FOOTBALLPewsey Vale 0, Cowes Sports 2
COWES moved into the top six of Sydenhams Wessex League’s Division 1, after a good away win at Pewsey Vale.
On a heavy pitch, thanks to a downpour just before kick off, both teams found it very difficult to settle and the first decent chance came in the 16th minute, when Charlie Allen headed a Tom Dye free kick over the bar for Cowes.
Cowes began to exert their influence on the game as time went on, with chances coming to skipper Gareth Bricknell, Max Draper and Dom Burbidge.
Pewsey Vale should have taken the lead in the 47th minute when a Cowes free kick near the home sides penalty area was easily cleared and as they counter-attacked Jack Hopper almost rounded goalkeeper Chris Norris, but he somehow managed to get enough fingertips on the ball.
With 13 minutes to go, Cowes finally made the breakthrough, when, after Dye’s thunderous shot was superbly tipped over the bar, sub Darren WILLIAMS slammed home from the subsequent corner.
Victory was completed when BURBIDGE scored an excellent individual goal — to bring his personal tally to 21 goals this season — in the final minute.
With games in hand over those above them, Cowes are in a very good position.
Cowes Sports: Norris, Draper, Bryan, Brett, Wilson, Allen, Foster, Dye, Burbidge, Herbert, Bricknell. Subs: Williams, Woodburn, Thurman.
AFC Portchester 2, Cowes Sports 1
Cowes almost gained a point at AFC Portchester on Tuesday, but despite defeat remained sixth in the table.
Max DRAPER gave the Yachtsmen an early lead but they allowed Portchester to get back into the game and take the lead before the break.
In a dour second half, Cowes almost pulled level when Lee Davies struck from 25 yards out in the final minute, but his effort hit the crossbar.
Cowes Sports: Norris, Draper, Bryan, Wilson, Davies, Allen, Dye, Herbert, Bricknell, Williams, Burbidge. Subs: Harris, Ince, Flux, Thurman.