East Cowes Vics fought back from two goals down to beat Brockenhurst on penalties at Beatrice Avenue in the FA Vase on Saturday.
Manager Alex Smith went into the tie with a mounting injury crisis, missing Liam Newbold, Liam Triggs, Aedan Coode, Raff Boyd-Kerr Harrison Yates and Jake Wright, although there was some relief with Charlie Hart and Jordan Chapman fit enough to return to the bench.
Despite those setbacks, Vics started brightly with early chances for Toby Snow, Connor Kelly, Scott Jones and Jacob Reynolds. A double goal-line clearance also denied Kelly and Caleb Neale before the visitors from the New Forest struck against the run of play in the 14th minute. A cross from the right picked out Dylan Walker, who guided a clever header beyond Vics goalkeeper Alex Ram (0-1).
Nine minutes later, the Badgers doubled their advantage. Another delivery to the far post found Walker, who volleyed the ball goalwards, with a deflection off Vics defender Elliott Wheeler helping it over the line (0-2). Despite further efforts from Kelly, Snow and Josh Neale, the home side somehow trailed at the interval.
Half time: East Cowes Vics 0-2 Brockenhurst
The second half saw Vics rally strongly. Scott Jones was brought down by Brockenhurst keeper Valero well outside the box in a controversial incident that only produced a yellow card. Charlie Hart went close soon after, while Reynolds and Neale worked tirelessly in midfield and Jamie Wright offered drive on the wing.
The breakthrough came on 80 minutes when Hart cut the ball back for Kelly to fire home for Vics (1-2). Just two minutes later, Kelly’s cross was met by Jones, whose header levelled the scores (2-2). The turnaround was completed in the 86th minute when Wright’s ball into the box was finished at the far post by Jones (3-2).
With the crowd of 146 urging them on, it looked like Vics had completed the comeback, but deep into stoppage time, Brockenhurst forced an equaliser from a free-kick, bundled in at the far post (3-3).
Full time: East Cowes Vics 3-3 Brockenhurst
In the shootout, Vics were flawless. Reynolds, Wheeler, Kelly, Hart and Josh Neale all converted from the spot, while Brockenhurst saw one of their penalties saved to hand the Victorians a famous victory.
Penalties: East Cowes Vics 5-3 Brockenhurst
East Cowes Vics: Ram, Snow, Wright, Holbrook, Wheeler, Sullivan, Kelly, J Neale (c), Jones, Reynolds, C Neale. Subs: Roberts, Wragg, Chapman, Hart, Voller Man-of-the-match: Scott Jones
Jones’ brace proved pivotal in turning the tie on its head, but Vics’ success was built on a true team performance – with Kelly’s goal and assist, Hart’s impact from the bench, and the tireless contributions of Reynolds, Neale and Wright all playing their part in a memorable cup win over Brockenhurst.
After the game Vics manager Alex Smith said:
“I don’t think the performance was any different to the performances we delivered previously. We got what we deserved.
“There are still some things to iron out but with the number of players unavailable there are going to be.
“Having had the little run of poor results we’ve had to be in the changing room at half time and believe we’re going to win the game is credit to the belief in what we have. There was no doubt in that changing room that we could go and win the game.”
Vics are back in cup action on Tuesday night when they host Cowes Sports at Beatrice Avenue in the eagerly anticipated El Clasicowes derby in the Wessex League Cup.
