Harrison Dempsey’s first-half goal and a late header from George Colson secured victory for Cowes Sports over Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the Zilch Waste Stadium this afternoon (14th March).
The Yachtsmen started brightly and created the first opening after 10 minutes when a ball over the top released Charlie Marsek. The forward twisted and turned to create space, but his shot drifted wide.
Cowes continued to press and came agonisingly close to taking the lead on 23 minutes when a corner ricocheted onto the post.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the half-hour mark. A fine delivery from John McKie into the penalty area found Harrison Dempsey, who guided the ball into an empty net to put the Islanders ahead (1-0).
Bemerton attempted to respond before the break, but their best chance came late in the half when their striker fired high and wide after breaking through.
Half Time: Cowes Sports 1-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Cowes began the second half strongly. Good work from McKie and George Colson created a shooting opportunity for the latter on 58 minutes, but his effort was pushed over the bar for a corner.
Moments later, Scott McFarlane danced inside onto his left foot before sending a shot narrowly wide as the hosts continued to control proceedings.
On 65 minute,s Cowes introduced Emerson Tattersall from the bench, and the substitute quickly made his presence felt. In a lively spell, he was booked before rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Bemerton came closest to equalising on 72 minutes when a free header drifted over the bar, and as the game entered the closing stages, they enjoyed a sustained period of possession. However, goalkeeper Alex Ram produced 2 important saves to preserve Cowes’ lead.
The result was sealed deep into stoppage time when Carter-Knight delivered a superb cross to the far post where Colson arrived to head home Cowes’ second goal (2-0).
Full Time: Cowes Sports 2-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Cowes Sports: Ram, Hughes, Dempsey, Chase, Oatley, Colson, Cook, Phillips, McKie (c), Marsek, McFarlane.
Subs: Cruttenden, Hayward, Flood, Tattersall, Carter-Knight Man-of-the-Match: Dempsey.
Victory lifts Cowes Sports one place to 15th in the Wessex Premier with 31 points from 26 games.
The Yachtsmen next travel to Hythe & Dibden on Tuesday evening with kick off at 19:45.
COVE EDGE PAST NEWPORT TO END PORT’S 11-GAME UNBEATEN RUN
Newport’s impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in Wessex Division 1 came to an end as Cove struck late to claim a narrow victory in a crucial battle to reach the playoff places.
Port created the first opening of the afternoon after just 3 minutes when centre forward Jordan Browne unleashed a powerful strike that forced an early save from the Cove keeper.
The visitors continued to look threatening from set pieces and early in the 2nd half, captain Macauley Watterson rose highest from a corner but headed narrowly over the crossbar.
For long periods the contest looked destined for stalemate, but Cove eventually found the decisive touch late on. On 83 minutes, Atkinson scored to give the hosts the lead (1-0).
Despite Newport’s efforts to find a late equaliser, Cove held firm to secure all 3 points and end Port’s 11-game unbeaten run.
The afternoon also marked a milestone for Ji Nash, who made his 100th appearance for Newport.
Full Time: Cove 1-0 Newport IW
Newport IW: Pitman, Holbrook, Linington, Young, Watterson, Lamb, Nash, Walsh, Browne, Craig, Grace. Subs: Ballinger, Conway, Egerton-Read, Weeks, Mazambara.
Defeat sees Newport drop from 6th to 8th in the table. Port are now 7 points behind 5th-placed Folland Sports, with both sides having played the same number of games.
On Tuesday, Newport travel to 2nd-from-bottom Totton & Eling. Kick off is at 19:45.
ZEBRAS POUNCE LATE AS VICS SUFFER SHERBORNE SETBACK
East Cowes Victoria were beaten on the road as Sherborne Town struck 3 times to take the points in the Wessex Premier.
It was a very even first half with little to choose between the sides for long periods, but the deadlock was broken a minute before half time when Tom Budden headed Sherborne in front (1-0).
Vics were handed a lifeline on 70 minutes when goalkeeper George Bridi produced an excellent penalty save to keep the East Cowes side in the contest.
However, the Zebras doubled their advantage 5 minutes later when Anthony Herrin scored (2-0).
Sherborne then wrapped up the win on 85 minutes as Oliver Hebbard added a 3rd goal (3-0).
Full Time: Sherborne Town 3-0 East Cowes Victoria
East Cowes Victoria: Bridi, Snow, Jackson, Wheeler, Yates, Boyd-Kerr, Wright (c), J Neale, Hart, Kelly, C Neale. Subs: Wrag, Wye, Sweatman, O’Neil, Pitman.
Defeat leaves Vics 13th in the Wessex Premier with 33 points from 27 games.
On Tuesday, East Cowes Victoria host league leaders Stoneham at Beatrice Avenue. Kick off is also at 19:45
