IT IS unusual, before the first ball of a new league season has been kicked, to see the Emirates FA Cup get underway, with Cowes Sports due to be among the first English clubs to play in the competition come Tuesday night.
The Yachtsmen, about to embark on another Sydenhams Wessex Premier campaign, will feel upbeat going into their extra preliminary round against Totton and Eling, of Division 1, but will be wary they beat Cowes 4-1 in the Wessex League Cup, at Westwood, back in December, and will be seeking revenge.
Progressive young Cowes manager, Max Draper, was delighted with Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win against Bush Hill — the Hampshire Intermediate Cup winners of two seasons ago — in front of 150 socially-distanced fans at Westwood Park.
Draper’s new look side, comprising eight signings, were dominant throughout, with returning striker, John McKie, on fire as he bagged all four, with Ed Hatt also saving a penalty.
“There’s a bit of a buzz around the club and the fans were excited by what they saw against Bush Hill.
“We took some massive plusses out of it. We’ve never had problems scoring goals, but we always conceded too many, so I’m pleased we have a stronger back-line.”
But before the FA Cup, Cowes were eager to continue their scintillating form in a much tougher friendly last night (Friday), when they entertained United Services Portsmouth — last season’s runaway leaders in Division 1.
The visitors were robbed of playing in the Premier with the Yachtsmen, due to the pandemic seeing the season stop dead in its tracks and the league declared null and void.
However, despite putting in a great first half performance against the favourites to go up this coming season, the Yachtsmen went down 2-0.
There was a worry for Cowes after McKie and Aaron Burford were brought off with injuries as a precaution in the second half.
Thankfully, both were minor knocks and they should both play on Tuesday.
"I landed awkwardly on my neck and shoulder area, so it was felt by both physios to get me checked out for a possible neck injury," explained McKie.
"I should be fine for Tuesday. Aaron is fine It appears it was an impact injury, so there was no need to risk any further damage."
McKie is upbeat about the FA Cup tie and in Cowes progressing into the next preliminary round.
"It was great to get the goals flowing early against Bush Hill," said McKie, who has set himself a goal target of 35 for the season.
"We're all excited. We're starting to really see an identify form in our style of play — thanks to the great work our coaches, Alex Smith and Steve Taylor, have been implementing.
"Everyone's keen to get started on Tuesday. The FA Cup is a special competition across the country and we're keen to get started on a strong footing, taking us into the league next Saturday."
Before the United Services Portsmouth friendly, Draper predicted the game would be a great test and that it would set the benchmark with what the club aims to achieve in the forthcoming campaign.
“I’m looking forward to the FA Cup. I’ve played and scored in it," said Draper.
“If we can get a good run going, it will give the team confidence, earn the club some much-needed money and get Island football buzzing again.
“But I would settle for a safe, settled season — not being involved in another relegation scrap after Christmas.”
Tuesday’s match will kick-off at 7.45pm.
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