All 3 of the Island’s Wessex League teams had positive results with wins in FA Cup qualifying for Newport IW and Cowes Sports as well as an opening day point against recently relegated Amesbury for East Cowes Vics.
Newport IW, who will play AFC Stoneham in the next round, kicked off their FA Cup campaign with a 3-1 win at Fleet Town on Saturday
The side who finished in place last season and missed out on promotion to the Wessex League Premier Division, made it 2 wins in 4 days thanks to goals from Jordan Browne, Connor Kelly and 16-year-old substitute Finn Smith – who was making his debut for the club since signing the day before (Friday) on his 16th birthday. In scoring, it is believed that as far as records suggest, Smith made history as the youngest goal scorer in the competition at 16 years and 1 day.
Elsewhere in the competition, Cowes Sports welcomed Hamble Club to Westwood Park and they also got their cup run off to the perfect start, despite finishing the game with 9-men. The win came courtesy of Captain John McKie’s goal after the hour mark following hesitation from the Hamble backline. In scoring the goal – the legendary Yachtsmen bagged his 150th goal for the club, in his 251st appearance.
The Island’s other Wessex League team – East Cowes – managed a 2-2 draw at home to Amesbury Town as they started their domestic campaign on Saturday afternoon.
At 1 point Vics led 2-1 thanks to goals from Charlie Marsek and skipper Liam Newbold, but just as soon as they took the lead Amesbury replied instantly, forcing both teams to share the spoils on the opening day of the season.
Well done Finn we are proud of you. UTP