COWES SPORTS 0 v US PORTSMOUTH 1

The Yachtsmen’s Wessex League Cup aspirations ended at Westwood when a 73rd minute goal condemned them to another home defeat.

Both sides created chances in a scrappy first half, the visitors’ claims that the ball had crossed the line after a goalmouth scramble being turned down, while at the other end, Gareth Bricknell’s thunderous drive was fumbled by the Servicemen’s keeper, before being dragged back off of the line.

A Cowes corner then led to Sam Yelland firing just over and Tom Dye screwed his shot wide, then Mikey Jones was put through, but the keeper did well to block his shot.

On the hour, Chris Norris leaped to push a free-kick around the post and Cowes responded as Mikey Jones arrived late to push his shot just wide of the post.

Ten minutes later Dan Ross broke through, but the keeper tipped his toe-poked effort round the post and then the visitors stole it when Mark Robinson turned his man before firing his shot across Chris Norris and in off of the far post.

Dan Ross had the Yachtsmen’s final chance to force extra-time, but saw his effort palmed wide of the post.

Cowes Sports: C. Norris, M. Herbert, L. Davies, A. Bryan, C. Insley, S. Yelland, A. Brett, T. Dye, D. Ross, M. Jones, G. Bricknell.

Substitutes: C. Thomas, D. Williams, B. Arnold, D. Thurman