ANDOVER New Street suffered a narrow defeat against Cowes Sports after leading the 2-1 at one stage, writes John Gorman.

This was the first time Street welcomed Cowes Sports to the DH Property Services Stadium at Foxcotte Park.

The Andover side who were without Luke Dempsey,  gave a first full debut to Alfie Saunders in midfield, and started brightly.

Play was largely even before the home side found themselves behind after just eight minutes. A low cross from the right through a rather static defence was turned past Ben Rodwell by Liam Triggs. (0-1)

But Street quickly came back to the game as a quick Shaun Dallimore throw caused problems before a second throw was headed across the area by Joe Chamberlain. Ross Cook rose to head the ball over the stranded Hatt. (1-1)

That goal came eight minutes after the Cowes opener and almost immediately Street were ahead. Again, Dallimore was involved, finding Cook just outside the area and his low drive flew into the corner of the net. (2-1)

The home side began to exert pressure in search of a third goal with two corners in quick succession and efforts from Dallimore and Harry Lawton being saved by the overworked Hatt.

But with 10 minutes left before the break Street shot themselves in the foot with the ball being given away in midfield and a quick Cowes break finished with George Carter-Knight coolly slotting the ball past Rodwell. (2-2)

A Brad Waters through ball was only inches away from Cook but half time came with the scores level.

The Islanders were quicker into their stride on the restart and within three minutes were back in front.

It looked a rather curious goal from the sidelines with more than one Cowes player involved before the ball looped over Rodwell and into the net. Cowes credited the goal to Jimmy Mumford. (2-3)

Street’s first change saw Malachai Dotse replace Brad Waters and Hatt had to immediately leave his line to deny the speedy youngster. Despite all their efforts, Street could not find an equaliser.