There were fine wins for both Cowes Sports and East Cowes Vics in their weekend Wessex League matches, but disappointment for Newport, who were beaten by Folland Sports - one of their main rivals for promotion last season.
In the Premier Division, Cowes Sports hosted Alresford Town, and a crowd of more than a 100 were treated to an exciting spectacle, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Yachtsmen. their first three-pointer of the new campaign.
After an even start, the Yachtsmen took the lead on 22 minutes, when evergreen John McKie swivelled, and hit a superb shot into the roof of the net. The hosts held their advantage until early in the second period before Alresford hit back to equalise.
The game looked to be heading for a draw, but then McKie once again had the last word. The Yachtsmen were awarded a free kick well outside the penalty area, but the strike ace stepped up hit a perfect shot into the top corner of the net to earn his side maximum points. The Yachtsmen turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend when they entertain Larkhall Athletic.
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East Cowes Vics secured their first win of the new season when they visited Fleet Spurs, and netted twice without reply. It is a promising start to the campaign for Vics, with manager Richie Woodburn and his backroom staff having worked overtime in the summer to find new recruits to strengthen the squad. Any Vics’ nerves were settled with the opening goal inside 10 minutes, as Jordan Chapman found Sam Cant, who cleverly chipped his shot over the advancing Fleet keeper.
They doubled their advantage 10 minutes before half time, with Cant rising highest in the area to power home a header from Kade Woodford’s corner. Vics had a couple more chances to extend their lead, but just before the end keeper Alex Ram ensured there would be no fears of a Fleet rally when he pulled off a point-blank save to keep the clean sheet.
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Newport suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 3-1 to Folland Sports at their temporary home at East Cowes Vics.
The two sides reached the Division One, semi-final play-offs last season, and although Newport emerged victorious in that encounter, they were eventually denied promotion by Laverstock and Ford in the play-off final.
In sweltering conditions, it was Folland who claimed victory this time, their second successive win, which currently puts them top of the table. But these are very early days, and Newport are still expected to figure prominently in the battle for promotion to the Premier Division.
Josh Younie gave Newport a first-half advantage, but after the break Folland hit back to score three times in the last half-hour to take the points.
Newport will be looking to bounce back in style this weekend when they visit travel to the mainland to take on Stoneham in the FA Cup.
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