Cowes Sports were beaten by an 82nd minute goal in their final league game of the season at playoff contenders Hamble, despite having taken an early lead.
The Monks began the game brightly, volleying the ball against the crossbar in the 3rd minute.
The Yachtsmen took the lead on the quarter hour mark courtesy of captain John McKie, who – after being played on by Scott McFarlane – shot across the goal and into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area (0-1).
Hamble responded with some direct football but were unable to break down a resilient Cowes defence. The Yachtsmen came close to extending their lead in the 33rd minute when Callum Chase had a free header from a corner but headed wide.
The Monks should have equalised in the final minute of the first half when keeper Ed Hatt dropped the ball on the 6-yard line, but their midfielder somehow skied the ball over the crossbar.
Half time: Hamble Club 0-1 Cowes Sports
The Monks equalised 9 minutes into the 2nd half through a Matt Casey header from a corner (1-1).
The home side continued to press on a bumpy pitch that suited their direct style of play.
8 minutes from full time, Nick Yeomans sliced the ball off the crossbar and into the top corner of Ed Hatt’s goal to ensure the Monks reached the Wessex Premier playoffs by taking 3 points off the Yachtsmen (2-1).
Full time: Hamble Club 2-1 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hughes, Salter, Chase, Oatley, Phillips, McKie (c), Cook, McFarlane, Wright, Haward Subs: Mumford, Browne, Backshall, Lovett-Fenner, Flood
After the game, co-manager Ian Potts commented:
“It’s been a long old season, but it’s gone quite quickly. When we first took over the team, we were bottom on 2 points and hadn’t won for 8 games. So, from where we were to where we are is a massive improvement.
“There’s togetherness back in the club from the under-18s to the reserves and the first team. All 3 teams are in midtable, and the reserves and the first team have reached cup finals, which is a massive achievement.
“We’ve had a few lows, but there have been a lot more highs. All the youngsters that have come in have really taken to Wessex League level. They’ve got a big future. All the seniors that have been here a long time have been superb.
“We’re looking forward to next season. I think the foundations are there for us to step on.
“The club is in a very good place.”
Cowes Sports end their Wessex League campaign in 12th place with 45 points from 38 games.
