In what was dubbed “the greatest comeback since Lazarus” by 1 Cowes fan, the Yachtsmen took all 3 Wessex Premier points against Laverstock & Ford at Westwood Park on Tuesday evening (4th October).
Laverstock are the strong, determined, and physical side who denied Newport promotion to the Wessex Premier in a controversial play-off game at Smallbrook last season.
The Yachtsmen were bolstered by the return of experienced centre forward Jared Wetherick from Newport to form a formidable front 3 pairing of Ahmed, Wetherick and McKie.
The Wiltshire side began the game on the front foot, hitting the post as early as the 1st minute and forcing a succession of corners and 2 good saves from keeper Ed Hatt. However, later in the half John McKie became increasingly influential, making some strong runs down the right flank.
In the 23rd minute Morgan Perrin let fly from 25 yards, but Laverstock keeper Matt Taylor edged the ball past the left post. 2 minutes later, McKie sent the ball past the left upright after a strong run having been put through by a long ball from Scott McFarlane.
Eli Ahmed was booked for dissent on the half-hour mark. As the 1st half ended, neither side could make the decisive breakthrough required.
Half time: Cowes Sports 0-0 Laverstock & Ford
Laverstock began the 2nd half the brighter of the 2 sides, hitting the post for the 2nd time in the 52nd minute.
It was then the turn of Cowes to go on the offensive with John McKie attempting to chip the Laverstock keeper in the 53rd minute and Eli Ahmed forcing Taylor into making a 1-handed save 4 minutes later.
The Yachtsmen then finally broke their goal drought in the 67th minute – but at the wrong end of the pitch – when Brandon Hayward directed a header past Ed Hatt (0-1).
Laverstock were forced to change goalkeepers after an injury to Matt Taylor, who was replaced by substitute Zach Roberts. Cowes also made 2 changes with Caleb Neale coming on for Brandon Hayward and his brother Josh replacing Eli Ahmed.
McKie had a further chance to beak the deadlock when he had his shot blocked by Roberts in the 77th minute. Captain John was then booked for kicking the ball away, seemingly incensed by some playacting and gamesmanship from the away side.
Manager Max Draper then made an inspired final minute substitution, replacing Jared Wetherick with George Holmes. 30 seconds after coming on to the pitch, Holmes set up McKie to score in the 1st minute of injury time (1-1).
Further drama followed. 4 minutes into injury time, a Scott McFarlane cross from the left found the head of the Yachtsmen’s captain, who directed a looping header over Roberts and into the Laverstock goal (2-1).
Full time: Cowes Sports 2-1 Laverstock & Ford
Cowes Sports: Hatt, White, McFarlane, Conway, Perrin, Catania, Phillips, Hayward (Neale C. ’61), Wetherick (Holmes ’90), McKie (c) (Laird ‘90+4), Ahmed (Neale N.’82) Sub not used: Jackson
After the game, ecstatic Cowes manager Max Draper said:
“The win was long overdue. It’s been a tough few weeks. We created plenty of chances in previous games but were not clinical enough. Jez Conway was outstanding.”
Captain, man-of-the-match and goalscorer John McKie said:
“The boys got what they deserved. No matter who comes to Westwood, you can’t write us off until that final whistles goes. We showed that tonight.”
The Yachtsmen’s victory sees them rise from 14th to 11th in the Wessex Premier with 10 points from 8 games.
East Cowes Vics 0-2 Fareham Town
East Cowes Vics – the Isle of Wight’s sole remaining representatives in the Wessex League Cup – were knocked out of the competition by Wessex Premier Fareham Town.
A goal in each half from Charlie Cooper and Jack Breed proved sufficient to see off the East Cowes side. However, this was a much-improved performance from the team that conceded 8 to Portchester in the FA Vase.
After the game, Vics manager Richie Woodburn said:
“We should have been 2-0 up within opening 15 minutes. Their 1st goal was way offside, plus we were denied a blatant penalty as well. So, I’m disappointed to be honest. But we were guilty of not taking our chances again.
“If we approach and apply ourselves in the same manner against Ash United on Saturday, then last night’s objective of generating consistency following on from our away point at Verwood and increasing our confidence was achieved.”
