A BIG crowd is expected for the Island's biggest football cup competition of the season — the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup — between old foes Newport and Cowes Sports, at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, this evening (Tuesday).

Newport, who just missed out on promotion to the Wessex Premier Division after losing their Division 1 play-off final against Laverstock and Ford, are unbelievably the holders going into the match.

They won it the last time it was played, in 2019, when they beat Whitecroft and Barton Sports. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Newport celebrating winning the Isle of Wight (Senior) Gold Cup in 2019 — the last time the final was played. Photo: Graham BrownNewport celebrating winning the Isle of Wight (Senior) Gold Cup in 2019 — the last time the final was played. Photo: Graham Brown

The final has not been played the past two seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last season, the Gold Cup final was planned to be a centenary celebration of the competition.

Port's opponents will be established Premier outfit, Cowes Sports, who ended their league campaign in poor form.

Since the Gold Cup was first played in 1921, Newport have won the Gold Cup 49 times, to the Yachtsmen's 21 times. Two of their wins were shared in 1953 and 1955.

Newport hold the record for most consecutive wins — six times, between 1971 and 1976.

Kick-off tonight will be at 7.30pm.

  • Watch out for our match report after the game tonight on www.iwcp.co.uk/sport