Cowes Sports marked Mark Woodhouse’s first game in sole charge with a hard-fought win over high-flying Portland United at the Zilch Waste Stadium this afternoon.
The Yachtsmen welcomed back several key first-team players including John McKie, Charlie Marsek and Will Bridi, while new signing Harry Taylor – recently signed from Newport – took his place on the bench.
Cowes began brightly and dominated much of the first half, moving the ball well and putting Portland under sustained pressure. Their early control was rewarded when substitute Scott McFarlane put the home side into the lead in the 23rd minute to give the Yachtsmen a goal advantage going into half time (1-0).
Half time: Cowes Sports 1-0 Portland United
The visitors came out stronger after the break and began to impose themselves on the game. Portland’s persistence paid off when Corbridge levelled the scores (1-1). The Dorset side then thought they had taken the lead only for celebrations to be cut short when the referee disallowed the goal for a foul throw in the build up.
Rather than letting heads drop, Cowes responded in determined fashion, with substitute Will Bridi producing a moment of individual brilliance, running the length of the pitch before striking powerfully past the Portland goalkeeper to restore the home side’s lead 5 minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench to the delight of the 169 crowd (2-1). This was especially satisfying for the young striker, as he has been sidelined through injury for over a year.
From that point on, the Yachtsmen were made to work hard for the win, digging deep to defend against a series of long throws and battling for every second ball.
In the closing stages, Cowes had to show discipline and resilience to protect their narrow lead. Their collective defensive effort ensured all 3 points stayed on the Isle of Wight, capping off an encouraging start for Woodhouse’s tenure.
Full time: Cowes Sports 2-1 Portland United
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hughes, Haward, Chaswe, Oatley (c), Colson, Cook, Phillips, Browne, Marsek, McFarlane Subs: Ram (gk), Bridi, Flood, McKie, Taylor Man-of-the-match: George Colson
After the game, Cowes Sports manager Mark Woodhouse said:
“The lads can be really proud of that attitude and diligence in defending and concentration right up to the last minute.
Not just the 11 – the 16 have contributed to that today. No offence to the lads that have been there, but we’ve got the squad back to the quality. It is only going to improve and all the lads want to be amongst it. There’s no one who’s shying away from that challenge. They want that competition for places.”
Cowes Sports remain 16th in the Wessex Premier Division with 19 points from 16 games.
Next up, the Yachtsmen travel to Salisbury on Tuesday evening to play Laverstock & Ford in the Wessex League Cup – their 5th meeting of the season to date.
EAST COWES VICS UNDONE BY LATE BAFFINS COMEBACK IN FIVE-GOAL THRILLER
East Cowes Vics hosted high-flying Baffins Milton Rovers at Beatrice Avenue, aiming to end their 2025 home campaign on a high.
Vics started brightly, with Jordan Chapman trying his luck from near the halfway line before seeing a 22-yard effort go narrowly wide on 16 minutes. Moments later, Elliot Wheeler’s 20-yard strike looked destined for the top corner before a deflection sent it over the bar.
The home side’s positive play was rewarded on 29 minutes when Connor Kelly’s shot was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly for Jake Wright, who sidestepped a defender and drilled a low effort into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
Just 7 minutes later, Vics doubled their advantage. Jacob Reynolds’ header set up Wheeler, who coolly finished from a tight angle to make it 2-0. Goalkeeper George Bridi then pulled off a fine save to deny Danny Burroughs on 38 minutes, before Jake Scrimshaw saw a goal ruled out for offside right on the stroke of half time.
Half Time: East Cowes Vics 2-0 Baffins Milton Rovers
Baffins came out firing after the restart, forcing Wheeler into a goal-line clearance within a minute of the second half beginning. The rebound fell to Burroughs, whose shot flew inches over the bar. The visitors’ pressure paid off in the 62nd minute when skipper Charlie Bell produced a fine finish to pull one back for 2-1.
Vics were forced to dig deep as Baffins piled forward, and their resistance was finally broken in the 83rd minute when Lewis Beale powered home a header from a corner to level the scores (2-2).
Just 3 minutes later, Beale struck again, meeting another pinpoint cross to head home in style and complete the comeback (2-3), much to the disappointment of the 168 home supporters in attendance.
Despite a late surge, Vics couldn’t find an equaliser as Baffins held firm to claim all 3 points.
Full Time: East Cowes Vics 2-3 Baffins Milton Rovers
East Cowes Victoria: Bridi, Holbrook, Newbold (c), Triggs, Wheeler, Chapman, Wright, Reynolds, Jones, Scrimshaw, Kelly Subs: Coode, Hart, Urry, Wrag, Pitman Man-of-the-match: Jake Wright
Defeat for Vics leaves the East Cowes side 13th in the Wessex Premier with 20 points from 15 games.
Newport’s game away to Blackfield & Langley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Port have now gone 35 days without a competitive fixture.
Next up, Newport face Bembridge & Vectis in the Quarter Final of the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup with kick off at 19:45.
