THERE were jubilant scenes at Westwood Park at full time as Cowes Sports secured their place in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League.

The Yachtsmen drew an amazing game 3-3 against Portchester in front of 200 fans, but when news soon reached them second bottom Bemerton Heath Harlequins lost 2-1 away at Hamble Club, the point was celebrated like a cup triumph.

In an amazing game, Cowes took the lead from a Connor Furmidge strike from the edge of the penalty box on 15 minutes.

But Portchester fought back to level and, before the break, the visitors took the lead when a long shot, fumbled by Cowes stopper Ed Hatt, was finished easily.

Cowes were unlucky not to level when player-boss John Mckie saw his header come back off the crossbar.

Portchester added a third to make it 3-1, but the Islanders rallied and pulled one back from the penalty spot from McKie.

Cowes pressed for an equaliser and got it dramatically in the last minute through Callum Watkins.

90th minute Callum Watkins 3-3.

After the game, a delighted and relieved McKie told the Isle of Wight County Press: "Unbelievable result. We were 3-1 down, but the boys just kept believing. 

"It was exactly what I said last week that it is our never-say-die attitude that is seeing us through.

"You can never write us off and I'm so proud of the players.

"Special mention to every single player for the respect and attitude they have shown to me. I can never repay that and I'm so grateful for it.

"Thanks to the club and the fans for trusting me to do what I could. For me now it's a case of doing what we set out to do - staying up and maintaining our status as the number one club on the Island."

In Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League, Newport's losing run stretched to four defeats on the bounce with a single goal loss at Downton, while East Cowes Vics could only pick up a point with a 1-1 result away at second bottom Andover Town. 

                                TODAY’S RESULTS (SATURDAY)

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Cowes Sports 3, Portchester 3.

Sydenhams Wessex Division 1: Downton 1, Newport 0; Andover Town 1, East Cowes Vics 1.

Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist Isle of Wight Memorial Cup, quarter-finals: Binstead & COB 1, Ventnor 5; Brading Town 1, Pan Sports 2; Ryde Saints 1, ECS 4.

Harwoods Renault Island League, Division 2: Adgestone 1, Niton Community 4; Carisbrooke United v Bembridge; East Cowes Vics A 0, Oakfield 2.

Combination 1: Binstead & COB Reserves v Shanklin Reserves; Northwood St John Reserves 1, Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves 6; Oakfield Reserves 2, West Wight Reserves 1; Ryde Saints Reserves 0, Brading Town Reserves 3; Ventnor Reserves 0, ECS Reserves 2.

Combination 2 League Cup, Group B: Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves 2, Wootton Reserves 5.