THERE are important points to be won for Isle of Wight clubs at both ends of the Wessex leagues this afternoon (Saturday).

Cowes Sports could help their cause to avoid the drop from the Premier in a real six-pointer at lowly Bournemouth Poppies, who are four points and two places better off than the Yachtsmen.

The Islanders had a tough midweek game against top of the table Portchester, losing 3-0, but they showed more than a few glimpses of a team belying their league position and take heart from that going into their battle in Dorset.

There are two Division 1 games of equal importance and for completely different reasons.

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Third placed Newport also have a huge six-pointer hosting fourth placed Downton, at Smallbrook Stadium.

Despite all the fixture cancellations due to the weather throughout December and January, Port have managed to keep some kind of momentum in the title race.

Although Tuesday's performance against struggling Ash United was not one of their best, they still won it 2-1 — but will be aware Downton will be a much tougher nut to crack.

East Cowes Vics will take confidence going into their game at Ash United, following their performance against seventh placed Hamworthy Rec, at Beatrice Avenue last Saturday, which earned them a draw.

Vics, with an unenviable record of no wins in 19 games in all competitions, sitting third bottom in the relegation zone, will want to put that to bed by taking three valuable points.

With seven points separating the two clubs, but with Ash having played three more games, it makes today's match yet another six-pointer.   

All three games kick off at 3pm.

In Division 1 of the Island League, Shanklin will want to take advantage of their game in hand over Whitecroft and Barton Sports at the top of the table with a home win over Northwood St Johns.

Kick off at the County Ground is 2pm.