Vectis beat Northwood St Johns on the all-weather pitch at Cowes Enterprise College in the only Isle of Wight game to survive the rain on Saturday (1st April).
Vectis were fortunate to be able to call on the services of East Cowes Vics captain Callum Chase after Vics’ fixture at Beatrice Avenue was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
The 1st half was an even affair with neither side managing any clear-cut chances.
The game burst into life at around the hour mark when Harry Symes had a goal disallowed for Vectis.
In the 66th minute, Jamie Barratt – who had had numerous half chances earlier in the game – put the home side into the lead with a composed shot from the middle of the penalty area (1-0).
2 minutes later, Barratt came close to scoring a 2nd but saw his goal attempt bounce off the upright.
Alfie Snow added a 2nd goal for Vectis in the 70th minute after an uncharacteristic mistake from NSJ keeper Andy Payne, who attempted to parry Alfie Snow’s 30-yard drive with his feet but misjudged the flight of the ball (2-0).
Northwood applied pressure in the final 15 minutes but were unable to break down a well-organised Vectis defence. The away side were forced to finish the game with 10 men after Jason Malcolmson was sinbinned for vehemently disputing a handball decision on the edge of the Vectis penalty area.
Full time: Vectis 2-0 Northwood St Johns
Vectis: Ballington, Hernes, Sibbick, Shaw, Chase, Furness, Barratt, Snow, Wherry, Symes, Cutts Subs: Woodford, Newsham, Houghton
Northwood SJ: Payne, C. Butt, K. Butt, J. Butt, Watson, Flux, Malcolmson, Blackmore, Cousins, McKenzie, Morgan Subs: Ince, Gardener, Jones
Vectis’ victory sees them climb 5 places from 12th to 7th in the Isle of Wight Division 1 table.
After the game, Vectis manager Reece Biedler said:
“It was a solid performance, not at our best compared to other weeks, but we were efficient and reasonably comfortable defensively.
“Better finishing, and we could’ve scored more.”
Isle of Wight Division 1 table below:
