Fareham bounce back with tight Cowes successes
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN bounced back from their weekend league defeat as they made this long journey to Cowes Sports in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday night (March 11); eventually beating their mid-table opponents two-one after this “end-to-end” and enjoyable encounter that was watched by a loud crowd at the Zilch Waste Stadium despite cold conditions.
It was an equal affair during the early exchanges with neither team dominating the play or creating many chances until the 18th minute; which saw Jordan Cook find space and have his shot saved by visiting keeper Declan McCarthy. This was followed by an away corner that bounced across the area and calmly hacked away in Fareham’s first real opening.
The Creeksiders slowly began to gain control of proceedings despite good home possession and were unfortunate not to score on twenty-eight minutes; Cameron Sullivan’s attempt being parried by Ed Hatt at the left post. The goalkeeper further had to be alert to save Charlie Cooper’s curling effort after a recycled midfield pass was played to the right side.
Cooper had an offside goal disallowed on thirty-five minutes after a flowing move before Fareham legally took the lead moments later; Alfie Bridgman volleying into the far corner at close range from Liam Robinson’s pass. The winger then went close with a long shot before Cowes saw a final chance before half time as Jake Wright hit the post with his drive.
Cowes came out strongly upon the restart and created their next chance on 53 minutes when a throw-in reached Ryan Hughes into the penalty area; the ball finding Jordan Browne whose header was cleared off the line before the blocked shot. But it was soon one-all when a deep set-piece caused a goalmouth scramble and was fired home by John McKie.
The ‘immediate response’ was required by the visitors and it came moments after the hour as a slight deflection landed into the path of Ethan Quinlan who let rip with a screaming effort that flew inside the net for two-one after 61 minutes. It prompted changes for both teams with Cowes having another attempt blocked and several corners were cleared away.
A glancing header was the closest opportunity on seventy-seven minutes for Cowes as they struggled to break down a stubborn away defence, which shut off every possible avenue in good areas during the final spell. The frustrations then seemed to get the better of McKie as he was sin-binned for dissent and left the side with no outlet as Fareham held on.
Their result means that the Creeksiders are third in the Wessex League Premier with “goal difference” separating them with Hamble Club on fifty-eight points; but the Monks have played one extra match before both teams face off at Cams Alders on Saturday. Fareham will further play Sherborne next Tuesday night (18/03) and also visit Blackfield & Langley.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Midfielder places his effort towards goal with defenders powerless to stop it.
