A late goal by Jez Conway saw Cowes Sports secure their 1st away win of the season against United Services Portsmouth (formerly known as Portsmouth Royal Navy) at the Victory Stadium in Portsea Island on Tuesday (20th September).
After suffering an early scare when a USP striker narrowly missed the Cowes goal in the 3rd minute, the Yachtsmen took the lead in the 9th minute through an 8-yard strike from Fin Phillips, who had been laid on by Aedan Coode after a powerful 30-yard run from Eli Ahmed (0-1).
Cowes keeper Ed Hatt was responsible for preserving the Yachtsmen’s narrow lead until the halftime interval, pulling off a great diving save to stop a header in the 28th minute, following which he parried a powerful shot in the 32nd minute.
The Yachtsmen also had a good chance to extend their lead on the half-hour mark, with Aedan Coode shooting just over the crossbar, and 4 minutes later had the ball in the US Portsmouth net, but the ‘goal’ was ruled offside.
Half time: US Portsmouth 0-1 Cowes Sports
The Pompey side appeared determined to claw back the 1-goal deficit in a spirited 2nd half display. In the 59th minute, they came close to equalizing when a deflected free-kick bounced off Ed Hatt’s crossbar. 4 minutes later they were denied their equalizing goal by a superb reaction save from Ed Hatt.
Meanwhile, the Island team made a couple of substitutions with Ji Nash taking the place of Josh Neale and John McKie coming on for Eli Ahmed. Brandon Hayward then picked up a yellow card and was replaced by Caleb Neale.
In the 68th minute, captain Fin Phillips hit the upright from a free kick from outside the penalty area. However, 2 minutes later Shawn Benjamin finally equalized for the home side with a header from a corner (1-1).
The Yachtsmen then made a further substitution with George Holmes replacing Aedan Coode.
In the 82nd minute, Jez Conway sent the Cowes team and supporters delirious when he blasted in a deflected free kick from Fin Phillips from 5 yards (1-2). The Island side appeared to be controlling the game at this point and managed to retain the ball and create further chances for themselves up until the final whistle.
Full time: US Portsmouth 1-2 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Laird, Dempsey, Perrin, Conway, Catania (Jackson), Coode (Holmes), Hayward (C. Neale), J. Neale (Nash), Phillips (c), Ahmed (McKie)
After the game, Cowes manager Max Draper said:
We needed to break the cycle of poor results and gain some confidence. Hopefully, we can now build some momentum. On to Saturday …
The Yachtsmen’s victory sees them climb from 19th to 15th place in the Wessex Premier with 6 points from 6 games. This Saturday, Cowes Sports face Verwood Town at Westwood Park in the FA Vase.
