Cowes Sports lost their unbeaten home record at Westwood Park yesterday evening (Tuesday) after conceding a late goal to Portsmouth-based Moneyfields.
The Yachtsmen only made 1 attempt on goal in the 1st half when Fin Phillips had a 6th minute strike comfortably saved by Moneyfields keeper Bailey. In the 10th minute, Moneys’ captain Hutchings had an effort stopped by Cowes keeper Hatt, and Hatt was again equal to a 21st minute effort by Callum Laycock.
Overall, Moneyfields appeared to be the stronger side in a lacklustre 1st half devoid of goalmouth action but did little to trouble the Cowes back line. However, at the other end of the pitch the Yachtsmen appeared to offer little or no threat to their Portsmouth-based opponents.
Half time: Cowes Sports 0-0 Moneyfields
The 2nd half saw more action than the 1st – but not a great deal. In the 48th minute, Jez Conway sent a strike harmlessly over the Moneyfields crossbar. 4 minutes later, Ed Hatt was seriously tested for the 1st time in the game when saving a Steve Hutchings header.
The Yachtsmen’s only serious chance of the game came in the 66th minute when Eli Ahmed was unable to knock in a Jez Conway goal attempt at the far post. Moneyfields then started to put serious pressure on Cowes with goal attempts from James Franklyn and substitutes Chad Cornell and Jordan Pile.
Moneyfields took the lead in the 77th minute when Ed Hatt left his area to retrieve a ball only for James Franklyn to knock the ball between his legs and tap it into an open goal (0-1).
4 minutes later, Callum Laycock had an opportunity to make victory certain for the away side but had his goal attempt saved by Hatt.
The Yachtsmen finally started to play with drive and determination in the final 10 minutes, forcing a succession of corners, but were unable to seriously trouble the Moneyfields defence.
Full time: Cowes Sports 0-1 Moneyfields
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Mumford, Dempsey, White, O. West, Conway (Holmes), Ahmed, Hayward, McKie (c), Phillips, J. Neale (McFarlane) Subs (not used): C. Neale, Perrin, Jackson (gk)
The Yachtsmen’s defeat leaves them 3rd from bottom in the Wessex Premier with 3 points from 4 games.
On Saturday (10th September) Cowes Sports entertain Salisbury-based Laverstock & Ford at Westwood Park.
