Scott McFarlane struck a stoppage-time winner as Cowes Sports overcame Sturminster Newton United in a dramatic encounter at Westwood Park.
Cowes enjoyed the better of much of the first half, creating several chances without managing to break down the Sturminster defence.
George Colson picked up the first yellow card of the afternoon for a late sliding tackle, while a Sturminster player was also booked after pushing Charlie Marsek to the ground as the pair came together.
The visitors grew into the game and enjoyed their best spell during the final 10 minutes of the half, putting Cowes under pressure after the Yachtsmen had enjoyed the greater share of opportunities.
Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval, leaving the contest finely balanced.
Half Time: Cowes Sports 0–0 Sturminster Newton United
Heavy rain swept across Westwood Park during the second half, with the increasingly open play producing chances at both ends.
Cowes broke the deadlock following a well-worked move involving Ollie Flood, Charlie Marsek and Jake Scrimshaw.
Flood’s throw-in from the right was flicked on by Marsek towards Scrimshaw, who chested the ball down for Marsek to shoot. The Sturminster goalkeeper made a fine save, but Scrimshaw was quickest to react, following up to knock the rebound into the net (1–0).
Sturminster responded by pushing forward and eventually found an equaliser through Moss Jackson.
The visitors worked the ball around the edge of the Cowes penalty area, where an initial shot was blocked. The loose ball fell to Jackson, who reacted quickly to poke it into the net (1–1).
With the scores level and the match heading into stoppage time, Cowes were handed a golden opportunity to snatch all 3 points.
Marsek was preparing to challenge for the ball inside the Sturminster penalty area when a defender came crashing through his back, leaving the referee pointing to the spot.
McFarlane stepped up and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way before placing his penalty into the bottom-left corner (2–1).
The late winner sparked celebrations among the Cowes players and supporters as the Yachtsmen secured a last-gasp victory in front of 162 spectators.
Full Time: Cowes Sports 2–1 Sturminster Newton United
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Flood, T. Mumford, Chase, Oatley (captain), Carter-Knight, Phillips, McFarlane, Colson, Scrimshaw, Marsek Subs: Stuber, Cook, Ballinger, Arnold, St John Biggs Man of the Match: Scott McFarlane.
Attendance: 162.
Cowes Sports manager Mark Woodhouse praised his players following an entertaining contest.
“That was definitely one of the most entertaining games of the season so far. When you’re a spectator, that’s what you get at non-league level.
“You won’t see teams sitting in their shapes trying to figure each other out. You’ll get guts.
“To have a week off with a win on our backs is great. We’ll prepare well for next Saturday and try to back it up.”
The victory leaves Cowes Sports 15th in the Wessex League Premier Division with 18 points from 13 games, 4 points behind 11th-placed Sturminster Newton United.
The Yachtsmen travel to Hythe & Dibden next Saturday (14th November), looking to build on their dramatic home victory.
