Newport FC completed their first Isle of Wight Gold Cup win since 2022 with a decisive victory and a controlled performance against holders Cowes Sports.
The two sides met at Beatrice Avenue on Friday, May 1 for the Gold Cup final - the Yachtsmen keen to extend their winning streak in the all-Island competition to four.
Newport started brightly in front of the 718-strong crowd, as Joe Butcher troubled Cowes as he picked up a loose defensive pass - Ji Nash then broke off, but the linesman's flag was raised.
A goalmouth scramble in the 15th minute somehow didn't produce an opener - Newport's man Nash again putting the ball in the right areas.
Read more:
-
Sussex and Trent Rockets spin bowler to play for home club in Ventnor's opening game
-
Island snooker player narrowly misses top spot in regional ranking
-
Island athletes triumph at opening match of athletics competition
The Port talisman, with over 40 goals scored this season, then got his break - the ball fell to him from a fortunate ricochet and he was through on goal. Opportunity met skill for NASH, and it was advantage Newport.
Joe CRAIG then followed Nash up, slotting home Port's second with a cool finish from good build up play.
Pressure continued to build on Cowes, and despite George Colson producing a set of chances, Newport looked good for yet another win in the competition.
A third goal came as Joe BUTCHER picked the defenders pocket and coolly placed the ball past Ed Hatt.
Cowes needed a miracle to get back into the tie, and Finley Phillips recorded a shot on target, representing a sign of life from the Yachtsmen.
They clawed one back through Eddie MARSEK in the 75th minute, but the tie was managed well by Port in the late stages to ensure the trophy stayed in their cabinet for one more year.
FULL TIME: Newport FC 3 - Cowes Sports FC 1
Share