The only Isle of Wight Wessex League side to get a game in inclement weather today (Saturday), Cowes Sports travelled to high-flying Shaftsbury in the Premier Division.

The Yachtsmen went into this game in 10th, after their last fixture was postponed midweek.

Cowes had not been in action since October 21, with their thumping 7-0 victory against Whitchurch United in the first round proper of the FA Vase.

Meanwhile, The Rockies came away with a 4-1 win on Tuesday night against Petersfield Town and found themselves second place, amongst the league's big guns, ahead of kick-off. 

Despite a lot of other cancellations across the country's football pitches, the game went ahead thanks to the artificial pitch at Cockrams.

Shaftsbury 4-1 Cowes Sports

The Yachtsmen got off to a poor start, going one down within ten minutes after a good Shaftsbury move resulted in a great volleyed finish.

Cowes kept themselves in the game, going in at half time one down, but just after the hour mark, a Shaftsbury ball found former Pompey striker Brett Pitman who tucked it away passed Ed Hatt.

On the stroke of 70, Shaftsbury made it three, after a midfielder picked up the ball 25 yards out and fired low and hard beyond the Cowes keeper.

The Yachtsmen did manage to get a goal back, Brandon Hayward scoring a consolation on 80 minutes, after some good play by the Islanders.

But, just two minutes later, Shaftsbury restored their three-goal lead, after Hatt made a great save, but could only deflect the ball into the path of an oncoming opponent, who smashed it in close range.

Next up, the Yachtsmen will host Moneyfields at Westwood Park on Tuesday evening  (November 7).