Wessex Premier Cowes Sports face Division 1 Newport in the final of the Isle of Wight Senior ‘Gold’ Cup at Beatrice Avenue at 19:45 this evening (Friday).
The Yachtsmen have won the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious trophy over the past 3 seasons, with Port last lifting the Gold Cup in 2022.
Cowes have had a somewhat unconventional route to the final with a walkover against Ventnor at the quarter final stage of the competition followed by a no show from Isle of Wight champions Whitecroft & Barton Sports in their semi. Newport got to the final the hard way, trouncing Bembridge & Vectis 8-0 before beating Wessex Premier East Cowes Victoria on penalties.
Last season’s final saw the Yachtsmen beat Vics 2-1 in front of over 900 spectators at the Zilch Waste Stadium.
Can Cowes retain the trophy this year to make it 4 wins on the bounce?
Manager Mark Woodhouse says:
“Newport will clearly pose a threat. They have had a great season finishing just outside the play offs. Ji Nash has had a great season, Joe Butcher is always a threat. We know Jordan Browne well, and we know how dangerous he can be. There are obviously many other dangerous players with Joe Hancott another who we know well, providing higher league experience.
“We need to go into the game thinking about ourselves and how we can bring our best version of our selves on Friday night. We have talked about Newport, but we will also be emphasising how important it is to play in the way we like to play at our best.
“The Gold Cup is always a special occasion and one the lads are clearly excited about. There has been a buzz around training this week and everyone is excited. We have had some memorable nights in this competition in the past, and we aim to provide our fans with another tonight.”
“We have a full squad to pick from baring long term injury to Jared (Tout-Walters) and Emerson (Tattersall) is unavailable due to being cup tied.”
Newport player-manager Joe Butcher told Island Echo:
“We go in as underdogs – Cowes have got good players all over the pitch – but we have the believe we can win. We’ve beaten a lot of good sides this year.
“The lads are looking forward to it – we have nothing to lose.”