Impressive Newport Keep The Pressure On At The Top Of The Wessex League First Division

Newport have moved up to second place in the Wessex League First Division, as East Cowes Vics were defeated - while there was a Premier League point for Cowes Sports.

Peter White writes...

Yachtsmen Make A Point

Cowes Sports picked up another vital Premier League point, to take their tally to four from two outings, when they drew with hosts Portland United in difficult conditions. 

Facing a gale force wind, the Yachtsmen were two goals down at half, time, but found the resolve to hit back and take the lead, before the mainland side squared matters near the end. 

Now manager Max Draper will be looking to his troops to continue their improved form when they entertain third-placed Brockenhurst tomorrow night (Tues). 

Jack Barsdell, Ji Nash and an own goal earned the Yachtsmen the draw, with Max reflecting:

“It was all about a result, and playing with the fight and spirit, despite having to make changes to the side. Portland is a tough place to go and they have recently picked up some great results. 

“In hurricane-like conditions it was always going to be a game of two halves. The first half we had chances to test the keeper but we were reluctant to shoot. They had the hurricane behind them so it was about getting though the half with as little damage as possible.

“At half time we squared a few things up and the lads’ attitudes were spot on. A wicked corner from Ji Nash under the bar led to an own goal and then Jack Barsdell scored direct from a corner. Ji then beat the keeper in a ‘one on one’ to put us 3-2 up. We had chances to kill the game, but it was a great goal to pull it back for them.

“However, our lads put in a gret shift in and we are showing that bite again. The togetherness is everything. Tuesday promises to be a great game at home against a team bang on it, and we look forward to the challenge.”

Newport Continue Good Run

Newport moved up to second place in Division One following their 3-0 victory over Ringwood Town, while close rivals Andover Town lost to promotion play-off challengers Folland Sports. The three points edged the Island side a step closer a play-off place, but if they can continue their impressive run, they still have a great chance of lifting the title to gain automatic promotion. After the weekend success, they are now bracing themselves for a crucial clash at Folland Sports tomorrow night (Tues), although their already weakened squad is likely to be further hit by injuries. 

Despite creating sufficient scoring chances to have won the game at Smallbrook Stadium more convincingly, Newport manager Steve Brougham said afterwards:

“It was a good performance, and job done. The most important thing is that we ground out another result, and that is something we must keep doing.

“Our squad was already depleted, but we are likely to be without Joe Craig against Folland after he suffered a recurrence of a rib injury, and Neo Lamb is also a doubt. We know we have got to prepare ourselves for a real tough game, but we will be ready for it. I just hope we don’t pick up any more injuries, otherwise we will be very stretched at an important stage of the season.” 

Jordan Browne edged Newport in front against Ringwood following an Aaron Burford cross, and Craig added a second before immediately going off with his rib problem. Joe Butcher completed the scoring after deflecting a header from Browne past the Ringwood keeper. 

Keeper Blow For Vics

A combination of ill fortune and missed opportunities cost East Cowes Vics the chance of taking at least a point from their home game against Romsey Town in Division One. Vics were holding their own until keeper Alex Ram suffered a bad knee injury that forced him off, and he is likely to be missing for at least a month. With no sub keeper on the bench, skipper Liam Newbold shouldered the responsibility of going in goal, but Romsey exploited the Vics misfortunes to run out 3-1 winners. 

Despite the setback of losing Ram, Vics held their own for much of the first period, and went in at the break only one goal down. Manager Richie Woodburn said:

“We started really well and missed a couple of gilt-edged chances, but the lads stuck to the task well. Even though we were a goal down, I felt we were the better side in the first half.”

Romsey added to their lead early in the second period, but Vics continued to battle bravely and were rewarded when Jordan Chapman’s cross was turned in by Ollie West to give them hope. However, the visitors sealed the win with another goal late on.

Richie added:

“Despite the defeat there was a positive attitude in the club, because most people felt we were unlucky. There were plenty of positives to take, but it was a disappointing outcome.”