Match Report – COWES SPORTS v AFC Portchester 04-01-20

Saturday January 4th  SYDENHAMS FOOTBALL LEAGUE (WESSEX) Premier Division

COWES SPORTS 1(0)  AFC PORTCHESTER 3(1)

Played at Westwood Park    Attendance – 139

Referee:- BRUCE WAYMARK  Assistants: Alistair Taylor + Aaron Tree

ANOTHER HOME DEFEAT FOR YACHTSMEN

Having caused a shock by winning at Portchester in August, hopes of completing a League double were cautiously high, but it took just two minutes for the visitors to take control with an early goal.

Team:-

Edward Hatt, Mitchell Ricketts, Scott McFarlane, Morgan Perrin, Aidan Bryan, Ashley Brett (c), Ewan Cranwell, Finley Phillips, Jared Wetherick, George Carter-Knight, James Wykes.
Used substitutes: Tom Dye, Michael McEnery, Conor White.
Unused substitutes: Gareth Bricknell, Jason Ince.

Scott McFarlane, who struggled throughout to adjust to his unaccustomed full-back role, shoved his winger on the left edge of the box and the Referee pointed to the spot and STEVE RAMSEY easily scored the opening goal to dampen the spirits of the Westwood faithful.
After fifteen minutes Portchester threatened again, but a right wing cross was headed against the post, with Ed Hatt helpless.
After another Portchester effort hit the side netting, Jimmy Wykes had a rare chance, but his shot was well saved. So the first half ended with the Yachtsmen somewhat fortunate to be only one goal behind.
Four minutes into the second half, it was deja vu as the unfortunate Scott McFarlane was judged to have brought down his winger again inside the box and for the second time, STEVE RAMSEY stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.
The Yachtsmen fought hard to get back into the game and Aidan Bryan headed home, but the goal was ruled out for a nudge as the ball went into the box.
On the hour, Cowes managed to hit back with a penalty of their own, which was expertly converted by EWAN CRANWELL, to bring some hope to the big crowd, but just a minute later, Portchester killed the game off with a third goal from PATRICK HNATH.
Cowes managed to fashion one more chance, but Jared Wetherick shot just wide from Scott McFarlane’s cross.
With bottom side Amesbury Town gaining a shock 3-0 win at Bashley, this latest defeat leaves the Yachtsmen just six points ahead, with the Wiltshire side appearing to be finding some form.