Isle of Wight interest in the Wessex League centred on East Cowes Vics and Newport on Saturday (February 21), with Cowes Sports’ fixture postponed due to the weather.
In the top flight, Vics faced third-placed Portland United at Beatrice Avenue, while Port battled Fawley AFC in Division One.
East Cowes Vics 0-1 Portland United
Vics returned to Wessex League Premier Division action with a narrow 1-0 home defeat to third-placed Portland.
Looking to put Tuesday’s IW Gold Cup disappointment behind them, the Vics faced a sharp Portland side who started brightly, forcing a succession of early corners.
The decisive moment arrived in the 17th minute when a headed clearance dropped to the Portland skipper on the edge of the box, and his right-footed strike beat keeper George Bridi to give the visitors the lead.
Portland continued to pass well and caused a few problems for the Islanders.
Vics boss Alex Smith introduced Aedan Coode and Toby Snow at the break, and Vics improved markedly after the restart.
Coode fired narrowly wide on 53 minutes before Connor Kelly was denied one-on-one after a smart save by the Portland stopper.
East Cowes pressed hard in the closing stages, and Elliot Wheeler’s glancing header from a Coode free kick skimmed past the post, but Portland held firm to secure the points.
Next up, Vics travel to Brockenhurst on Tuesday night (February 24).
Fawley AFC 2-2 Newport
Newport were forced to settle for a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Fawley in the Wessex League Division One.
After a tough Tuesday win, going all the way to penalties against Vics, this encounter was always likely to be a stern test, and difficult conditions ensured it became a scrappy affair.
On a heavy pitch and in persistent rain, both sides abandoned intricate play in favour of a direct approach, with midfield reduced to a series of hurried clearances.
The visitors made a dream start, striking inside the opening minute.
A long ball caught the Fawley defence square and, although forced wide, Ji Nash kept his composure to pull the ball back to Joe Butcher, who curled a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Chances were limited thereafter, with frequent whistles disrupting any rhythm.
Fawley drew level before the break, Newport once again undone from a corner as an inswinger beat keeper Leon Pitman at his near post.
The second half followed a similar pattern, skipper Macauley Waterson excelling in the air as Port battled.
Fawley thought they had won it late on, capitalising on a disputed corner in the 89th minute, but Nash had the final say, showing sharp footwork on the penalty spot to turn and fire home a dramatic equaliser.
Port next welcome Blackfield & Langley to Westwood Park on Tuesday evening.
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