Charlie Hart celebrated his 100th Vics appearance with a goal as East Cowes swept aside Bournemouth Poppies to climb into the Wessex Premier play-off places.
After Tuesday night’s excellent victory at Petersfield Town, Vics returned to Beatrice Avenue looking for another 3 points, with managers Alex Smith and Elliot Wheeler making 2 changes to their starting XI.
Jordan Chapman and Rafferty Boyd-Kerr came into the side in place of the injured Jake Wright and Wheeler. Before kick-off, Hart was presented with a memento to mark his 100th Vics appearance. Just 2 minutes later, he celebrated the milestone with a goal.
A superb ball into the box from Boyd-Kerr was knocked down into Hart’s path, and the Vics centurion made no mistake as he smashed home from 12 yards (1-0).
Vics immediately went looking for more. Chapman’s corner was headed wide by Toby Snow in the 4th minute before Snow went even closer 5 minutes later when his effort was cleared off the line.
Vics were firmly in control. Gabe Wall’s quick feet created another opening in the 15th minute, but his shot on the turn was deflected wide, before Harrison Yates delivered a superb cross which Josh Neale volleyed over.
Neale then forced Bournemouth goalkeeper Jamie Bruce into action with a 20-yard free kick, while Bruce denied Wall from close range in the 31st minute as Vics continued to dominate.
Boyd-Kerr, who was later named Man of the Match, and Chapman were running the midfield, and a second goal had been coming when it duly arrived in the 37th minute. Chapman’s corner was headed back across goal by Caleb Dyer, leaving Neale perfectly positioned to nod home (2-0).
Bournemouth finally threatened 4 minutes later when Connor Gill attempted to halve the deficit, but George Bridi was equal to his effort.
Half Time: East Cowes Vics 2-0 Bournemouth Poppies
The pace inevitably dropped in the extreme heat after the restart, but Vics remained firmly in control. Neale headed wide in the 51st minute before a cleverly worked corner involving Chapman and Dyer created another opportunity for Wall, whose goalbound effort was blocked.
Bournemouth struggled to trouble the home defence, with Alex Morris sending a rare opportunity wide, while Vics continued searching for the goal that would kill off the contest. Neale and substitute Macca Barnes both had opportunities without finding the net.
Vics finally put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute, with the Bridi brothers combining for the third. Goalkeeper George Bridi’s long kick released substitute Will, who outpaced the final defender before firing past Bruce to score his first goal for the club (3-0).
There was no way back for the Poppies as Vics comfortably saw out the remaining minutes, completing an emphatic victory and a second Wessex Premier win in the space of 5 days.
Full Time: East Cowes Vics 3-0 Bournemouth Poppies
East Cowes Vics: G Bridi, Snow, West, Triggs, Yates, Chapman, Dyer, Boyd-Kerr, Wall, J Neale, Hart. Subs: C Neale, Mooney, Newbold, Barnes, W Bridi.
Man of the Match: Rafferty Boyd-Kerr
Attendance: 136
The victory lifts Vics to 5th in the Wessex Premier and into the play-off places, having taken 6 points from their opening 3 league games.
On Tuesday, Vics turn their attention to the Hampshire Senior Cup when they travel to Alton.
