THE Isle of Wight's three Wessex clubs showed their frailties at the back by conceding 15 goals between them yesterday (Saturday).

In the Sydenhams Premier, Cowes Sports were beaten 4-2 by Brockenhurst at Westwood Park.

The Yachtsmen went a goal down after 25 minutes, but Ewen Cranwell levelled from the spot.

On the stroke of half-time, Jimmy Wykes fired wide after Dom Sexton’s cross from the left caused problems for the visitors' defence. 

Wykes missed a good chance just after the interval, but Brockenhurst regained the lead on 49 minutes with a curling shot into the corner.

In the 55th minute, Cowes were on level terms again when Michael McEnery headed on a long clearance, which Wykes latched onto to slip the ball under their keeper.

Three minutes later, Cowes skipper Gareth Bricknell set up Wykes again, but he lifted the ball over the keeper —and the crossbar. 

Mid-way through the half, Brockenhurst led for a third time and they sealed the points with 15 minutes left following a spectacular 35-yard strike.

In Sydenhams Division 1, East Cowes Vics, with eletricity restored at Beatrice Avenue, hoped to build on their point at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins last weekend, but were hammered 6-3 by Downton — desopite taking the lead through Ryan Gregory early on.

Newport got off to the worst possible start in their 5-2 drubbing at Romsey — going a goal down after 20 seconds.

After forcing a couple of good saves from the home stopper, Newport went further behind from a 35-yard strike over veteran keeper Gary Streeter. 

The game ran away from Newport, 3-0 down after 23 minutes.

But they showed character to pull one back before half-time through Connor Kelly, who twisted and turned the defender to slot home following a great run and pass by Jake Wright.

Romsey, who also hit the bar before the interval, extended their lead from the spot in the second half, then made it 5-1 to seal the result.

Newport scored a consolation through Scott Sampson.

Vics and Port will be aiming to tighten their defences ahead of tomorrow's Bank Holiday Monday derby clash at Beatrice Avenue, in front of a big crowd. Kick-off 3pm.

In Division 1 of the Harwoods Island League, normal service has resumed for title holders Whitecroft and Barton Sports, who climbed up to third with a convincing 4-0 win away at West Wight to send them to the foot of the table.

Shanklin, who have also started the seaon on fire, comfortably beat Binstead & COB 3-0 at the County Ground, while last season's runaway Division 2 champions, Bembridge, kept their unbeaten start going with a 5-3 win over Cowes Sports Reserves at Steyne Park.

Pan Sports, beaten 14-0 last Saturday, then 7-0 at Shanklin mid-week, earned a 5-4 derby win away at newly-promoted Carisbrooke United to hoist them off the bottom.

                                                YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Cowes Sports 2, Brockenhurst 4.

Sydenhams Wessex Division 1: East Cowes Vics 3, Downton 6; Romsey Town 5, Newport 2. 

Harwoods Island League, Division 1: Bembridge 5, Cowes Sports Reserves 3; Carisbrooke United 4, Pan Sports 5; Northwood St John 2, Ryde Saints 1; Shanklin 3, Binstead & COB 0; Ventnor 1, Sandown 2; West Wight 0, Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4.

Island League Division 2: Adgestone 0, Vectis 1; Newchurch 1, Newport Reserves 5; Seaview 2, Wootton 0.