Newport’s Wessex League Division One promotion hopes are back on track following a victory over close rivals Andover New Street, but it proved a disappointing day for fellow-Division One team East Cowes Vics, and Premier League side Cowes Sports.
Peter White writes….
Port Bounce Back
Newport bounced back into top form to snatch a vital 2-1 victory over Division One promotion rivals Andover New Street at Smallbrook Stadium. Manager Steve Brougham threw down the challenge for a big improvement after the previous week’s defeat, and his players duly responded with a display that prompted him to say:
“Every one of them was outstanding. Andover had previously lost only two games this season, so it was a fantastic result for us.”
Connor Kelly scored twice in the space of 10 minutes midway through the first half to put Port in control before Andover pulled one back just before the break.
Brougham added:
“We didn’t allow their goal to knock us out of our stride, and we might have scored a couple more in the second half. The whole team played well, and that was just what was needed. I was delighted with the result.”
Nothing Goes Wright For Vics!
East Cowes Vics manager Richie Woodburn was left frustrated after watching his side completely dominate the opening half hour of their game at Petersfield Town, only to crash to a disappointing 3-0 defeat.
Vics looked set for victory when they took the game by the scruff of the neck early on, but after failing to convert a couple of gilt-edged scoring chances, their troubles began when Jamie Wright was sent to the sin bin for dissent.
Woodburn reflected:
“We were creating chances and there was a spring in our step. But then we were temporarily down to 10 men, and in their first attack after that, they scuffed the ball into the net. They scored a second before Jamie came back on, but I felt we were still not out of it. But then early in the second half Jamie went in with a two-footed tackle, and was sent off, and I could have no complaints about the decision, because it was a shocking challenge
“So we were down to 10 men, but we dominated much of the second half before they scored a third near the end. I was gutted, because the scoreline suggests we were hammered, but that wasn't the case. If we take that desire onto the pitch when we have 11 men, we won’t go far wrong.”
No Excuses From Draper
Cowes Sports manager Max Draper struggled to conceal his disappointment after watching his team slip for a 6-0 defeat at AFC Portchester. The Yachtsmen have conceded far too many goals on their travels this season, and Saturday proved no exception.
Draper was in no mood to make excuses for the poor showing.
He said:
“We got what we deserved, which was absolutely nothing. Portchester wanted it more than us. They moved the ball around better and had a point to prove from their home game, after we beat them at our place recently.
“There can be no excuses and no arguments from us, we were simply not good enough. We have a big few weeks ahead now, which will show where we are in picking ourselves up and going forward. It is time for us to all come together in what always seems to be a tricky month for us.”
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