Josh Neale struck twice as East Cowes Vics claimed the ‘El Clasicowes’ bragging rights with a hard-fought derby victory over neighbours Cowes Sports.
A crowd of 388 watched the first ‘El Clasicowes’ derby of the season at the JA Dempsey Community Stadium on Tuesday evening (13th October), with a place in the 3rd round of the Industrial Boilers League Cup at stake.
Cowes made the brighter start, with George Carter-Knight testing Vics goalkeeper George Bridi in the 4th minute. However, the hosts struck just a minute later when Gabe Wall delivered an inviting cross and Josh Neale rose to head beyond Ed Hatt (1-0).
The opening goal set the tone for a fiercely competitive first half, with neither side prepared to concede space. Charlie Hart came close to doubling Vics’ lead in the 25th minute, firing inches wide, before Jake Wright looked certain to score from 8 yards a minute later, only for Hatt to produce a superb save.
Ollie West was unfortunate not to capitalise on a Harrison Yates long throw in the 35th minute, while Cowes remained dangerous at the other end, with Ryan Oatley’s powerful long-range effort deflected over the crossbar.
Half Time: East Cowes Vics 1-0 Cowes Sports
Vics emerged strongly after the restart, with Hart’s 48th-minute effort deflected behind for a corner before Jordan Chapman forced Hatt into another outstanding save, the Cowes goalkeeper clawing the ball away to prevent the hosts from doubling their advantage.
The Yachtsmen came agonisingly close to equalising in the 53rd minute when Jake Scrimshaw produced a spectacular acrobatic effort that appeared destined for the net. Bridi, however, launched himself across his goal and somehow got his fingertips to the ball to turn it away, preserving Vics’ slender lead with a magnificent save.
With the tie still delicately poised, Neale raced clear of the visiting defence in the 66th minute but fired wide. The striker made no mistake just 2 minutes later, bursting through the Cowes backline again and unleashing a powerful shot that Hatt could not keep out (2-0).
Cowes responded to conceding the second goal by introducing their talisman John McKie from the substitutes’ bench, although with Vics already 2 goals ahead, the decision arguably came too late. The Yachtsmen continued to search for a way back into the contest, but Vics defended resolutely and might have added a third when Elliot Wheeler tested Hatt in the 84th minute.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the home supporters as Vics secured a memorable derby victory. Neale’s brace proved decisive, although both goalkeepers deserved considerable credit, with Bridi’s spectacular intervention to deny Scrimshaw arguably the defining moment of the second half.
Full Time: East Cowes Vics 2-0 Cowes Sports
East Cowes Vics: G. Bridi, Wheeler, Newbold (c), West, Yates, Wright, Chapman, Boyd-Kerr, Wall, J. Neale, Hart. Subs: Dyer, Haward, Weeks, Barnes, W. Bridi.
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Flood, Dempsey, Chase, Oatley (c), Carter-Knight, Colson, Phillips, McFarlane, Marsek, Scrimshaw. Subs: McKie, J. Mumford, Biss, St John-Biggs, T. Mumford.
Attendance: 388
Man of the Match: Ollie West.
East Cowes Vics joint manager Alex Smith praised his players’ determination and quality in the decisive moments.
“We asked for a performance with a balance of grit and doggedness blended with the right amount of quality in the moments that required it, and that was exactly what we found.
“There were some huge performances. George in goal was terrific; Ollie West was a mountain; Gabe must look in a mirror and see Hercules; Josh led the line so well; Rafferty kept Colson quiet.
“There were no bad performances. It was well deserved.”
Cowes Sports manager Mark Woodhouse was far less satisfied and apologised to the travelling supporters.
“I’m not happy with that. I’m shocked because that’s not what I expect from a team that I want to run. The lads need to come back Saturday and be better than that.
“I feel sorry for the fans about all the stick they’ll get all week now. That was miles off what we can do.
“They need to put it right straight away because Downton away is a really tough game. We need to make sure we get ourselves together and be better Saturday.
The victory sends East Cowes Vics into the 3rd round of the Industrial Boilers League Cup, with their next opponents yet to be determined. Both sides return to Wessex Premier Division action on Saturday (17th October), with Vics travelling to Millbrook and Cowes looking to bounce back away to Downton.
LYMINGTON TOWN 0-0 NEWPORT IW
Newport were held to a goalless draw away to Lymington Town in Wessex League Division 1 – their 3rd successive league draw. Newport are now 7th in the table with 19 points from 10 games and next face AFC Aldermaston away on Saturday.
