Cowes Sports were unable to halt the Wessex Premier Division’s early pacesetters at Cams Alders Stadium yesterday (Saturday afternoon).
The Yachtsmen travelled to Fareham in excellent form, having won their previous 4 matches in all competitions. Their run included FA Vase and Hampshire Senior Cup victories, followed by league wins against Hythe & Dibden and Horndean.
However, Cowes faced a Fareham side who had won all 3 of their opening league fixtures, conceding just 2 goals in the process.
The Creeksiders were playing one level higher in the Isthmian League South Central Division last season. Although relegated after finishing bottom, they have responded by making a perfect start on their return to the Wessex Premier.
Fareham struck first through Dan Sibley, who put the home side ahead during the opening half (1-0). Cowes threatened an equaliser but could not find the finishing touch.
The hosts then went close to doubling their advantage before Sam Paul eventually added the 2nd (2-0). Fareham continued to push forward, with Joe Ryan narrowly missing the opportunity to make it 3 before the interval.
Half Time: Fareham Town 2-0 Cowes Sports
Sibley almost added to his tally after the restart when he knocked the ball across the Cowes penalty area and narrowly wide of the post.
Ryan also threatened again, but Ed Hatt saved his effort to prevent the Creeksiders from extending their lead.
Cowes’ task became more difficult when Scott McFarlane was sin-binned, temporarily reducing the Yachtsmen to 10 players. The score remained unchanged as Fareham brought Cowes’ 4-match winning sequence to an end.
Full Time: Fareham Town 2-0 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Flood, Dempsey, Chase, Oatley (c), Biss, Cook, Phillips, Cox, McFarlane, J Mumford. Subs: Arnold, Biggs, T Mumford, Morgan, Wykes
Attendance: 261
Cowes Sports manager Mark Woodhouse admitted his side had been beaten by the better team but promised a response on Tuesday.
“We were beaten by a better team – sometimes you have to say that. I knew what was coming.
“That’s given us an awakening of how good you have to be at the top end of the league. On Tuesday, we’ll dust off, bring a couple back in and we’ll go again.”
Fareham remain top of the Wessex Premier Division with a perfect 12 points from 4 matches, while Cowes are 12th with 6 points from 4 games. The Yachtsmen return to the Diverse Marine Stadium on Tuesday evening, when they host Baffins Milton Rovers at 19:45.
