Match report: 17 November 2007

Carlsberg FA Vase 2007/08, 2nd Round

Cowes Sports F.C. - 4
Arundel Town F.C. - 2

 

Three goals in fifteen second half minutes against Sussex League Division One side, Arundel, ensured Cowes Sports a safe passage through to the Third Round of the Carlsberg FA Vase, at Westwood, on Saturday.
The big crowd was treated to a great cup-tie, with supporters of both sides adding to the atmosphere.

Cowes immediately imposed themselves, but Charlie Smeeton, twice and Wayne Newnham failed to take advantage of early chances.

After eleven minutes an Arundel defender was penalised for hand-ball in the box. Ashley Wright’s spot kick was brilliantly tipped onto the post by keeper, Ben Connor but Wright was on hand to score from close range.
Arundel almost equalised on the half hour, when Gary Streeter kept a free-kick out at full-stretch but he was helpless, two minutes later, as the home defence failed to clear a left-wing cross leaving Scott Towers with the simplest of chances.

The Cowes supporters in the packed stand were incensed when an Arundel man clearly kicked Tom Scovell, off the ball, but the incident was missed by the referee, Rob Smith and his assistant, the assailant escaping punishment.

The second half exploded into life as Tom Scovell immediately broke down the left and Tom Dunford tapped in at the far post to restore the Yachtsmen’s lead. The same player then went close again, his long range shot coming back off the angle of post and crossbar.

On fifty-five minutes Cowes went further ahead. A cross from the right found its way to Wayne Newnham, who smashed the ball home, off the crossbar, from an acute angle.

A rampant Cowes got a fourth goal on the hour. James Butt found space to cross from the right and Charlie Smeeton rose to head home, sparking scenes of celebration on and off the pitch.

Cowes’ joy was short-lived however, as Towers strode through to reduce the arrears.

Cowes have been prone to letting leads slip this season and there were a few more anxious moments as Arundel made desperate attempts to retrieve the situation, but the Yachtsmen stood firm to clinch a place in the last sixty-four.

Cowes Sports: G. Streeter, M. Pointer, S. Butler, S. Sampson, C. Insley, T. Dunford, J. Butt, W. Newnham, A. Wright, C. Smeeton, T. Scovell.
Substitutes: D. Cantelo, C. Elliott, P. Willey, A. Bryan, J. McCormack.

Match report: Pete Jeffery

Cowes Sports 1st Team Sponsor:

Red Funnel Distribution