THERE are some cracking games involving Isle of Wight teams this afternoon, with Cowes Sports looking to continue their improved form and inch a little further from danger.

The Yachtsmen face a tough, but winnable game agtainst 15th placed Shaftesbury in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier, at Westwood Park.

A win for Cowes will bring them closer to the bunch hovering just above them, including today's visitors.

Their player-boss, John McKie, who has rediscovered his goalscoring form lately, was confident of grabbing a vital win. 

McKie told the Isle of Wight County Press: "We're looking to carry on the momentum that's building and collect another three points.

"Shaftesbury have hit some great form recently, so we're not underestimating them by any means.

"We have a huge squad available for selection, with players also starting their phased return from long term injuries, which is perfect for this last push of games.

"It's going to be crucial for our continued climb up the table.

"The feel about the club is buzzing, on and off the pitch. We've had another excellent week of preparation and the boys are itching to collect those points."

In Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League, seventh-placed East Cowes Vics — who lost their last two games, following recent scintillating form — entertain Verwood Town, a place below them, at Beatrice Avenue.

In the same league, Newport, who sit ninth, will want to end their losing streak of four games with a morale-boosting win away at 15th place Petersfield Town.

In Division 1 of the Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League, league leaders Whitecroft & Barton Sports — unbeaten this season — are away at Binstead & COB, who have been in poor recent form.

Brading Town will want to keep in touching distance with a win at home to Cowes Sports Reserves, while in-form Shanklin entertain Pan Sports at the County Ground.

Division 2 leaders Bembridge will be aiming to progress in the third round of Ken Morris Isle of Wight Junior A Cup at home to Adgestone at Steyne Park.

                    THIS AFTERNOON’S FIXTURES (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Cowes Sports v Shaftesbury.

Division 1: East Cowes Vics v Verwood Town; Petersfield Town v Newport.
IW Memorial Cup, third round: Oakfield v Ventnor.

Ken Morris IW Junior A Cup, third round: Bembridge v Adgestone; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves v Ryde Saints.

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

Division 2: Carisbrooke United v Wroxall; East Cowes Vics A v Wootton; Niton Community v Seaview.

Combination 1: ECS Reserves v Oakfield Reserves; Northwood St John Reserves v West Wight Reserves; Sandown Reserves v Binstead & COB Reserves; Ventnor Reserves v Ryde Saints Reserves. 

Combination 2: Ryde Saints A v Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves.

Harwoods Renault IW Combination 2 League Cup, Group A: Niton Community Reserves v Newchurch Reserves; Group B: Seaview Reserves v Carisbrooke United Reserves.

                                              TUESDAY
Sydenhams Wessex, Division 1: Newport v Alton.

                                          WEDNESDAY
Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup, quarter final: Cowes Sports v Pan Sports (kick-off 7.30pm).