Josh Neale struck twice as East Cowes Vics continued their Wessex Premier League revival with a deserved 3–1 home victory over Sherborne Town.
Vics went into Saturday’s encounter at the JA Dempsey Community Stadium looking to build on their recent improvement in form. Managers Alex Smith and Elliot Wheeler welcomed Liam Triggs back, although Wheeler was forced to withdraw during the warm-up, with Toby Snow stepping in.
The home side made a flying start, taking the lead after just 2 minutes. A slick move released Gabe Wall down the flank, and his cross was met by Jacob Reynolds, whose powerful header flew into the top corner (1–0).
Vics continued to dominate, with Neale heading over in the 6th minute before seeing another powerful header well saved 10 minutes later. Sherborne’s first opportunity came in the 19th minute when Aaron White fired wide.
Jordan Chapman and Caleb Dyer were controlling midfield, with Dyer dragging a shot wide in the 23rd minute before being denied by visiting goalkeeper Rob Hollard 3 minutes later.
Neale was proving a constant threat, forcing another save from Hollard in the 28th minute before seeing a goalbound effort deflected over in the 34th.
Vics deservedly doubled their advantage a minute later when Chapman’s corner was knocked back into the danger area, allowing Neale to fire home from 8 yards (2–0).
Sherborne were handed a controversial penalty shortly before the interval when Liam Triggs was adjudged to have fouled Jacob Rowley, despite appearing to win the ball.
It was another contentious decision for Vics, who had conceded 2 disputed penalties against Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday. This time, however, Anthony Herrin smashed his spot-kick against the underside of the crossbar, with Snow heading the rebound clear.
Half Time: East Cowes Vics 2–0 Sherborne Town
The second half began quietly, with Vics protecting their advantage. Reynolds fired narrowly wide on the hour, while Josh Williams tried his luck from distance for Sherborne without troubling goalkeeper Frazer Law.
The visitors were gifted a lifeline in the 70th minute when Law hesitated over a clearance and struck the ball against Alec Thomas. With the goalkeeper stranded, Thomas slotted into the empty net (2–1).
Sherborne enjoyed their best spell of the afternoon following the goal, although they struggled to create clear-cut chances against the Vics defence.
Any lingering nerves were settled in the 84th minute when Chapman delivered a superb ball over the Sherborne defence. Neale timed his run perfectly before delicately lobbing Hollard to complete his brace and restore Vics’ 2-goal cushion (3–1).
The victory was thoroughly deserved, with Vics having dominated much of the contest and created enough opportunities to win by a greater margin.
Full Time: East Cowes Vics 3–1 Sherborne Town
East Cowes Vics: Law, Wall, West, Snow, Triggs, Yates, Dyer, Chapman, Boyd-Kerr, Neale, Reynolds Subs: Hart, Haward, Weeks, W. Bridi
Man of the Match: Josh Neale
Attendance: 169
Speaking after the match via East Cowes Vics’ social media, Elliot Wheeler praised his side’s performance:
“We dominated the game and controlled the tempo. Caleb and Chappers played well. There were some really good performances throughout the first half.
“Second half we took our foot off the gas a little bit, but we found a way to get over the line.”
The victory leaves Vics 16th in the Wessex Premier Division with 17 points from 16 matches, 4 points clear of the relegation places. They have now won 2 of their last 3 league games following a 10-match winless run.
Vics next travel to Hedge End Rangers in the Russell Cotes Cup on Wednesday 18th November (19:45).
