Isle of Wight champions Shanklin beat East Cowes Vics in a pre-season friendly at Beatrice Avenue with a goal in each half on Tuesday evening (26th July).
Vics began the 1st half with a young and experimental side, choosing to rest several senior players, who came on in the 2nd half.
Vics struggled to retain possession against a more experienced Shanklin team and went into halftime a goal behind when Dan Field received a free kick on the right of the penalty area, which he calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ram (0-1).
Half time: East Cowes Vics 0-1 Shanklin
The 2nd half saw a complete change of personnel for Vics with the return of their senior players, but they began the 2nd half by conceding a goal to a Kyle Drew strike (0-2). Vics could make little impression on a disciplined and well-organised Shanklin side until the final 15 minutes when the Seasiders began to tire. However, a confident display by Jamie Linington in the Shanklin goal kept the East Cowes side at bay, to ensure the Island champions victory against Wessex league opposition.
Full time: East Cowes Vics 0-2 Shanklin
This Saturday (30th July) East Cowes Vics face Wessex Premier League club Hamble at Beatrice Avenue. Kick-off is at 14:30.
Vics’ 1st competitive fixture in Wessex League 1 is against Amesbury at Beatrice Avenue on Saturday 6th August.
In other games …
Newport IW 3-0 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Newport comfortably beat Island League runners-up Whitecroft & Barton Sports in a pre-season friendly at Smallbrook.
After a goalless 1st half, the Port took the lead through a Connor Kelly penalty (1-0) after Jacob Reynolds had been fouled by Martin McDonough. Newport’s 2nd – 5 minutes from full time – came from a Joe Butcher tap-in after he had been set up by Jared Wetherick (2-0). The Port’s 3rd – just before the final whistle – was an own goal (3-0).
This Saturday, Newport were to play their final pre-season fixture at home to Chichester City of the Isthmian League. However, the away side has pulled out of the fixture on Thursday afternoon, and the Port are now seeking alternative opponents.
Division 1 campaign begins in earnest with a visit to Ash United on Tuesday, 2nd August.
Video highlights courtesy of Robert Lunn
Millbrook 2-2 Cowes Sports
The Yachtsmen drew against Wessex Division 1 Millbrook in a pre-season friendly at Test Park on Wednesday evening (27th July).
Cowes took the lead in the 28th minute through an Eli Ahmed penalty after Jez Conway had been brought down in the penalty area (0-1). However, Millbrook equalized 2 minutes later through a header to leave the score level at halftime (1-1).
In the 2nd half, Ahmed scored a 2nd after being set up by Ji Nash (1-2). However, Jez Conway conceded a 2nd half penalty (2-2) enabling the home side to secure a draw.
The Yachtsmen begin their Wessex Premier League campaign on 2nd August away to favourites AFC Portchester.
Video (courtesy of Cowes Sports) of Eli Ahmed’s penalty below:
