The Yachtsmen beat higher league opposition in their first game for over 6 months in a much-needed, confidence-boosting victory at Westwood Park on Saturday.
The home side began the game with only 1 new signing in the starting line-up: Aedan Coode returning from a spell at East Cowes Vics. The Yachtsmen took the lead in the 9th minute when captain, John McKie, controlled the ball on the edge of the Citizens penalty area before sending a low shot past the keeper into the right-hand side of the net (1-0).
The Citizens had chances to score themselves with Greg Peel failing to convert a free header early in the game and Liam Callaghan missing a golden opportunity. Experienced keeper, Ed Hatt, managed to preserve the Yachtsmen’s lead to the half time break when he deflected a powerful strike from the visitors with a superb fingertip save in the 37th minute.
HT: Cowes Sports 1-0 Winchester City
The Yachtsmen grew in confidence in the second half and appeared to be more than a match for their Southern League rivals. There was also an opportunity for the home side to give some promising youngsters a taste of first team football with 8 substitutes coming off the bench.
Cowes had 2 good chances to extend their lead when first Aeden Coode broke through in the 55th minute but had his attempt at goal blocked by a Winchester defender. Then, in the 66th minute, Fin Phillips had a superb free kick tipped over the bar by the Winchester keeper. The Citizens came close to equalizing 2 minutes from full time but substitute goalkeeper, Jordan Brownrigg, pulled off a strong save to ensure victory for the Yachtsmen.
FT: Cowes Sports 1-0 Winchester City
Cowes Sports: Hatt, C White, Wykes, Perrin, Chase, Conway, Mumford, McFarlane, McKie (captain), Coode, Phillips
Subs: Brownrigg, Ashleigh, Pye-Poulter, Furmidge, Tickner, J White, Ricketts, Sexton
After the game, Cowes manager, Max Draper, said:
“Winchester were lacking players, but we also had a couple of key team members missing ourselves:Jared Wetherick and Ji Nash. I look forward to a promising season in which we stabilize in the Wessex Premiership and hopefully have a good cup run. We also hope to blood new players. Tom Ashleigh and Ben Tickner are very talentedyoungsters and Aedan Coode is much improved after returning from East Cowes Vics.”
Newport played their first ever home game at Smallbrook stadium, drawing 1-1 with Wessex Premier League Baffins Milton Rovers.
Baffins took the lead in the 74th minute with the Port equalizing shortly before the end of the game with a goal from new signing, Liam Harper. Aaron Burford, a member of Brading Town’s Hampshire Trophy winning side, also made his first appearance in Newport colours.
The draw has been made for this year’s FA Cup and FA Vase. Cowes have a tough away tie atWessex Premier Blackfield & Langley in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on 7th August. The Yachtsmen will then face another Wessex Premier side, Bournemouth, in the FA Vase on 11th September. The winners of the Cowes v Bournemouth game will play East Cowes Vics at home on 25th September. Newport, having missed the March 31st deadline for entry to the FA Vase, will not appear in either competition.
Island Echo asked the Cowes Sports team and management their predictions for the European Nations Cup final between England and Italy.
Manager, Max Draper, predicted a 2-1 victory for England.
Assistant manager, Alex Smith, forecast a 1-2 win for Germany.
Defender, Callum Chase, thought England would win on penalties after drawing 1-1.
Captain, John McKie, was the most optimistic, expecting England to win 2-0 in full time.
