An Isle of Wight Representative XI beat a Cowes Sports XI by the best of 3 goals at Westwood Park yesterday evening (Tuesday).
This was the final practice game for the Isle of Wight before competing in the Island Games in Guernsey. In their previous 2 friendlies, the Isle of Wight had drawn 3-3 with Moneyfields in Portsmouth and then beat East Cowes Vics 4-1.
The Yachtsmen began brightly with a couple of good chances falling to new signing George Carter-Knight which he was unlucky not to convert.
However, it was the Isle of Wight that took the lead in the 26th minute when Josh Wakefield was 1st to a corner (0-1).
The 2nd half was an entertaining affair with chances falling for both sides. Joe Craig was unlucky not to extend the lead for the Isle of Wight 2 minutes after the half time break when he shot past the post. Scott McFarlane then came close to equalising for Cowes but failed to convert his chance from a tight angle.
In the 63rd minute, Nathan Lewis gave the Isle of Wight a 2-goal advantage with a far post header from a corner (0-2).
5 minutes later, Jez Conway reduced the deficit for Cowes to a single goal after being set up by Eli Ahmed (1-2).
The Yachtsmen continued to press for an equaliser but a series of good saves from goalkeeper Pitman preserved the Isle of Wight’s lead to the final whistle.
Final score: Cowes Sports XI 1-2 Isle of Wight XI
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Laird, Dempsey, McFarlane, Barron, H. West, C. Neale, Carter-Knight, Conway, Whittle, Cook Subs: Ahmed, Furmidge, Burton, Catania, Perrin
Isle of Wight: Pitman, Hughes, Lewis, Biss, Oatley, Triggs, Colson, Wakefield, Butcher, Younie, McKie Subs: Kelly, Craig, Mumford, Browne, O.West
Goalkeepers Ed Hatt and Leon Pitman swapped sides during the halftime interval.
After the game, Cowes manager Max Draper said:
“It was great to see Connor Furmidge and Jimmi Burton on the pitch again after long-term injury. People say that our 1st team squad with 21 players is too large, but we need that many for a long Wessex League season in which injuries and unavailability inevitably happen.
“I think we were competitive and gave a good account of ourselves. My 2 stand out players were Jordan Cook and Scott McFarlane.”
Isle of Wight manager Tom McInnes said:
“Cowes played well, and this was excellent preparation for the Island Games in Guernsey.
“We are looking forward to taking part and hopefully bringing home some medals to the Island.”
