East Cowes Victoria and Cowes Sports both suffered defeat, while Newport fought back from 2 down in their play-off push last night (Tuesday).
VICS FALL TO ROBINS IN FINAL HOME FIXTURE
Vics were beaten by play-off hopefuls the Robins in the Wessex Premier in their final home game of the season.
The Beatrice Avenue crowd of 186 saw Liam Triggs and Jordan Chapman presented with the Supporters’ Player of the Season award before kick-off.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, Alex Smith made several changes, and Downton started brightly. Despite that, Charlie Urry forced a save on 12 minutes, while Downton’s McGrath fired narrowly wide a minute later.
The Robins took the lead on 19 minutes when ex-Portsmouth professional Brett Pitman produced an audacious lob to beat Bridi (0-1).
Half Time: East Cowes Victoria 0-1 Downton
Downton struck again within 30 seconds of the restart, McGrath squeezing between defenders to poke home (0-2). Triggs saw an effort drift over on 49 minutes before Barnes tested the keeper soon after.
The visitors added a third on 57 minutes when a ball into the box was unfortunately turned into his own net by Boyd-Kerr (0-3).
Hart went close on 64 minutes as Vics built momentum, and a superb pass sent J Neale through one-on-one, but Casey produced an excellent save. Vics pulled a goal back on 80 minutes, J Neale firing home after Triggs had initially been denied (1-3).
Full Time: East Cowes Victoria 1-3 Downton
East Cowes Victoria Bridi, C Neale, Boyd-Kerr, Wheeler, Triggs, Chapman, Hart, Wright (c), Urry, Barnes, J Neale. Subs: Dyer, Newbold, Yates, Kirby, Pitman. Man-of-the-Match: Josh Neale
East Cowes remain 13th in the Wessex Premier, 1 place above Cowes Sports, with the sides level on points. Vics lead the Yachtsmen on goal difference, with both teams having 4 games remaining.
Vics now travel to Hamworthy Recreation on Thursday evening.
PORT RALLY FROM 2 DOWN BUT PLAY-OFF HOPES TAKE HIT
Play-off chasing Port fought back from 2 goals down to draw with relegation-threatened Fawley in Wessex Division 1.
The Oilers struck early, taking the lead on 5 minutes through Dixon (0-1). Newport responded with Nash firing over on 30 minutes before Butcher hit the outside of the net on 36 minutes.
Fawley threatened again on 52 minutes, with a goalmouth scramble cleared off the line, before doubling their advantage on 54 minutes through Clifton (0-2).
Port hit back on 65 minutes when Young’s effort took a deflection on its way in (1-2). With 10 minutes remaining, Browne, playing in a protective face mask, fired home the equaliser (2-2).
Newport pushed for a winner late on but had to settle for a point.
Full Time: Newport 2-2 Fawley
Newport Pitman, Egerton-Read (Conway 53), Watterson, Holbrook, Thompsett, Grace, Young, Butcher, Walsh, Browne, Nash. Subs: Ballinger, Collins, Mazambara, Linington. Man-of-the-Match: Kai Grace
The draw leaves Newport 7th with 67 points from 36 games, 6 points behind 5th-placed Cove with a game in hand.
Newport travel to league leaders Fleetlands on Thursday evening.
YACHTSMEN HIT FOR 6 BY HAMBLE
Cowes Sports suffered a heavy defeat in the Wessex Premier as Hamble confirmed their play-off place.
Hamble took the lead on 38 minutes when Casey finished after a move involving Yeomans and Douglas (1-0). Yeomans added a second 3 minutes later, chesting down before slotting past the keeper (2-0).
The hosts extended their lead early in the second half, Casey tapping in on 48 minutes (3-0). Their high press paid off again on 51 minutes, Douglas winning possession and driving home (4-0), before adding another on 62 minutes after good work involving Michel and Cunningham (5-0).
A late header at the back post on 89 minutes completed the scoring for the home side (6-0).
Full Time: Hamble Club 6-0 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports Hatt, Mumford, Haward, Milton, Oatley (c), Hiorns, Cruttenden, St John Biggs, Day, Bridi, Tattersall. Subs: Chase, Marsek, Fever-Norton, Lovett-Fener, West.
Cowes Sports sit 14th in the Wessex Premier Division with 4 games remaining.
The Yachtsmen welcome Millbrook to Westwood Park on Thursday evening, with kick off at 19:45.
