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FA Cup triumph for two Island sides

John McKie has scored for Cowes v Hamble Club in the FA Cup. Picture by Graham Brown.
John McKie has scored for Cowes v Hamble Club in the FA Cup. Picture by Graham Brown.

COWES Sports captain John McKie scored a landmark goal to take his side into the next round of the Emirates FA Cup at the weekend.

Competing in the extra preliminary round against visitors, Hamble, MCKIE scored his 150th goal for the Yachstmen.

His 150th goal came in his 251st appearance for the club, and proved the difference in a tightly-contested affair.

Cowes keeper Ed Hatt made a vital save to deny the visitors early on ­— one of many, to see his plucky side over the line.

Harrison Dempsey and McKie both forced saves at the opposite end of the pitch, and it was the latter who eventually broke the deadlock on 62 minutes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Eli Ahmed in action against Hamble. Picture by Graham Brown.
Isle of Wight County Press: Eli Ahmed in action against Hamble. Picture by Graham Brown.

Eli Ahmed in action against Hamble. Picture by Graham Brown.

Fin Phillips and Elias Ahmed combined well to set up the chance.

Despite a red card for substitute Ji Nash with some ten minutes to go, and a second yellow for Ahmed in the dying embers of the game, the Island side held firm to book their place in the preliminary round.

They go on to face Larkhall Athletic, but first face Alresford Town in the Wessex Premier Division.

Meanwhile, rivals Newport comprehensively beat Fleet Town on the road­, winning 3-1.

The Island side were buoyed by a 4-3 win away at Ash United in the league, and went into the game full of confidence.

On the ten-minute mark, Connor KELLY put his side in front from the spot.

Defender, Scott Sampson, was called upon to clear his lines soon after as the hosts sought parity.

Isle of Wight County Press: Fin Phillips challenges the Hamble Club keeper. Picture by Graham Brown.
Isle of Wight County Press: Fin Phillips challenges the Hamble Club keeper. Picture by Graham Brown.

Fin Phillips challenges the Hamble Club keeper. Picture by Graham Brown.

Despite Newport playing largely on the front foot, Fleet Town found the equaliser, levelling through a headed effort.

But after the break, the visitors restored their lead through Jordan BROWNE ­— Jacob Reynolds with the assist.

Newport controlled proceedings thereafter, and Kelly turned provider to set up a goal for substitute, Finn SMITH, who slotted home with composure to secure the win and a place for his side in the next round.

They go on to face Stoneham away from home, but must first beat Folland Sport at the weekend ­— in Wessex League Division One.

Smith ­— just 16 years old ­— had signed for the club only the day before.