Three Isle of Wight sides were in Wessex League action this afternoon (Saturday, September 9), with our Division 1 teams ending the day much happier than our Premier Division club.

Cove 1 – 2 Newport

Newport battled against a defiant Cove team to return home with all three points. 

Port started the game with lots of early pressure on the Cove goal, a good ball from Joe Butcher found Jordan Browne, whose shot went just wide with the keeper beaten on seven minutes.

Joe Butcher was unlucky minutes later not to latch cleanly onto a good through ball from Keelan Walsh, the keeper coming off his line to collect

Just before the half-hour mark, many of the Port fans thought Butcher had put the Islanders one up, his effort slipping through the keeper's hands and towards goal, but the officials saved his blushes and play carried on.

At the other end, Cove were pushing the ball forward and stepping up their game, their pressure paying off on 32 minutes when Kay HAMPTON put them 1-0 ahead.

After the half-time break, Cove were putting Port under pressure, but Marty McDonagh and Spike Pearce were solid and standing up to everything their opponents were throwing at them.

On 68 minutes, Henry WEST found Port’s equaliser, a great finish from the right side of goal.

As the time ticked on, Port continued to close Cove down while pushing forward at the other end.

A free kick in Josh Younie’s was well struck on 83 minutes, hitting first the right post then spinning across goal to hit the left, Jordan BROWNE pouncing on it and knocking it home for Port’s second.

Both teams had their share of the game, but Port fought well for the victory and look forward to inviting Hamworthy Recreation to Beatrice Avenue next Saturday (September 16).

East Cowes Vics 3 – 1 Clanfield

Vics welcomed Clanfield to Beatrice Avenue for the Portsmouth side's first Wessex league venture to the Island.

The game started tentatively with both sides just trying to find a foot in the game, a low cross in from Josh Neale found Jacob Reynolds, but instead of slamming the ball home, his effort was tame and gathered easily by the keeper in the 19th minute.

Clanfield broke away immediately, and a ball into Vic’s box wasn’t dealt with, and Fred PENFOLD slotted the ball into an empty net.

The same player could have increased Clanfield's lead in the 27th minute, but his effort sailed just wide.

Vics were unlucky in the 36th minute, a shot from Ji Nash looked a goal all the way but was blocked on the line by Stanlie Hopkins.

The Islanders got their equaliser in the 45th minute, a drilled ball in from Ben Holdsworth was met by Josh NEALE, who finished with ease.

Clanfield did get the ball in the Vic’s net again before the half-time whistle, but the referee blew for a foul on keeper Alex Ram.

Vics came out from the much-needed half-time refreshment with a real spring in their step, and two half chances early on went begging.

In the 52nd minute, Vic’s went in front after a move started by Neale, was finished in style by Ji NASH.

Clanfield's opportunity came in the 86th minute, with several chances in the Vic’s area finally thwarted by the midriff of Harrison Berry, who put his body on the line.

Vics put the game beyond reach in the 97th minute when Adam VOLLER slotted home nicely.

Next up for Vics is Whitchurch United, who travel to Beatrice Avenue on Wednesday (September 13).

Cowes Sports 0 -1 AFC Stoneham

Meanwhile, in the Premier Division, the Yachtsmen welcomed AFC Stoneham to Westwood Park.

There were plenty of chances for Cowes early on, but just couldn’t find the net, the Stoneham number one pulling off some great saves.

At the end of the first half, the Yachtsmen’s number one, Ed Hatt, was yet to make a save, with Cowes in control of the match.

Cowes continued creating more and more chances in the second half.

Great work by John McKie, whose cross into the box missed Jez Conway and found Conor Kelly, who was going to score a certain goal, but a fantastic tackle took the ball away from him.

The Yachtsmen couldn’t find their elusive goal, and it came to haunt them.

In the 93 minute, a corner hooked clear of the Cowes box found an attacker on the left side, who cut in and took the shot on the edge of the box, which flew past Hatt to secure three late points for the visitors.

Cowes look ahead to a visit from Southampton in the Servio Men’s Senior Club on Tuesday (September 12).