It was a mixed weekend for the Isle of Wight sides, with Newport celebrating an emphatic win while Cowes Sports and East Cowes Vics battled through tough goal-less encounters. Here is how the Wessex League action unfolded today (Saturday, March 29). Cowes Sports, comfortably mid-table in the Wessex League Premier, hosted relegation-threatened Downton in a frustrating stalemate.
The Yachtsmen started energetically, with John McKie and Charlie Marsek combining effectively, but Marsek’s volley was comfortably collected by Downton's keeper after 20 minutes. Ten minutes later, Cowes almost fashioned a superb goal, a slick passing move involving Matt Oatley, McKie, Jordan Browne and Jordan Cook culminating in McKie’s volley, impressively saved, albeit flagged offside. After the break, Downton briefly threatened through a one-on-one, expertly cleared off the line by Cowes' Ryan Hughes.
Despite further Cowes dominance, with Jared Tout-Walters and Harrison Dempsey creating opportunities for Cook and McKie, their finishing lacked precision. Jake Wright’s late free-kick set up Browne, whose volley flashed narrowly wide, leaving Cowes frustrated ahead of next week’s visit to Sherborne Town. Port delivered a remarkable performance against play-off hopefuls Hamworthy United in the Wessex League Division 1, securing a dominant victory.
After early pressure, Newport broke the deadlock on 29 minutes, Joe Butcher's pinpoint cross confidently finished by Ji Nash. Ten minutes later, Sam .
