New Milton 4-2 East Cowes

Saturday 12th April 2025

Venue: M.A. Hart Stadium

Attendance: 270

The Brickmakers lifted the Wessex League Division One trophy in front of friends and family yesterday evening following a chaotic 4-2 victory over East Cowes at the M.A. Hart Stadium, where Matt Maybury's men finally made a quick start to a game.

It took Harry McGrath only 18 seconds to force the ball over the line and give New Milton the lead, but his team would eventually fall behind just after the half-hour mark. First, a low free kick from just outside the box found its way past an obscure-viewed Ollie Bull before the away side converted a penalty following a questionable decision by the referee.

It was the home team's turn shortly afterwards to be given their own debatable penalty as Jack Broad, without a goal this season, was gifted the chance to get off the mark after Noel McCarthy-Gardiner had been brought down in the box. The goalkeeper got a large chunk of the ball, but it still managed to find the roof of the net, a great moment for the midfielder who has been a stalwart all season in the centre of the park.

The score was level at the break.

Matt Maybury ended a 'dull' first 15 minutes of the second half by introducing top scorers Brad Snelling and Barney Stone, as well as Dan Bartlett and Toby Bailey. The changes made an instant impact. Barney Stone raced onto a flick-on before placing the ball into the net one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

East Cowes then created most of the game's opportunities. Late on, they hit the bar for a second time on the day with a right-foot volley, while a header at the far post that was begging to be scored was headed back into the danger zone rather than at goal.

The missed chances from the away team were punished in the final seconds of stoppage time as Dan Bartlett forced his way into the box before stabbing the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a deserved goal for the substitute.

The Champions will finish the season at neighbours Lymington Town next Saturday.

New Milton Town: Ollie Bull, Jack Kinge-Phillips, Jack Foden, Billy Maybury, Cam Smith, Callum McHale, Toby Colmer, Jack Broad, Heath Thornton, Noel McCarthy-Gardiner, Harry McGrath

Substitutes Used: Elliott Pearce-Eavis, Barney Stone, Brad Snelling, Dan Barlett, Toby Bailey

Goals: McGrath 1, Broad pen 42, Stone 61, Bartlett 90