Popular Isle of Wight Gold Cup final repeat of last season

Holders, Cowes Sports, face Newport at their home ground, Westwood Park, under the floodlights.

The Yachstmen enjoyed a comfortable season in the top half of the Wessex League Premier.

Action from last season's Gold Cup final. (Image: Paul Blackley)

The club's general manager, Ian Potts, said manager Max Draper will have a fully fit squad to choose from, with no players suspended, with all of them "chomping at the bit".

"The club's in a good place on and off the pitch. We've had a couple of good cup runs and we're looking forward to the Newport game," said Ian.

"Yes, we go into the final as favourites, but like all local derbies, form goes out the window and anyone can win on the day — but hopefully we'll come out on top.

"It should be a cracking game and it's great for Island football."  

Newport, after a tough first half of the Wessex League Division 1 season, came a respectable mid-table and will go into the game feeling quite confident of causing an upset.

Newport boss Steve Brougham, in his last game in charge, before he hands over the reins to new joint managers, Joe Butcher and Marty McDonough, hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from (less Josh Younie, who's on holiday).

"Regardless of what happens in the final, it will be a big occasion — and if we win, it will be the icing on the cake after a difficult season," said Steve.   

"We want to give it a good go. From where we've come from at the start of the season, to where we are now, we've built up a good little team, who have all done me proud and who should take a lot of credit.

"Cowes are obviously the favourites to win the Gold Cup — and rightly so — so we have to be at our best to give ourselves a chance.

"I won't lie — it would be a fantastic way for me to bow out as first team manager if we could win it."