Match Report – Cowes Sports v Brockenhurst 26-01-19

Attendance – 114

This return fixture against Brockenhurst came just four days after the two sides had met at The Meadens Skoda Arena, a very good game on a very wet pitch. Could the sides produce a similar entertaining game for the Westwood faithful?

Player Manager John McKie made two changes to his starting line up, Jez Conway and Nicky Vyse replacing Josh Appell and Michael McEnery. Brockenhurst had Will Tickle and Tommy Barnes back in their starting line up in place of Mitchell Speechley-Price and Mo Nyang.

Brockenhurst created the first opportunity of the game when Will Tickle was put through on goal but pulled his shot wide of Ed Hatt’s right hand post. The Badgers skipper then infuriated the home crowd when he sped into the Cowes area before falling to the ground looking for a penalty, Referee Tim Godfray was not interested but also failed to show a yellow card for simulation. Twelve minutes in and John McKie and Nicky Vyse combined well on the right with the latter firing wide of the goal. A 27th minute Jez Conway corner was headed back across the goal for GARETH BRICKNELL to swivel and blast the ball past Matt Taylor in the Brock goal much to the delight of most of the 114 crowd and in particular Cowes’ General Secretary who won the ‘Golden Goal’ competition. The dull dank conditions seemed to affect the way the game was played as very little happened for the remainder of the first half other than their skipper, Will Tickle, again going down too easily and again escaping a caution.

The start of the second half was not any better as both sides struggled to cope with the conditions. Just past the hour mark and John McKie ran at their defence but dragged his shot wide of goal. James Wykes started to struggle with cramp on his return so was replaced by Callum Watkins. Ewan Cranwell then was shown a yellow card for his first tackle before Brockenhurst replaced left back Ronan Moore with one of Tuesday nights goalscorers Mo Nyang as they looked for a way back into the game. John McKie had another chance to double the lead with a 70th minute volley that flew straight at their keeper. The hard working Jez Conway then came off to be replaced by Jack Broomfield before Ewan Cranwell sent in a cross that saw Nicky Vyse’s shot blocked. Late on John McKie fired wide before Matt Casey was replaced by Tobi Falodi for the final six minutes. There were late yellow cards for Brocks Matt Burt and Cowes’ Gareth Bricknell as the Yachtsmen held on for a very important home victory that keeps them in touch with the sides just above them.

Lets this win will boost the confidence to go on and secure a few more victories that will move them up the table and away from the threat of relegation. Not the most prettiest of games to watch but hey who cares!!

Referee:- TIM GODFRAY  Assistants – Alistair Taylor + Aaron Tree

Team:-

Edward Hatt, Ewan Cranwell, Dominic Sexton, Ashley Brett, Callum Chase, Jez Conway, Fin Phillips, Nicky Vyse, John McKie, Gareth Bricknell (c), James Wykes

Used Subs – Callum Watkins(James Wykes) 63, Jack Broomfield(Jez Conway) 74

Unused Subs – Charlie Allen, Scott McFarlane, Ryan Gardner