John McKie produced one of Westwood Park’s most remarkable goals last night (Tuesday), just minutes after being honoured for his place in Cowes Sports history.
Cowes also included a significant new face in their squad for the Wessex Premier Division encounter at the Diverse Marine Stadium, with former Football League striker Jake Scrimshaw making his first appearance for the Yachtsmen.
The 26-year-old Ryde-born forward came through the academy at AFC Bournemouth before gaining Football League experience with Walsall, Newport County and Scunthorpe United. He was also the leading scorer at the 2023 Island Games with 7 goals in 5 matches.
Scrimshaw is already well known to Island football supporters, having played for East Cowes Vics last season. His spell with Vics ended dramatically following February’s Gold Cup derby against Newport at Westwood Park, when he left the club after being substituted during the game. He subsequently signed for Isthmian League Bognor Regis Town during the summer and had more recently been training with Newport.
It was already the 3rd meeting between Cowes and Hamble this season. The Monks had knocked the Yachtsmen out of the FA Cup at Westwood Park in August before Cowes gained revenge just a week later, winning 2-4 at Hamble to send the Monks out of the FA Vase.
Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters joined in a minute’s applause in memory of Darren ‘Daz’ Powell, the former Newport and Binstead & COB player who died last week aged 44. Powell, Newport’s record appearance holder, had also played for Cowes Sports before joining Port.
McKie had already been the centre of attention before kick-off, when he was presented with an award after moving outright into 2nd place on the Yachtsmen’s all-time scoring list. His 2 penalties in Saturday’s 1-3 victory at Hamworthy Recreation had taken his Cowes tally to 212.
Hamble started brightly and Ed Hatt was called into action after 11 minutes when Barrow drove forward and unleashed a powerful effort which the Cowes goalkeeper did well to keep out.
The Yachtsmen began to grow into the contest and threatened in the 21st minute when McFarlane swung an inswinging corner into the penalty area. Oatley knocked the ball back for Marsek, whose header went over the crossbar.
Hamble caused a scramble inside the Cowes 6-yard box after 33 minutes, but the Yachtsmen survived before going close themselves 6 minutes later. McKie fired across the face of goal, forcing Doe into a save as Cowes began to pose a greater attacking threat.
With the opening half seemingly heading towards a goalless conclusion, McKie produced an extraordinary moment in stoppage time. The ball popped up to the Cowes striker 45 yards from goal and – spotting Doe off his line – the 38-year-old launched a spectacular effort high over the stranded goalkeeper. The ball soared to an incredible height and appeared to hang in the night sky for an eternity before dropping beyond Doe, bouncing over the line and into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Cowes players and an explosion of joy from the home supporters.
It was McKie’s 213th goal for Cowes and one of the most memorable. It also came against one of his former clubs.
Half Time: Cowes Sports 1-0 Hamble Club
Cowes survived a scare immediately after the restart when Hatt came close to punching the ball into his own net, but the Yachtsmen escaped with their lead intact.
Scrimshaw was introduced from the bench early in the second half to make his Cowes debut.
Cowes threatened to extend their advantage when Colson drove the ball across the Hamble penalty area, but nobody was able to provide the finishing touch.
Hamble continued to search for an equaliser, with Barrow shown a yellow card for simulation in the 61st minute after going down following a challenge involving Hatt.
The visitors eventually drew level in the 79th minute. A corner from the left dropped inside the Cowes penalty area, where substitute Taylor poked the ball beyond Hatt with his first touch of the game.
The Yachtsmen went looking for a response rather than settling for the point. Hamble threatened from a free kick which Mason sent narrowly wide in the 85th minute before Cowes came close to snatching victory themselves 3 minutes later.
McFarlane powered forward on a strong run before creating an opening for Marsek, who came close to restoring the Yachtsmen’s advantage as the contest entered its closing stages.
Cowes continued to push for a late winner, but the Monks held firm to deny the Yachtsmen the victory.
Full Time: Cowes Sports 1-1 Hamble Club
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Flood, Dempsey, Chase, Oatley (c), J. Mumford, Colson, Phillips, McFarlane, Marsek, McKie. Subs: Carter-Knight, Biggs, St John Biggs, Scrimshaw, T. Mumford Man of the Match: John McKie
Attendance: 170
After the game, Cowes manager Mark Woodhouse said:
“It was an entertaining game. They always are with Hamble. I think they shaded most of the first half, but we were really resolute and dug in. Then John scores an incredible goal that only John can do.
“We had some good moments in the second half, then they changed their shape and came back at us. We know they are deadly from set pieces and they got their equaliser. The game became a bit like basketball at the end, with chances for both sides.
“You go away to unbeaten Hamworthy and beat them, then take a point off Hamble, who were top not so long ago. That’s 4 great points. You can’t moan about that.”
The draw leaves Cowes 12th in the Wessex Premier Division with 15 points from 10 games.
Elsewhere, Newport IW were due to host Wessex Division 1 leaders New Milton Town at WightFibre Park yesterday evening, but the game was postponed. The postponement is believed to have been due to issues with the floodlighting at Port’s new ground.
