Frustrating Weekend For Island's Wessex League Teams

It proved a frustrating weekend for all three Island teams in the Wessex League, with Newport, Cowes Sports and East Cowes Vics all losing tough encounters.

Newport Edged Out

Newport manager Steve Brougham had no complaints about the overall display of his young team, despite the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Division One leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

A first half goal was enough to earn the mainland outfit maximum points, but Newport are still well placed to secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs. 

Steve said:

“Bemerton were on top for the first 20 minutes, and took the lead, but then we began to grow into the game, and I felt that our second half performance definitely deserved at least a point. I had the feeling Bemerton were pleased to hear the final whistle. So it was disappointing, particularly for my players who gave their all in the second half, with Spike Pearce outstanding in the centre of our defence.”

The victory put Bemerton clear at the top of the table on 68 points, while Newport remain in fourth place on 61, but with a game in hand on the leaders. They also have two games in hand on second-placed Folland so are still capable of runners-up spot at the least.

Steve added:

“We’ve still got plenty to play for, so we have to dust ourselves down and prepare for the next league game. We take on Oakfield in the Isle of Wight Gold Cup at East Cowes Vics’ ground on Wednesday evening before entertaining Andover Town next Saturday.

"That will be another tough one, because they are just behind us in the table. We have just got to try to win as many games as possible for the rest of the season and see where it takes us."

Late Goals End Vics’ Hopes

East Cowes Vics conceded two late goals to end their chances on taking at least a point from their Division One clash at New Milton Town.

Vics arrived at New Milton late, so had little time to prepare for the game, but that did not deter them, and they were quickly out of the blocks. Conor Lyon made up for an early missed chance, by putting Vics ahead with a wicked swirling cross shot, which sneaked under the bar.

The home side finally found some rhythm, but it took two scrappy goals to give them a slim half-time advantage. Undaunted, Vics were back on terms early in the second period with a smartly-worked move which resulted in Harrison Yates crossing for Jordan Chapman to rifle home. Despite battling hard, the Island side suffered a body blow when Lyon was dismissed for two yellow card offences.  

Vics manager, Richie Woodburn, said:

“A couple of my players had to call off at the last minute, so considering the side I put out, and the fact New Milton have only lost one game recently, I thought we did all right. When we got to 2-2 I felt we had a chance, but once Conor was sent off it was always going to be difficult.

"Some of our players are still very young, and need to learn more about game management. Unfortunately, New Milton went back in front when a mis-hit shot deceived keeper Will Hunt, and they added a fourth from a rebound after a great save by Will. I was gutted, because for 80 minutes I felt we were as good as they were, and on another day we would have taken something for our efforts.”

Cowes Succumb To Leaders 

Cowes Sports gave a good account of themselves before succumbing to Premier Division leaders Hamworthy United 2-0 at Westwood Park. 

Yachtsmen manager Max Draper was pleased with the way his side stood up to their stern test for most of the match, but accepted:

“In the end we got exactly what we expected. It was a good battle, but they are strong, athletic and dynamic team who know how to win. It showed again that we have plenty to work with to take us forward, continue to develop and have bigger expectations as a group.

“Games are coming thick and fast with some massive ones in the next 10 days. It’s Fareham on Tuesday, which is never an easy place to go, and then it’s another belter on Saturday at Hamworthy. First, we will need to recover well, and try and field a similar team again, although there are bound to be some changes. So it’s about using the squad and the youth at the club, and making sure we apply ourselves properly.”