Vics have now gone 6 games unbeaten by drawing at home to possibly the strongest side in Wessex Division 1: unbeaten Andover New Street.
The East Cowes side began the game without some of their most experienced and influential players, including captain Callum Chase, midfield powerhouse Sam Cant and winger Harrison Yates.
Although Street dominated in terms of possession, they were unable to convert dominance into goals, largely due to an impressive performance by Vics ‘keeper Alex Ram.
The Andover side started strongly and forced Ram into a fine save one-handed save in the 4th minute.
Tom Ashley struck back for Vics in the 7th minute, making the Andover keeper to push his effort just past the post. Ram was in action again in the 11th minute, tipping a header from Street top scorer Ross Cook over the crossbar.
The North Hampshire side had further opportunities to score with a header from Scott Hassell going inches wide in the 22nd minute. Layton Tulk should have given Street the lead shortly before the half time whistle but squandered his chance when it appeared easier for him to score.
Half time East Cowes Vics 0-0 Andover New Street
The Andover side began the 2nd half brightly. 4 minutes into the 2nd half Michael Davis missed a sitter from 4 yards. In the 63rd minute, Shaun Dallimore hit the post for Street before Eddie Perrett put the rebound just wide.
Having soaked up the pressure for 75 minutes, Vics looked the stronger side in the final quarter-of-an-hour. In the 76th minute, Charlie Marsek found himself through in the Street penalty area, but sent his shot inches past the far post. 2 minutes later, a Coner Lyon effort narrowly missed the right post.
Full time East Cowes Vics 0-0 Andover New Street
East Cowes Vics: Ram, Snow, Greenslade (Woodford), West, Berry, Newbold (c), Turner (Kilroy), Lyon, Marsek, Ashley, Voller (Taylor) Unused subs: Wragg, Walsh
After the game, Vics manager Alex Smith said:
“I’m pleased with the result. It was a great point, and they are a good side. They kept the ball in our 3rd of the pitch, but they never carved us open.
“The league is more compact than it appears. It suits us to play against the better sides. But we also have to take points off the weaker teams.”
Vics’ draw sees them advance 1 place in the Wessex Division 1 table to 16th. The East Cowes side are in the top half of the current form table, with 3 wins and 3 draws in their last 6 games.
THE PORT CLOSE GAP ON LEAGUE LEADERS NEW MILTON TOWN
Newport are just 1 point from top spot in Division 1 after winning 1-3 at Verwood Town.
The Port conceded early with Louis McWilliams scoring for the Potters after catching Port keeper Pitman off his line (1-0).
Joe Craig then showcased his running and finishing skills by knocking in the equalising goal for the County Town team (1-1).
A 25-yard Connor Kelly special saw Newport take the lead before half-time (1-2).
Kelly then made the 3 points certain for the Island side by bagging his brace after being put through by Jordan Browne (1-3).
Full time: Verwood Town 1-3 Newport IoW
Newport (IoW): Pitman, Hughes, Hancott, Triggs, Oatley, Barron, Kelly, Boyd-Kerr (Reynolds), Browne, Craig (Lamb), Chapman (Nash)
Port’s win puts them in 2nd spot in Wessex Division 1, just 1 point behind leaders New Milton Town but with 4 games in hand.
YACHTSMEN SINK CLOSER TO RELEGATION PLACES
Cowes Sports have fallen to 18th in the Wessex Premier (just above the 2nd relegation spot) after an abject 6-0 defeat at Hamble.
The Yachtsmen conceded 4 goals in a poor 1st half display and 2 further goals early in the 2nd half.
Full time: Hamble Club 6-0 Cowes Sports
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Mumford, Laird, Perrin, West, McFarlane, Hayward, Catania, McKie, Ahmed, Phillips Subs: C.Neale, Coode, Taylor, Furmidge, Bunday
Wessex League tables below: Premier (left) Division 1 (right)
