ISLE OF WIGHT MIDWEEK FOOTBALL: CONNOR KELLY HAT TRICK HELPS YACHTSMEN STEER COURSE TOWARDS PLAY OFFS

The Yachtsmen rise up the Wessex Premier table by beating the Watersiders on a chilly evening at Gang Warily this evening (Tuesday). The Yachtsman began brightly, creating havoc down the right side of the pitch. The 1st clear chance fell to Fin Phillips on the quarter hour mark, who shot straight at the Blackfield keeper. At the other end of the pitch, Cowes keeper Ed Hatt was forced to make a fine low save to stop Shepherd from scoring. In the 25th minute, the Yachtsmen had a lucky break when Shepherd was again prevented from opening the scoring – this time by the upright. The Yachtsmen took the lead in the 27th minute when Connor Kelly picked up the ball on the halfway line before taking it past a defender and burying it to the keeper’s left (0-1). Half time: Blackfield & Langley 0-1 Cowes Sports The Watersiders equalized in the 56th minute through a 30-yard wonder goal from Jack Mann (1-1). The Island side then started to lose their discipline with yellow cards awarded to Ollie West and Joe Hancott. However, the Yachtsmen regained the lead on the hour mark when George Colson set up Connor Kelly to score at the back post (1-2). In the 63rd minute, John McKie sent a perfectly timed cross to Kelly for the No 11 to put the ball into the net at the back post (1-3). In the 72nd minute, substitute Caleb Neale capitalized on a defensive mix up to score a minute after entering the field of play (1-4). The Yachtsmen preserved their 3-goal advantage to the final whistle, to sail home with all 3 points to Cowes. Full time: Blackfield & Langley 1-4 Cowes Sports Cowes Sports: Hatt, Dempsey, Mumford, White, Oatley, West. Hancott, Colson, McKie (c), Phillips, Kelly Subs: Cook, Neale, McFarlane, Furmidge, Bridi Cowes Sports victory – their 4th in succession since losing to Brixham in the FA Vase – leaves the Island’s sole Wessex Premier representatives in 9th place with 25 points from 15 games, just 3 points behind Sherborne Town in the 4th play off place but with a game in hand.