TOWN

BY Kevin Pipkin

Today, our opposition is Newport IOW FC. Founded in 1888, they are currently seven points behind Street and need to take maximum points from their remaining three matches if they are to try and pip Street to the title and the only automatic promotion spot. Street, however, only need to obtain another win from their remaining matches against Totton & Eling, East Cowes Vic’s or even a draw this afternoon to be champions!

The Port have been having a fantastic season, despite losing to Petersfield Town in both the Hampshire Senior Cup and Wessex League Cup in August. They then went on a ten-league game winning run through September to the middle of November, where they lost their unbeaten home record to Petersfield Town, thanks to goals from Archie Greenough and Connor Hoare. Connor Kelly replied for the Port.

A disappointing 0-0 draw at lowly Amesbury Town did not ease matters and another 0-0 at home to Hamworthy Rec quickly followed. Another winning run of six matches seemed to get the Port back in the promotion mix, but a 1-0 home defeat to New Milton and a 4-1 defeat at Hamworthy Rec, followed by a couple of 1-1 draws with Totton & Eling and Millbrook have hindered the charge.

The Street endured a 4-0 defeat to the Port at the Smallbrook Stadium in late February, with Connor Kelly, Liam Triggs, Ryan Hughes and Joe Hancott all on target for the Islanders.

Today’s match promises to be an entertaining game with both sides looking for a result that will mean promotion to the Wessex Premier.