Attendance – 67
The Yachtsmen were again on their travels heading to Tadley Calleva who had scored late on in the return fixture to snatch a point.
Michael McEnery and Charlie Allen returned to the starting line up with Ashley Brett(unavailable) and Callum Watkins dropping to the bench where he was joined by Scott McFarlane, Nicky Vyse and Connor Furmidge.
Early chances for the Island side saw a Gareth Bricknell corner cause problems, John McKie having a chance cleared before Michael McEnery fired just wide of the goal from just outside the box. On 15 minutes a free kick from wide on the left was drilled in low by Jez Conway, the home side failed too clear and Callum Chase saw his effort go inches wide of the keepers left hand post. It took until the half hour mark before the home side created any chances. A ball in between the centre backs which hit the post before a one on one chance saw Ed Hatt save well. Shortly after the Cowes keeper made two fantastic saves in quick succession from Tadley’s Connor Thorne then Jack Nicholls. Five minutes before the break and the home side took the lead when Cowes lost possession in midfield, the home side drove forward before beating Ed Hatt. In first half injury time Cowes were awarded a free kick to the left of the Tadley goal around eight yards from the area. After having a bit of trouble positioning the ball due to the strong wind, skipper GARETH BRICKNELL stepped up to send the ball past their keeper into the right corner of the net for a deserved equaliser.
Six minutes into the second half Cowes again found themselves behind when a Tadley player was allowed to run from the half way line before firing past the Cowes custodian to restore their lead. Nicky Vyse replaced Dominic Sexton for the final half hour. By now Tadley were in control of the game before another change for the visitors saw Jack Broomfield replaced by Connor Furmidge as Cowes went in search of a second equaliser. However Ed Hatt had to be at his best to produce two cracking saves to keep his side in the game before Michael McEnery was through on goal only to send his shot wide of goal. Despite their best efforts Cowes could not find that second goal and again had Ed Hatt to thank for keeping the score at 2 – 1 .
As a result The Yachtsmen drop to second bottom as Bemerton HH picked up a point to move up one place on goal difference with a game in hand which is due to be played on March 19th at Fareham before they visit the Island in a massive game on the 23rd.
Referee:- JAMES WELSH Assistants – Antony Biddulph + Joseph Bramley
Team:-
Edward Hatt, Dominic Sexton, Jez Conway, Charlie Allen, Callum Chase, Jack Broomfield, Gareth Bricknell (c), Aedan Coode, Michael McEnery, Conor White, John McKie
Used Subs: Nicky Vyse(Dominic Sexton) 62, Connor Furmidge(Jack Broomfield) 73, Scott McFarlane(Aedan Coode) 88