Cowes Sports eased their relegation worries by beating bottom club Alresford Town at Arlebury Park on Tuesday evening – thanks to a brace from captain John McKie.
Experienced striker McKie scored in both halves: the 1st goal coming shortly before the half hour mark, the 2nd 7 minutes from the full-time whistle.
The Yachtsmen dominated the 1st half and should have gone into the break leading by a wider margin than a single goal advantage. Alresford fought back in the 2nd half, but a strong defensive display preserved the lead for the Island side until McKie’s goal ensured Cowes returned across the Solent with all 3 points.
Full time: Alresford Town 0-2 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Mumford, Dempsey (Laird), West, Conway, McFarlane, Hayward (Ahmed), C. Neale (Coode), McKie, Taylor, Phillips (Whittle)
After the game, assistant manager Andy Brown said:
“I’m really pleased for the lads and everyone at club, especially Max who has been under pressure and remained fully committed as always.
“We took the lead on 28mins through John and looked threatening every time we went forward. Probably, should have been 3 or possibly 4 nil up halftime.
Article continues below this advertisement “In the 2nd half, we again created; however, as the game went on we were a bit nervous, with Alresford pushing players forward, looking for equaliser. We defended as a team excellently and were again lively on the break. We finally put game to bed via John, 7 minutes from full time.
“I’m so proud of all the lads, who showed great character, quality and fighting spirit to come away with all 3 points and a clean sheet.”
The Yachtsmen’s win leaves Cowes in 16th place in the Wessex Premier, 5 points ahead of Bournemouth Poppies (who lost 8-0 to Horndean) in the drop zone.
In Wessex Division 1, the Port remain in 2nd place, level on points with New Milton Town. Petersfield Town have advanced to 3rd after beating Andover New Street 0-1 on Tuesday evening, ending the home side’s unbeaten record in the league. Vics remain in 16th spot, 2 points ahead of 3rd-from-bottom Whitchurch United, who won 0-4 at Amesbury Town.
Wessex League tables below (Premier left, Division 1 right):
