The Resurgence of Football: Isle of Wight Leagues Kick Off Again Today

Isle of Wight Football Leagues to Return Today: Saturday Football Preview

The Local Alternative to Premier League Drama

The Isle of Wight Divisions 1 and 2 are set to kick off this Saturday, offering a refreshing alternative to the high drama and exorbitant costs of Premier League football. If you’re tired of overpaid prima donnas or can’t afford the steep ticket prices of St Mary’s Stadium or Fratton Park, the Isle of Wight leagues provide an opportunity to watch local men play with passion and pride, with either free admission or a minimal entrance fee.

All Isle of Wight towns, except Yarmouth, have one or more teams, along with several villages. These teams would greatly appreciate your support, so why not give them a chance?

Exciting Matches in Division 1 and 2

In Division 1, this Saturday will feature the clash between Isle of Wight champions Shanklin and Binstead at the Molehill. Last year’s runners-up and Island Echo Challenge Cup holders W&B will face off against newly-promoted High Park at Steyne Park. Both matches are expected to be intense encounters with no shortage of excitement.

In Division 2, promotion favorites Osborne Coburg were scheduled to play against Carisbrooke United at Clatterford Rec, but unfortunately, Carisbrooke are unable to field a team. On the other hand, newly-formed Newport Reserves will be playing their first-ever fixture in Division 2 against Newchurch at Watery Lane.

Island Echo is committed to providing comprehensive media coverage of Isle of Wight League football throughout the 2023/24 season.

Wessex League Matches on the Isle of Wight

In the Wessex League, the only game to be played on the Isle of Wight this Saturday will be between East Cowes Vics and Verwood Town. East Cowes Vics will strive to maintain their perfect record this season as they face Verwood Town. In their previous match at Beatrice Avenue against Millbrook, East Cowes Vics secured a victory thanks to goals from Josh Neale and Charlie Marsek.

Cowes Sports, the Isle of Wight’s sole representative in the Wessex Premier League, will be aiming to rectify their poor start to the season as they take on Brockenhurst. After a 2-4 defeat to Southern League Melksham in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, Cowes Sports suffered a comprehensive 1-4 defeat to Baffins Milton Rovers. The team now hopes to secure their first win of the season in the New Forest.

Newport, another team from the Isle of Wight, will play their opening Wessex Division 1 fixture away to Downton in Wiltshire. Newport lost most of their first-team squad to Cowes and East Cowes Victoria during the offseason. However, the team is rumored to have strengthened their roster with players from National League Eastleigh’s Development Squad.

Upcoming Fixtures

On Wednesday, August 16th, Newport will face Totton & Eling at Beatrice Avenue, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45.

Here are the fixtures for Saturday, August 12th:

Premier Division: Brockenhurst vs Cowes Sports

Division 1: Downton vs Newport (IoW), East Cowes Victoria vs Verwood Town

And the fixture for Wednesday, August 16th:

Division 1: Newport (IoW) vs Totton & Eling

Isle of Wight fixtures for Saturday, August 12th:

Division 1:

• Bembridge vs ECS
• Binstead & Cob vs Shanklin
• Cowes Sports Reserves vs Brading Town
• High Park vs Whitecroft & Barton
• Ventnor vs Northwood St Johns
• West Wight vs Vectis

Division 2:

• Newchurch vs Newport Res
• Oakfield vs AFC Wootton
• Ryde Saints vs Niton
• Seaview vs Sandown and Lake

Isle of Wight fixtures for Tuesday, August 15th:

Division 1:

• Cowes Sports Reserves vs Shanklin
• Ventnor vs Whitecroft & Barton

Isle of Wight fixtures for Wednesday, August 16th:

Division 1:

• Bembridge vs Northwood St Johns
• ECS vs Vectis
• High Park vs Brading Town
• West Wight vs Binstead & Cob (19:00)

Division 2:

• Ryde Saints vs Sandown and Lake

With diverse matches scheduled across the Isle of Wight, football fans have ample opportunities to enjoy local football and support their favorite teams.