YACHTSMEN START LONG FA CUP VOYAGE WITH AWAY DRAW IN WILTSHIRE

Cowes Sports have drawn away to Laverstock & Ford in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon (Saturday) after conceding a late goal. The Island’s sole Wessex League representatives experienced ferry difficulties, but their request to delay the kick off was denied. They were also without influential defender Ryan Oatley, who was getting married. The Yachtsmen began the game on the front foot with first Scot McFarlane then George Carter-Knight testing the Laverstock keeper in the opening 10 minutes. Charlie Marsek then volleyed the ball over the crossbar on the quarter hour mark, and Carter-Knight volleyed into the keepers arms in the 20th minute. The breakthrough came for the Yachtsmen in the 23rd minute when Charlie Marek sent a through ball between a couple of prone defenders to Scott McFarlane, who slotted the ball into the corner of the goal (o-1). The first half finished with further chances for Cowes with Dempsey volleying past the left post, McFarlane shooting past the upright and Charlie Marsek heading the ball into the side netting. Half time: Laverstock & Ford 0-1 Cowes Sports Laverstock & Ford started the 2nd half determined to get back to level terms, dominating the game in terms of possession and hitting the upright in the 52nd minute. However, the Yachtsmen continued to create their chances, with Liam Triggs shooting just over the crossbar in the 72nd minute. The Wiltshire side continued to press with Cowes keeper Ed Hatt making a series of vital saves towards the end of the 90 minutes. Sadly, Cowes were denied a win in Wiltshire by 90th minute minute header from Cameron Roach. Full time: Laverstock & Ford 1-1 Cowes Sports Cowes Sports: Hatt, Mumford, Dempsey, Hughes, Hancott, Triggs, Phillips (c), Wright, McFarlane, Carter-Knight, Marsek Subs: Cook, Jackman, Conway, Hayward, W.Bridi, G.Bridi, Tout Cowes Sports will face Laverstcok & Ford again in the replay at Westwood Park this Tuesday evening. East Cowes Vics had their opening game against Romsey Town at Beatrice Avenue postponed due to ferry problems.