Match report: Brave New Milton Town FC battle hard in 2-1 Wessex League Premier Division defeat at the hands of East Cowes Victoria FC

A spirited second-half fightback was not enough for New Milton Town, as the Brickies fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat on Saturday against fellow newly-promoted side East Cowes Victoria at Fawcetts Field.

Despite trailing at the break, Jamie Kay’s men showed real determination to get back into the game, with captain Jack Broad firing home a second-half penalty to level the score. But just six minutes later, the visitors edged back in front with what proved to be the winner.

It’s now five defeats on the bounce for New Milton since Kay took charge at the end of September – but there were signs of progress in a much-improved display, who continue to adjust to life in the Wessex League Premier Division.

East Cowes opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Liam Newbold found space inside the area and fired low past Danny Dixon.

The Brickies’ number one responded moments later with a superb save to keep the score at 1-0, flying to his left to deny a goalbound effort and keep his side in the game.

New Milton began to grow into the contest, with Nathan Gray testing the keeper from the edge of the box, while Niall Dixon went close just after the restart with a powerful 30-yard effort that was well held.

Their pressure paid off in the 56th minute when the referee pointed to the spot after a tangle in the box. Up stepped skipper Broad, who confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to bring New Milton level.

But parity was short-lived. Jacob Reynolds restored the visitors’ advantage just six minutes later with a clinical finish following a swift counterattack.

James Coat almost brought the Brickies back level with a stunning long-range strike, but the East Cowes keeper produced an excellent fingertip save to push the ball behind for a corner.

Despite a strong push in the final stages, New Milton couldn’t find the equaliser their battling display deserved.

New Milton Town are back in action at home tomorrow (Tuesday) night as they host Dynamo Dockside in the Southampton Senior Cup, before returning to league action away to Hamworthy Recreation on Saturday.

New Milton Town: D. Dixon, H. Rayner, N. Dixon, J. Broad, N. Gray, J. Coat, H. McKeown, L. Moore, O. Mayo, H. Thornton, C. Burns. Subs: D. Bowmaster, C. Gill, B. Redknapp, O. Lowes, J. Kerney.