All three Isle of Wight teams were unbeaten this afternoon (8th November), with Newport claiming a vital victory and Vics and the Yachtsmen securing hard-earned draws.
NEWPORT EDGE FIVE-GOAL THRILLER TO CLIMB INTO PLAY-OFF CONTENTION
Newport defeated promotion rivals Hamworthy United 3–2 in a thrilling Wessex Division 1 clash at Beatrice Avenue, producing a performance full of character and quality.
From the first whistle, it looked like a goalscoring game. Ji Nash almost opened the scoring inside a minute, forcing Will Butler into a sharp save. Five minutes later, new signing Kudzi Mazambara missed at the far post. On the half-hour, Nash struck the post, before Leon Pitman kept the Port level with a fine block.
The breakthrough came five minutes before the interval when Joe Hancott unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards that dipped and swerved past Butler into the top corner (1-0).
Half time: Newport IW 1–0 Hamworthy United
Hamworthy levelled soon after the restart through a George Deem penalty following a handball by Matt Benford (1-1). Minutes later, the visitors went ahead with a low finish from the edge of the box (1-2).
Newport responded immediately. Mikey Thompsett rose highest from a corner to power home a header (2-2).
With both sides making changes, the game remained open. The home defence — Benford, Watterson, Thompsett and West — stood firm, while Newport pressed for a winner.
Three minutes from time, substitutes Harry Taylor and Henry West combined: Taylor controlled a crossfield ball and slipped it inside for West, who drove into the area and buried a low shot (3-2).
Newport held firm through six minutes of stoppage time to secure three points.
Full time: Newport IW 3–2 Hamworthy United
Newport IW: Pitman, Benford, Hancott, Watterson, Thompsett, Catania, Grace, Conway, Butcher, Mazambara, Nash Subs: West, Egerton-Read, Collins, Taylor, Craig Man-of-the-match: Thompsett
Newport’s victory leaves them 6th in Wessex Division 1, level on points with 5th-placed Romsey Town but with two games in hand.
EAST COWES VICS EARN DESERVED POINT IN DORSET STALEMATE
East Cowes Victoria fought back to claim a 0–0 draw away to Bournemouth Poppies, showing grit and resilience to remain unbeaten today.
The Vics welcomed back Sam Kirby following his transfer from Newport. After a minute’s silence in honour of Remembrance Sunday, the hosts had the first chance when Tyrone Carkett’s effort was cleared by Liam Triggs for a corner.
Three minutes later, Charlie Hart and Connor Kelly released Josh Neale, but his shot was blocked. Twelve minutes in, a knockdown from Jake Scrimshaw found Kelly, whose strike was again denied.
In the 37th minute, keeper George Bridi tipped over a drive from Joe Roberts and comfortably claimed the resulting corner. The best chance of the half fell to Scrimshaw on 41 minutes, but his shot went wide.
Half time: Bournemouth Poppies 0–0 East Cowes Victoria
Bournemouth came out with intent, forcing several anxious moments but without finding a breakthrough. Manager Alex Smith introduced Elliot Wheeler for Hart after 57 minutes; Wheeler’s 30-yard strike rattled the crossbar.
Bridi saved well from Henry Neville in the 70th minute, and George Holbrook cleared the rebound. Holbrook again cleared off the line later, while Bridi denied Lyle Simpson with virtually the last kick.
Full time: Bournemouth Poppies 0–0 East Cowes Victoria
East Cowes Victoria: Bridi, Holbrook, Newbold (c), Triggs, C. Neale, Chapman, Wright, J. Neale, Hart, Scrimshaw, Kelly Subs: Wheeler, Coode, Wye, Kirby, Pitman.
East Cowes Victoria’s point leaves them 13th in the Wessex Premier with 17 points from 13 games.
THE YACHTSMEN FIGHT BACK TWICE TO CLAIM DRAW AT BEMERTON
Cowes Sports came from behind twice to secure a 2–2 draw at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.
The visitors went close in the 27th minute when a shot was tipped over by Dillon for a corner, and again a minute later. Bemerton responded when Ryan Griffiths rounded the keeper but failed to find a teammate.
Dillon tipped a free-kick around the post, but the Harlequins took the lead in the 39th minute through Chris Kapend (1-0). The Yachtsmen drew level just before half-time with a deflected free-kick from Cory Sanderson (1-1).
Half time: Bemerton HH 1–1 Cowes Sports
Bemmy regained the lead on 59 minutes, with Griffiths rounding the keeper and slotting home (2-1). Cowes equalised in the 80th minute with a George Carter-Knight strike from the edge of the box (2-2).
Despite late chances, neither side could find a winner.
Full time: Bemerton HH 2–2 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hughes, Chase, Oatley, Haward, Phillips, Cruttenden, McFarlane, Carter-Knight, Browne, Sanderson Subs: Flood (for Haward).
Cowes Sports’ point leaves them 15th in the Wessex Premier with 13 points from 12 games.
The Yachtsmen return to Wiltshire on Tuesday when they face Laverstock & Ford in the Wessex League Cup.
