AFC Portchester are up to second in the Sydenhams Premier Division after a slender 1-0 win over Cowes Sports.

The Royals had Jake Morgan sent off for two bookable offences in the first half, but Brandon Miller won it for the ten men after the break.

Cowes have appointed former player Vic Sanders as their new manager.

The 50-year-old has taken over the reins from caretaker boss Ian Potts who stepped in when Steve Hunt resigned.

Club chairman, Ian Lee, said: "Vic knows his football very well and has always been a club man.

“He was just pipped for the job a couple of times in the past, but this time he has got what he wanted.”

Cowes were scheduled to play Alresford Town in the League Cup tomorrow, but the Mappies are hosting an FA Vase replay against Verwood Town instead.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Ollie Davis gave Verwood an extra-time lead before Luke Demspey levelled.

Alresford boss Richard Luffman said: “We are now five unbeaten and although still not at our best we don’t know when we’re beaten.

“The only other positive is that we are still in the hat and we shouldn’t be. Verwood were outstanding, they played excellently and their tempo was to be admired.”

Hamble Club bowed out of the Sydenhams League Cup 3-1 at Horndean, beaten by goals from Ash Howes, Jack Lee and Liam Kimber. Joe Chamberlain replied.

Team Solent also reached the end of the League Cup road, beaten 4-2 at home by Portland United.

Jamie Symes bagged all four Portland goals, eclipsing two from Solent youngster Ethan Taylor.

Folland Sports registered their first Sydenhams One win of the season - Breon Graham scoring in a 1-0 result over Ringwood Town.

Hythe & Dibden, meanwhile, are riding high in second thanks to a 2-1 success at Laverstock & Ford – Terzidis Filippos and Sam Woodward the scorers.

Romsey Town got back to winning ways 4-1 at home to Downton. Pearce Farren, Tom Cotillard, Dan Fox and James Clifton found the net for the Bypass boys.