Two of the Isle of Wight's Wessex League football sides were in action for the final time in 2023 today (Saturday).

In Division One, East Cowes Vics were hoping to bounce back from a Boxing Day defeat to Newport, who had their game with Aldermaston postponed.

Vics took on second-place Downton at Beatrice Avenue.

The home side got off to a flying start with Ji Nash's 25 yard strike sailing past the opposing keeper inside the first minute.

Downton could have equalised five minutes later, but Alex Ram saved well from Joe Smith.

Vics nearly doubled their lead on 17 minutes, with Charlie Marsek's effort from six yards out hitting the post.

Vics made no mistake in the 39th minute, though. Jacob Reynolds converted after Jez Conway's effort was parried by the keeper. 

At half-time, it was Vics who led 2-0.

With seven minutes gone in the second-half, and with the wind (quite literally) in their sails, Downton managed to pull a goal back thanks to Will Mackie.

As the match went on, chances went begging for both teams.

It was Downton who got the equaliser in the 81st minute. A ball into the box was beautifully controlled and smashed home by Joe Smith.

Neither side could add a third and the match ended 2-2.

In the Premier Division, Cowes Sports were looking to pick up where they left off after a 4-0 thrashing of Fareham Town, in their last match.

Today, the Yachtsmen travelled to Hamble.

Just seven minutes in, Cowes stopper Ed Hatt pulled off a one-handed save to deny the hosts the opener.

But five minutes later they did find themselves behind, after conceding a penalty.

It didn't take too long for the Island side to fight back, however.

Liam Triggs' pass found George Colson, whose audacious chip from 20 yards out deceived the keeper to equalise.

At half-time, it was all square at 1-1.

Captain John McKie was brought down by the opposing keeper in the second-half. And he made no mistake from the spot, to put the visitors in front.

Two wonder saves from Hatt kept Hamble at bay and the game finished 2-1 to Cowes.

It is now seven wins in a row for the Yachtsmen, who sit sixth - two points outside the play-offs with two games in hand.