EAST COWES Vics have a mini mountain to climb to secure a home play-off tie from their remaining two games in Division 1 of the Wessex League.
NEW MILTON TOWN 4, EAST COWES VICS 2
An early goal and a last-minute strike condemned East Cowes Vics to defeat at New Milton.
The Vics needed a point against the newly-crowned Wessex League Division 1 champions to secure a play-off home tie.
Newport in action against Ringwood Town. (Image: Newport FC) However, the hosts scored within the opening 19 seconds.
Josh Neale and Harrison Yates put Newport ahead, but a controversial penalty levelled the score before half-time.
A New Milton substitute put New Milton back in front and, despite Vics' efforts to find an equaliser, the home side scored a fourth goal on 93 minutes to seal victory
A Vics spokesperson said afterwards: "Frustrating. We started poorly, but showed some great movement and well worked opportunities, but fell just short against the champions."
NEWPORT 2, RINGWOOD TOWN 2
Newport staged a late comeback to secure a point against Ringwood at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes.
The Island side took the lead in the eighth minute, when Ji Nash lobbed the goalkeeper for his seventh goal in four games.
Ringwood equalised before half-time through a header direct from a corner.
The visitors then took the lead early in the second half, with Leon Pitman beaten at his near post.
Cowes Sports in action against Christchurch (Image: Graham Brown) The game became feisty, as inconsistent refereeing decisions led to mounting frustration.
Newport's co-manager Martin McDonough was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite being a man down, Newport found the equaliser in the 80th minute.
Port's skipper, Macauley Watterson, headed home from a corner, marking his eighth goal of the season.
In the dying minutes, both sides had chances to win it.
Jez Conway and Henry West came close for Newport, while Pitman had to react well to keep out a Ringwood effort.
COWES SPORTS 2, CHRISTCHURCH 4
The Yachtsmen were unlucky to go down to defeat against Christchurch in the Wessex League Premier Division on Saturday.
Christchurch took the lead after eight minutes, and doubled their tally in the 20th minute.
Jai Nash (in yellow) in action against Ringwood Town, has scored 20 goals this season. (Image: Newport IOW FC) A third was added shortly before half-time.
Cowes came out fighting in the second half, and Scott McFarlane pulled one back in the 57th minute.
Cowes continued to press, and an own goal in the 82nd minute gave the Yachtsmen hope.
However, any hopes of a late comeback were dashed when Christchurch scored a fourth in injury time.
RESULTS
SATURDAY
Wessex League, Premier Division: Cowes Sports 2, Christchurch 4.
Wessex League, Division 1: New Milton Town 4, East Cowes Vics 2; Newport 2, Ringwood Town 2.
Island League, Division 1: West Wight 0, Osborne Coburg 2; Vectis 2, Cowes Sports Reserves 6.
Division 2: Niton 0, ECS 3; Oakfield 5, Newchurch 1.
Combination 1: Northwood St Johns Res 3, Osborne Coburg Res 2; West Wight Res 7, Brading Town Reserves 1.
Combination 2: Ryde Saints Res v High Park A; West Wight A 6, Ventnor A 2; Oakfield Res 4, Sandown & Lake A 2.
FIXTURES
TOMORROW (MONDAY)
Wessex League, Premier Division: Sherborne Town v Cowes Sports.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
Island League, Combination 1: Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves v West Wight Reserves.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Isle of Wight Challenge Cup final: Shanklin v Whitecroft & Barton Sports (at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, kick-off 7.30pm).
Island League, Combination 2: Oakfield Reserves v West Wight A.
