THE Isle of Wight's top three clubs were defeated in their opening fixtures of the Sydenhams Wessex League.
Despite dominating much of the game, Premier outfit Cowes Sports went down 1-0 away at Brockenhurst, who missed two penalties.
In Division 1, Newport got their season off to a disappointing start with a below par performance in a feisty game that saw a player from both sides sent off.
The Islanders — a shadow of their scintillating best last season when Covid-19 halted their promotion push — showed plenty of endeavour, but lacked quality and cutting edge when it mattered, against a well-drilled side.
But had Newport taken the numerous decent chances they had during the game, it could have been a different story.
Andover took the lead on 15 minutes when a shot from the edge of the box was parried by Gary Streeter into the path of their striker, who tapped in.
The game was getting increasingly tetchy, so it was no surprise to see red cards brandished — Jacob Reynolds retaliating to a two-footed challenge, for which the Andover player was given his marching orders too.
Andover’s second on 64 minutes, a low shot into the corner, which stemmed from another defensive lapse, knocked the stuffing out of Newport.
Also in Division 1, East Cowes Vics went down 3-1 at Ringwood Town — despite taking the lead.
- For a full match report on the Newport game, with pictures, and a round-up of the other Wessex matches, see this Friday's County Press.
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