A LATE goal denied Cowes Sports the win in the preliminary round of the Emirates FA cup this afternoon (Saturday).

Facing off against Laverstock and Ford, the Islanders started well.

Scott McFarlane was denied early on, and Charlie Marsek fired over the bar on 15 minutes.

Just shy of ten minutes thereafter, the breakthrough came.

Dempsey, Phillips and Marsek all combined, with the latter finding McFarlane, who timed his run well and slotted into the bottom corner.

The opposition almost levelled a few minutes later but were denied by the offside flag, and spurned the chance in any case.

On 30 minutes Cowes threatened again, Dempsey sending the ball narrowly wide on the volley from a set piece.

Then, on 38 minutes, the Islanders wasted a glorious chance to extend their lead; McFarlane one-on-one with the keeper but shooting early and wide.

Cowes were wasteful once again a couple of minutes later when Marsek headed into the side netting from a corner.

Second half, Laverstock rallied and started to put Cowes under pressure.

Despite a dominant first half, Cowes found themselves on the defence after the break, but continued to threaten on the counter.

Both sides went direct, and it was Laverstock who benefitted more from the shift in tempo, forcing stopper Hatt into a series of saves.

Cowes defended well for a large part of the second half but came undone on 90 minutes.

A long throw was flicked on and headed into the net to level the game, which ended 1-1.

The game is scheduled for a replay at Westwood Park on Tuesday.