East Cowes Vics claimed a hard-earned point from an eventful Wessex Premier League encounter on a rain-soaked afternoon at Beatrice Avenue this afternoon (Saturday).
Vics welcomed Hamble Club looking to respond to the previous weekend’s home defeat by Horndean.
Managers Alex Smith and Elliot Wheeler were again forced to alter their side. Jake Wright and Wheeler remained unavailable, while youngster Caleb Dyer failed a late fitness test, with Caleb Neale and Gabe Wall coming into the starting line-up.
The Monks made the brighter start and George Bridi was called into action after just 3 minutes, clawing away a dangerous cross from Jack Francis. The Vics goalkeeper then saved well from Jake Adams in the 16th minute before Leo Taylor sent a half-volley narrowly over the crossbar 7 minutes later.
Vics struggled to create anything of substance during the opening half-hour, with their first recorded attempt coming when Josh Neale’s shot was blocked. Hamble remained the greater threat and Bridi denied Ramon Barrow after the forward raced clear in the 35th minute.
The visitors took the lead a minute later in contentious circumstances. Several players challenged for the ball inside the penalty area before referee Farrar pointed to the spot, much to the astonishment of the home crowd. Francis stepped forward and drove the penalty straight down the middle (0-1).
The Monks appeared set to take their lead into the interval, but Vics responded during stoppage time. Wall delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area, where Francis inadvertently headed beyond his own goalkeeper (1-1).
Half Time: East Cowes Vics 1-1 Hamble Club
Vics emerged with greater purpose and threatened twice within 2 minutes of the restart. Harvey Doe saved Neale’s effort before Wall dragged a shot wide from 12 yards.
Hamble restored their advantage in the 51st minute when Ethan Jones headed a cross towards goal. Liam Triggs made a desperate attempt to clear, but the ball went in off the unfortunate Vics defender (1-2).
Vics responded for a second time in the 67th minute. Maca Barnes delivered a corner into the heart of the penalty area and Snow rose to head home from inside the 6-yard box (2-2).
Snow then made an equally important contribution at the opposite end 4 minutes later. A chipped ball appeared destined for the Vics net, but the defender somehow kept it out while at full stretch.
The Monks came close to snatching all 3 points in the 89th minute when Francis struck the outside of the post, but Vics survived to secure a point after twice coming from behind.
Full Time: East Cowes Vics 2-2 Hamble Club
Attendance: 162
East Cowes Vics: George Bridi 7, Toby Snow 8, Harrison Yates 6, Ollie West 7, Liam Triggs 6, Jordan Chapman 6 (Maca Barnes 55), Caleb Neale 6 (Will Bridi 55), Gabe Wall 7, Josh Neale 7, Rafferty Boyd-Kerr 7, Charlie Hart 7 (Scott Jones 75). Subs (unused): Andy Rann, Liam Newbold
Man of the Match: Toby Snow
The point leaves East Cowes Vics 9th in the Wessex Premier Division with 7 points from 5 matches. Vics return to Beatrice Avenue on Tuesday evening, when they host Hythe & Dibden at 19:45.
Further match reports to follow…
