THE Isle of Wight's three Sydenhams Wessex clubs all grabbed a result — but none more vital than the single goal vctory for Cowes Sports against Shaftesbury at Westwood Park this afternoon (Saturday).

Cowes were the better team in the first 20 minutes, but the visitors started to get more of a foothold as the half progressed.

But on 39 minutes, a cross into player-boss John McKie was flicked on for Finley Phillips to tap it in and giove the Yachtsmen the lead.

McKie and Ewan Cranwell both had shots cleared off the line and Cowes hung to record back-to-back league wins at home for the first time since August.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Cowes player-boss John McKie, who set up the Yachtsmen's only goal against Shaftesbury. FILE

Again, bottom side Andover New Street wo0n, beating fifth-placed Hamworthy, to keep the pressure on Cowes at the foot of the table, while second bottom Bemerton Heath Harlequins lost 1-0 at home to Baffins Milton Rovers.

After the game, McKie told the Isle of Wight County Press: "We believe in what we do — and now we're seeing the rewards.

"We mean what we say and we're all about our business. We play for three points and nothing less.

"The lads were superb — absolutely superb. We were disciplined, energetic, we attacked for 90 minutes and it was fantastic to see and be a part of.

"Take nothing away from Shaftesbury, but from the moment the players arrived in the dressing we knew there was only one winner.

"The boys again showed their class and for me, the most important players, were numbers 12 to 16.

"There are no egos or attitudes in our squad. We're a family and they know everyone has a part to play when you are part of a winning side.

"We'll enjoy tonight, but come tomorrow morning, we prepare for the Isle of Wight Gold Cup game on Wednesday."

In Division, East Cowes Vics were given a tough examination at home to Verwood Town, the side directly below them before kick-off.

A little against the run of play, after a bright start by Verwood, Vics captain Joe Butcher finished off a simple, slick move down the left with a beautifully struck drive in to the far corner from 15 yards.

Verwood always looked the more dangerous on the attack and equalised with a good poachers' finish from close in just before the hour mark.

Isle of Wight County Press:

East Cowes Vics keeper Karl Steinbourne-Busse was a commanding presence against Verwood Town. 

Just before the goal, Vics keeper Karl Steinbourne-Busse pulled off a superb save to spare the blushes of Ollie West, who deflected a cross from the right towards the top corner.

Verwodd kept attacking, but Vics' defence stood firm until the final whistle for a 1-1 draw.

Newport got back to winning ways in fine style with a 3-0 win away at struggling Petersfield Town.

Port's veteran keeper Gary Streeter rolled back the years by saving a penalty after six minutes.

Neo Lamb scored his first senior goal for the Islanders after 31 minutes to open their account.

Connor Kelly finished off a great move in the second half to double Newport's lead, with Kelly adding his second with 11 minutes left.

The win meant they leap-frogged Vics to go seventh on goal difference and with three games in hand on them. 

In Division 1 of the Harwoods Renault Island League, Whitecroft and Barton Sports hammered Binstead & COB 4-0 at Binstead Rec.

Shanklin moved into second place with a 2-1 win over Pan Sports at the County Ground.

It means that W&B only need to win their next match to mathematically clinch their fifth title in a row.

                         THIS AFTERNOON’S RESULTS (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Cowes Sports 1, Shaftesbury 0.

Sydenhams Wessex Division 1: East Cowes Vics 1, Verwood Town 1; Petersfield Town 0, Newport 3.

Isle of Wight Memorial Cup, third round: Oakfield 1, Ventnor 2.

Ken Morris Isle of Wight Junior A Cup, third round: Bembridge 3, Adgestone 0; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves 1, Ryde Saints 4.

Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League, Division 1: Binstead & COB 0, Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4; Osborne Coburg 0, Northwood St John 4; Shanklin 2, Pan Sports 1; West Wight 0, ECS 2.

Division 2: Carisbrooke United 1, Wroxall 0; East Cowes Vics A ,1 Wootton 0; Niton Community 4, Seaview 5.

Combination 1: ECS Reserves 1, Oakfield Reserves 1; Northwood St John Reserves 2, West Wight Reserves 4; Sandown Reserves 0, Binstead & COB Reserves 3; Ventnor Reserves 0, Ryde Saints Reserves 3.