Cowes Sports survived a late scare as they held on to claim a narrow victory and book themselves a place in the next round of the Wessex League Cup tonight (Tuesday).

The Yachtsmen came into the third round of the competition in high spirits, having sailed to a 3-1 league win over Hythe and Dibden at Westwood Park on Saturday.

Their previous League Cup fixture, earlier this month, saw them run away 6-1 winners against Moneyfields.

And it was the Island side who got off to a quick start against tonight's opponents, Alresford.

With just under 10 minutes on the clock, Ryan Oatley had a header cleared off the line.

But when another chance came his way just after the half hour mark, he made no mistake.

A freekick was whipped into the box from the left and he popped up at the back post to convert the cross.

At the break, it was 0-1 to Cowes.

The second-half started slowly with few chances of note for either side.

That was until 10 minutes to go, when Cowes doubled their lead. Caleb Neale's shot deflected in off an Alresford defender.

The hosts replied immediately, however. Scoring with just seven minutes to go to make it 1-2. 

But Cowes did enough to hold on and book themselves a place in the next round.