loss of the season recently against Amesbury.

Vics, however, go into the game unbeaten in four.

In Division 1 of the Isle of Wight League, the pick of the games will be between host Brading Town, in second, and runaway leaders Whitecroft and Barton Sports.

Shanklin, with six wins on the bounce, entertain bottom side Osborne Coburg at the County Ground and could go second if results go their way.

Bembridge, top of Division 2, face Newchurch at Watery Lane fresh from hammering them 7-0 last weekend.

Ryde Saints, in second, have a tough game away at Carisbrooke United.

                           TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division: Cowes Sports v Andover New Street.

Sydenhams Wessex Division 1: East Cowes Vics v Stoneham; Newport v Amesbury Town.

Harwoods Renault IW League Division 1: Binstead & COB v Pan Sports; Brading Town v Whitecroft & Barton Sports; ECS v West Wight; Sandown v Northwood St John; Shanklin v Osborne Coburg; Ventnor v Cowes Sports Reserves.

Division 2: Adgestone v Niton Community; Brighstone v Oakfield; Carisbrooke United v Ryde Saints; Newchurch v Bembridge; Wroxall v East Cowes Vics A; Yarmouth & Calbourne v Seaview.

Combination 1: Northwood St John Reserves v Brading Town Reserves; Oakfield Reserves v Binstead & COB Reserves; Osborne Coburg Reserves v Shanklin Reserves; Ryde Saints Reserves v Ventnor Reserves; West Wight Reserves v Sandown Reserves; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves v ECS Reserves.

Combination 2: Ryde Saints A v Bembridge Reserves.