YACHTSMEN SUNK IN BOURNEMOUTH THROUGH INDISCIPLINE FROM CREW

Cowes Sports’ playoff place prospects were damaged by defeat by Bournemouth Poppies this evening (Tuesday) in a game in which they finished with just 9 men. The Yachtsmen travelled to Bournemouth with a strong squad, including the returning Jimmy Mumford and Connor Furmidge. The 1st scoring opportunity of the game fell to Bournemouth No11 Adams, who fired wide. Cowes’ 1st chance came in the 8th minute when John McKie blasted the ball over the crossbar after being set up by Connor Kelly. The Poppies thought they had scored in the 20th minute, but Joe Freak had his ‘goal’ ruled offside. The Island side then thought they had taken the lead in the 33rd minute with a rare headed goal from Cook, but the midfielder also had his effort disallowed. Bournemouth took the lead 2 minutes from the half time interval from Rowe, who smashed the ball past Hatt from the edge of the 6-yard box (1-0). The 1st half finished with a deflected shot from centre forward McFarlane, which went straight into the Bournemouth keeper’s hands. Half time: Bournemouth Poppies 1-0 Cowes Sports The Yachtsmen returned in the 2nd half determined to beat Bournemouth’s long ball game. But it wasn’t to be, largely due to indiscipline (or some harsh refereeing decisions). In an end to end contest, Freak continued to be a thorn in the side of the Yachtsmen’s defence, sending a glancing header just over the crossbar in the 52nd minute. For Cowes, Ollie West put a header from a corner wide on the hour mark. Cowes’ chance of taking anything from the game started to disappear in the 66th minute when substitute Josh Neale was red carded for a foul, following which captain John McKie was sinbinned for dissent. 9-man Cowes were then reduced to 8 following the dismissal of goalkeeper Ed Hatt for a last ditch challenge. Centre forward McFarlane took his place between the sticks. The Poppies punished the depleted Cowes side with Rowe bagging his brace in the 77th minute (2-0). Full time: Bournemouth Poppies 2-0 Cowes Sports Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hayward (Bridi), West, Triggs, Oatley, Hancott, Phillips, Cook (Neale 53′), McFarlane, McKie (c), Kelly Subs: Carter-Knight, Furmidge, Mumford Defeat for the Yachtsmen and wins for Brockenhurst and Baffins Milton Rovers this evening sees Cowes fall out of the playoff positions, dropping from 5th to 7th in the Wessex Premier table.