TWO of the Isle of Wight’s most competitive football sides were back in action tonight (Tuesday).

In the Wessex Premier League, Cowes Sports hit the road to take on AFC Portchester at the Onsite Road Stadium.

It took the hosts just six minutes to breach the Cowes defence; a bouncing ball from a corner fired across the back post for a tap in.

Cowes threatened at the other end soon after, but Liam Triggs’ headed effort went high and wide.

Stopper Ed Hatt had to stay alert to deny the hosts a second, but despite a series of consecutive saves, Portchester netted a second on 26 minutes.

The Cowes goalkeeper rolled the ball short and was beaten by a lobbed effort from 25 yards.

On 40 minutes, Portchester controversially extended their lead further.

Hatt tried to collect the ball under pressure, was challenged, and the ball fell favourably for the opposition.

Second half, Cowes struggled to get a grip on the game and conceded a fourth on 47 minutes; a fine volley from a cross.

A fifth from Portchester on 64 minutes put paid to any hopes of a comeback and the hosts made it six soon after.

The Islanders scored a late consolation goal through Jake Wright, only for the hosts to score another on 85 minutes. 

The game ended 7-1.

East Cowes Vics, meanwhile, got the better of Clanfield at Westleigh Park in Division One.

The Islanders broke the deadlock on 36 minutes through Caleb Neale.

Jordan Chapman fired in a second some ten minutes thereafter; a sublime effort from 40 yards.

Leading 2-0 at the break, East Cowes Vics fought hard to stave off a comeback, and the second half ended goalless.