Isle of Wight Football: W&B could win Division 1 title — without even muddying their boots!

Fourth placed Brading Town, the only side which can catch them mathematically, host second placed Shanklin at Vicarage Lane and anything other than a win for the Romans would hand W & B the title for the fifth season running.

W&B boss Steve Rayner, who has masterminded getting his team to within a game of winning an impressive fifth successive title. FILE

In the Sydenhams Wessex Leagues, Premier survival is the focus for Cowes Sports, who did themselves a huge favour by winning the vital six-pointer against Bemerton Heath Harlequins last Saturday.

The Yachtsmen have a difficult away game at sixth placed Hamble Club, although the hosts have little to play for, with only a high of fifth their only realistic target, which could have a bearing on how they play Cowes.

Action from last Saturday's crunch basement battle between Cowes Sports and Bemerton Heath Harlequins. Photo: Paul Blackley

However, Cowes player-boss John McKie is treating the game very seriously, with each of his side's four remaining games the proverbial 'cup final'.

He told the County Press ahead of the game: "It's a tough game away from home, but we know we're so close to getting over the line now.

"We're in for a big, physical battle, but we're going to use our current momentum and try to get as much out of the game as we can.

Cowes player-boss John McKie (on the ball): "Hamble will be a big, physical battle." FILE

"We have a large number of supporters coming over with us, which will really help. They've been our 12th man this season and could give the lads the extra boost when they need to dig in.

"I have complete faith we'll get the points we need and keep the pressure on the teams around us."

Second bottom Bemerton Heath are away at runaway league leaders Sholing, while bottom side Andover New Street host mid-table Bashley.

Prolific East Cowes Vics skipper Joe Butcher will be aiming to keep his good run in front of goal going against Petersfield Town. Photo: Graham Brown

In Division 1, East Cowes Vics host mid-table Petersfield Town at Beatrice Avenue, looking to atone for their mid-week hammering against Newport in the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup.

Newport will be aiming to halt a run of back-to-back defeats in the league with their game away at Ringwood Town.

Lewis Wright (in yellow) scored twice for Newport against Vics in mid-week. Photo: Simon Dear

In Division 2 of the Island League, Wootton, with a slim chance of promotion, play their final game of the season away at mid-table Niton Community at Seaclose, Newport.

Bembridge, who beat second placed Ryde Saints last week, were crowned champions with two games still remaining.

The team, which also won the Ryde and District Cup earlier in the season, are going for a historic treble as they face Ryde Saints again in the semi-final of the Ken Morris IW Junior A Cup.

Bembridge FC's first team, who have won a league and cup double so far this season and are aiming for an unprecedented treble.

Their manager, Justin Malin, said: "Last weekends's match against Ryde Saints turned into a bit of a crazy last 20 mins. The game seemed over and we seemed to switch off and let Saints back in the game.

"Full credit to Ryde, who kept pushing forward, even with players sent off.

"It's been a great season so far. After losing our first league game, we have gone 21 unbeaten, winning 20 of them. 

"We're delighted to take the club back into Divison 1 and I'm very proud of all the boys.

"It has been a big rebuilding process over the last two years and it's nice to finally get to where we wanted to be.

"Division 1 is a very tough league and we're looking forward to taking on some top sides.

"We will continue to try to strengthen the squad, but also develop the many young players we already have here."

                            TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Hamble Club v Cowes Sports.

Sydenhams Wessex, Division 1: East Cowes Vics v Petersfield Town; Ringwood Town v Newport.

Ken Morris IW Junior A Cup, semi-finals: Bembridge v Ryde Saints; Oakfield v Carisbrooke United.

Harwoods Renault IW League Division 1: Brading Town v Shanklin; Sandown v Pan Sports; Ventnor v Northwood St John.

Division 2: Niton Community v Wootton; Wroxall v Adgestone.

Combination 1: Shanklin Reserves v Brading Town Reserves; West Wight Reserves v ECS Reserves; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves v Northwood St John Reserves.

Combination 2: Carisbrooke United v Seaview; Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves v Niton Community Reserves.

Combination 2 League Cup, Group A: Ryde Saint A v Bembridge Reserves; Group B: Seaview Reserves v Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves.

                                      TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Sydenhams Wessex, Division 1: Newport v Hythe & Dibden.

Harwoods Dacia IW Senior (Gold) Cup, quarter-final: Cowes Sports v Pan Sports.