A 2nd half hat trick by Eli Ahmed saw 3rd-from-bottom Cowes overcome 2nd-from-bottom Pagham in West Sussex this afternoon (Saturday, 8th April).
The day started badly for the Island team with a ferry cancellation forcing the kick off to be put back until 15:30.
The Yachtsmen were missing key players including captain and centre forward John McKie and midfielders Harri Catania, Brandon Hayward and Scott McFarlane. Utility player Jez Conway was also absent from the Cowes squad.
Manager Max Draper was unavailable – his place was taken by former manager Ian Potts. Before the game, Ian had told Island Echo that his experience of previous promotion and relegation battles would prove invaluable in this vital game – and so it proved.
Cowes played poorly in the 1st half and were extremely fortunate not to have been trailing by several goals at the half time break. Pagham hit the woodwork twice and had 2 attempts cleared off the goal line.
Half time: Pagham 0-0 Cowes Sports
The 2nd half was a completely different story. Eli Ahmed – who had failed to score for the Yachtsmen in the season to date – converted a Jimmy Mumford cross from 6 yards for the Yachtsmen to take the lead (0-1).
Ahmed bagged his brace with a skilful turn in the penalty area before shooting and scoring (0-2).
Pagham then piled on the pressure with the Yachtsmen forced to clear the ball off the line and keeper Ed Hatt tipping the ball over the crossbar.
Shortly before the full-time whistle, Ahmed completed a remarkable hat trick by beating a defender to the ball from 5 yards (0-3).
Full time: Pagham 0-3 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, White, Dempsey, Watson, H. West, O. West, Phillips (c), Whittle, Wetherick, Ahmed, Mumford Subs: Coode, Furmidge, Coshell, Neale, Bunday
After the game, Cowes Sports assistant manager Andy Brown told Island Echo:
“We played too deep in the 1st half but played further forward in the 2nd, creating chances down the flanks. Jared Wetherick held the ball up very well for us.”
Ian Potts – who took charge of the team in the absence of manager Max Draper – said:
“Eli was absolutely superb. The 1st half was very cagey. But after the half time team talk, we played out of our skins.”
“However, we’re still not safe yet.”
Hat trick hero Eli Ahmed commented:
“After a long season, it’s a relief to score. Especially in the most important game of the season. Once I got 1, I knew there would be more to come.
“What’s important now is to beat West Wight on Wednesday and go on to win the Gold Cup for Cowes.”
The Yachtsmen’s goalkeeper Ed Hatt credited the win to stand in manager Ian Potts, saying:
“The lads did it for Pottsie. He’s the best club man there is – he’s always there. He was the key to our victory today.”
The Yachtsmen’s victory sees them advance to 16th in the Wessex Premier – 6 points and 3 places above 2nd-from-bottom Pagham. Defeat would have left Cowes languishing in the relegation zone.
Wessex Premier table below:
