LYMINGTON & New Milton made it nine straight league wins as they triumphed 2-1 over 10-man Cowes Sports in an ill-tempered affair on the Isle of Wight.

But the gritty victory was overshadowed by a serious knee injury to John Bailey who was stretchered off with a locked knee.

The former Cherries star now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Kevin James tapped home the first-half opener from close range after the Cowes keeper had spilled Ben Thompson's cross but the home side drew level shortly after the restart.

But Linnets claimed the points as Thompson's corner was flicked on by Paul Towler allowing Kevin Reacord to smash the winner into the roof of the net. Cowes were reduced to 10 men when Chris Smith was elbowed in front of the referee.

Linnets boss Ian Robinson said: "It was a horrible game. If I'd have paid to watch it, I'd have asked for my money back. But at least we got the three points."

Lymington & New Milton: Walker-Harris, Curtis, Towler, Sheppard, P Smith, Mulhern, C Smith, Bailey (Brennan, 20 (Standing, 75), Reacord, James, Thompson. Unused sub: T Smith.