Attendance – 121
Another tough fixture for the Yachtsmen as Bournemouth travelled to the Island on the back of six wins in their last eight games in all competitions. They were fourth in the table with hosts Cowes in eighteenth.
Amazingly Manager Vic Sanders named the same starting Xi as the previous week, the first time that has been possible since taking over the side.
A fairly even opening to the game with very little goal mouth action. Jack Broomfield sent the ball over the Bournemouth back line which John McKie latched onto but lobbed the keeper and the bar. The visitors then had a header that also cleared the bar as they started to dominate the play. Another header from a corner saw Ed Hatt tip the ball around the post for a corner after 24 minutes. On the half hour mark the Visitors took the lead when a long ball over the top saw RIVER SMITH calmly beat Ed Hatt. Just five minutes later and the lead was doubled when the Cowes defence failed to clear a free kick and RIVER SMITH volleyed home at the back post. So at half time the home side had a lot of work to do if they were going to get anything from the game.
Before the restart Cowes replaced Charlie Allen with Michael McEnery. John McKie then sped down the right before pulling his shot just wide of the far post as Cowes started brightly. Their chances of getting back in the game were dealt a blow on 50 minutes when Aidan Bryan pulled up with a hamstring strain that is likely to keep him out for several weeks, Conor White came on. 64 minutes in and the points were secured by Bournemouth with a third goal from STEVE FLYNN who fired home from the edge of the box. Having just earned his fifth booking of the season Jack Broomfield was replaced by Callum Watkins before Cowes scored a consolation goal in the 76th minute when ASHLEY BRETT volleyed home from six yards. Late on John McKie nearly added a second goal but his shot again rolled the wrong side of the post.
Another defeat, 12 in the last 15 games that coupled with Team Solents’ victory over Andover New Street means that the Islanders now drop into the bottom two which could lead to relegation.
Referee:- DAVID MOREY Assistants – Paul Hicks + Barnaby Taylor
TEAM:-
Edward Hatt, Ewan Cranwell, Dominic Sexton, Aidan Bryan, Ashley Brett, Charlie Allen, Callum Chase, Jack Broomfield, Kez Conway, John McKie (c), Finley Phillips
Used Subs:- Michael McEnery(Charlie Allen) 46, Conor White(Aidan Bryan) 50, Callum Watkins(Jack Broomfield) 66
Unused Subs:- Samuel Kirby + Dave Thurman g/k