THERE was disappointment for the Isle of Wight's three sides following narrow defeats in the first round proper of the FA Vase.

Newport went behind after just five minutes when Mark Taylor gave away a free kick with a rash challenge in a dangerous area and from it a Bridgwater striker headed past keeper, Gary Streeter, from point blank range.

As Newport grew into the tie, defending well and playing much better on the break, their striker, Charlie Urry, was given a straight red card for a heavy challenge — a harsh decision that caused derision among the 144 crowd at soggy Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes.

Port had few chances against a side a tier higher than them, but coped well with one less player.

But in the 61st minute, Taylor was at fault for the second and decisive goal, when his weak backpass was intercepted and as Bridgwater were about to score, their player was hauled down for a penalty.

A Bridgwater player was dismissed in the final minute, but it made no difference.

Cowes Sports travelled to Gloucestershire to play their tie, and were beaten by a single goal at Longlevens.

East Cowes Vics put up a brave fight away at Warminster Town, losing 3-2. They were at 1-1 inside the opening two minutes.

Whitecroft and Barton Sports went to the top of Division 1 of the Harwoods Island League after they won comfortably at Ryde Saints, 4-0.

After ten games played, it has turned into a three-horse race, with W&B having only dropped two points and Brading Town, three.

Shanklin, who hammered Pan Sports 7-2 away, sit third, two points behind Brading, but having played two more games.  

                                    TODAY'S RESULTS (SATURDAY)

FA Vase, first round:  Longlevens 1, Cowes Sports 0; Newport 0, Bridgwater Town 2; Warminster Town 3, East Cowes Vics 2.

Island League Division 1: Cowes Sports Reserves 7, Sandown 0; ECS 0, Binstead & COB 2; Pan Sports 2, Shanklin 7; Ryde Saints 0, Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4.

Division 2: Wootton 0, Niton Community 1; Newport Reserves 3, Newchurch 5.

Combination 1: Binstead & COB Reserves 3, Shanklin Reserves 3; Oakfield Reserves 2, West Wight Reserves 4; Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves 3, Seaview Reserves 3; Carisbrooke Utd Reserves 2, ECS Reserves 6.