Match report: New Milton Town 4 v Cowes Sports 1, 15 August 2009

13, February, 2010 By admin

The Yachtsmen slipped out of the FA Cup at New Milton on Saturday, but, though well beaten, they were far from being disgraced against their impressive and experienced opponents.

New Milton took the initiative after just three minutes, when Cowes failed to clear a right-wing cross and Simon Quirk headed home.

The home side were only able to create two more half chances before the break and timely interceptions by Martin McDonough and Harry Dye kept them out.

At the other end however, Cowes responded well, Alex Harvey and Harry Dye both going close on two occasions, while a cross from Max Draper had the New Milton keeper struggling, but the ball bounced agonisingly along the crossbar before being cleared.

The home side increased their lead soon after the restart. Cowes were penalised on the edge of the box and Chris Norris was left grasping thin air by Stuart Kenna’s unstoppable free-kick.

On the hour, Cowes conceded again, but immediately hit back themselves, Max Draper bundling in Joe Butcher’s corner from close range.

New Milton then resisted a spirited fifteen minutes of Cowes pressure and restored their three goal advantage in injury time, Mark Lilley converting a pull-back from the by-line.

Match report by Pete Jeffrey