TROUBLED Newport have been forced to switch their Wessex League Division 1 game at home to Downton to East Cowes Vics' Beatrice Avenue ground this afternoon (Saturday).
With Smallbrook Stadium in Ashey out of action agin due to a waterlogged pitch, Vics — away at Ringwood Town — have granted Newport permission to play at Beatrice Avenue, which has better drainage after recent poor weather.
"We have a good relationship with Vics, so we thank them for allowing us to get the game on after so many postponements," said Newport co-manager, Steve Brougham.
"Regarding the problems off the pitch, Stewart and Shepard, the players and myself just want to focus on the football.
"Downton will be a tough game. There are no easy games in this division."
Brougham said he welcomes back their captain, Martin McDonough, from suspension, and senior keeper Gary Streeter, returns to the squad after being laid low with Covid.
However, Aaron Burford will not figure following the birth of his child.
It will be Newport's first match since December 18 when they beat Petersfield Town. Kick-off will be at 2pm.
Vics, meanwhile, go into their match against Ringwood Town on a miserable run of defeats.
In the Wessex Premier, Cowes Sports — on an equally miserable run of results — face mid-table Alresford Town at Westwood Park.
This season's Hampshire FA Saturday Trophy looks exciting for Island football, with so many local sides set to reach the latter stages of the competition yet again.
In the fourth round, holders Brading Town host Bishops Waltham Dynamos Sports Club at Vicarage Lane, pending a pitch inspection.
Their Island rivals, who lost to them in the final, are away at Warsash Wasps Sports Club.
Island League Division 1 leaders, Whitecroft and Barton Sports host Hook, while third-placed Bembridge host Meon Milton.
ALL TOMORROW'S FIXTURES
Wessex League Premier: Cowes Sports v Alresford.
Division 1: Newport v Downton; Ringwood Town v East Cowes Vics.
Hampshire FA Saturday Trophy, fourth round: Bembridge v Meon Milton; Brading Town v Bishops Waltham Dynamos Sports Club; Warsash Wasps Sports Club v Shanklin; Whitecroft & Barton Sports v Hook.
Hampshire FA Saturday Vase, fourth round: Pan Community v Burton; Shanklin Reserves v St Francis Men.
Isle of Wight Senior Cup, second round: Sandown & Lake v West Wight.
Isle of Wight Memorial Cup, second round: Adgestone v ECS; High Park v Osborne Coburg; Newchurch v Carisbrooke United.
Island League Division 1: Cowes Sports Reserves v Oakfield; Northwood St John v Vectis.
Division 2: Wootton v Newport Reserves; Wroxall v Seaview; Yarmouth & Calbourne v Ventnor.
Combination 1: Binstead & COB Reserves v Brading Town Reserves; Oakfield Reserves v Bembridge Reserves; Osborne Coburg Reserves v Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves; Ryde Saints Reserves v Northwood St John Reserves; West Wight Reserves v Sandown & Lake Reserves.
Combination 2: Vectis Reserves v Wootton Reserves; Ventnor Reserves v Newchurch Reserves.
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