East Cowes Sports reached the Hampshire Vase final after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Comrades in their semi-final at the GKN Sports Ground yesterday afternoon.
ECS started brightly and controlled much of the early play without immediately creating a clear chance.
The visitors threatened first from a corner on 5 minutes, but the home defence stood firm. ECS soon began to find their rhythm and Josh Richardson almost broke through on 11 minutes when he chased a long ball forward, only for a superb last-ditch tackle to deny him.
Richardson went even closer moments later, meeting a fine delivery with a header that beat the goalkeeper but drifted just wide of the post.
ECS continued to apply pressure through direct play down the channels. Aiden Jones later had a free header from a set-piece, but his effort was comfortably gathered.
Just when it seemed the first half would end goalless, ECS struck. A well-weighted through ball released Richardson, who finished neatly to give the hosts a deserved lead with virtually the last kick of the half (1-0).
Half Time: East Cowes Sports 1-0 Comrades
The home side continued to dictate play after the break and appeared to take control of the tie on 62 minutes. Fin Ray burst down the left and fired at goal, the goalkeeper could only parry and Richardson reacted quickest to tap home his second (2-0).
Comrades responded quickly. On 65 minutes a substitute fired home from the edge of the area (2-1) and moments later a winger beat two defenders before curling an excellent finish into the corner to level the scores (2-2).
ECS regrouped well and regained the lead when Ray again broke down the left. His shot was saved but Tom McDowell followed up to score from close range (3-2).
Comrades pressed late on but goalkeeper Jacob Harvey produced a fine save to preserve the advantage.
Full Time: East Cowes Sports 3-2 Comrades
After the match, manager Steve Ebbs said:
“As a club we’re incredibly proud to reach the final – it’s been a few years since we’ve had one. The boys worked hard right to the final whistle and I felt we controlled most of the game, although we were unlucky not to make it 3-0 with the one-on-one chance.
“Finley Ray (AKA Rhino) was outstanding and deserved Man of the Match, with great performances from Tom McDowell and Boyd Jardine in midfield, Josh with his brace, and a huge save from Jacob Harvey to keep us out of a penalty shootout.
“It’s a fantastic day for the whole club and, judging by the support, we’ll need a few coaches heading to the final.”
The victory sends East Cowes Sports through to the Hampshire Vase final, with details of the match to be confirmed.
In the Memorial Cup…
West Wight 6-0 Binstead & COB
First half goals from Ash Brett, Conal Groom, Jude Millar, and Josh Daley saw West Wight through to the semi finals of the Memorial Cup at the expense of 2nd Division Binstead at Camp Road. Caelen Goldberg and Jordan Flynn added a goal apiece for the home side in the second half.
Brading Town 5-1 Cowes Sports Reserves
The Romans powered their way into the Memorial Cup semi final at Cowes Enterprise College courtesy of a brace from Caleb Dyer and further strikes from Dan Vale and Aaron Bennett
In Harwoods Division 1…
Bembridge & Vectis 3-1 Northwood SJ
Goals from Jamie Barratt, Michael Brown and Harry Furness saw 4th-placed Bembridge to victory against 6th-placed Northwood St Johns at Steyne Park. Conor Mooney got the consolation goal for Northwood.
High Park 0-4 W&B
Whitecroft & Barton Sports have gone to within 3 points of leaders W&B by putting 4 past High Park at Wootton Rec. New signing Harry Mulholland scored a brace for W&B, with Fin Kalaker and Ollie Frost grabbing the remaining goals.
Shanklin 14-0 Osborne Coburg
5th-placed Shanklin put 14 past bottom club Osborne Coburg at the County Ground with prolific scorer Rory Day adding 5 goals to his already impressive tally, Josh Field recording a hat trick, Aiden White a brace and Seth Arnold, Cory Sanderson, Jamie Trowbridge and Lewis Parsons all taking a goal apiece. Rory Day has now netted 27 times in 17 games for Shanklin this season.
In Division 2…
Newport Reserves 7-1 Newchurch
Port overcame 9th-placed Newchurch at Seaclose thanks to braces from Robbie and Jordi Shepherd and further strikes from Jack Butler, Ellis Brooks and Theo Whitham. Newport’s win means they leapfrog ECS into 3rd placed in the Division 2 table.
Isle of Wight football fixtures for Saturday 7th March
Hampshire Vase
ECS 3-2 Comrades
Memorial Cup
West Wight 6-0 Binstead & COB
Brading Town 5-1 Cowes Sports Reserves
Junior B
Sandown & Lake A 4-1 Ryde Saints Reserves
Harwoods Division 1
Bembridge & Vectis 3-1 Northwood SJ
High Park 0-4 W&B
Shanklin 14-0 Osborne Coburg
Division 2
Newport Reserves 7-1 Newchurch
Sandown & Lake H-W Seaview
Combination 1
W&B Reserves v Bembridge & Vectis Reserves
