East Cowes Vics claimed their first victory of the season with a hard-fought Wessex Premier victory away to Petersfield Town this evening (Tuesday).
Petersfield made the brighter start at Love Lane, with George Comben giving the Rams the lead after 10 minutes (1-0). Vics were facing an early test on the road, but their response was swift as they looked to hit back against the Hampshire side.
Just 5 minutes later, Josh Neale hauled the Islanders level with a free kick (1-1). The Vics striker then struck again in the 22nd minute, completing a quickfire turnaround and putting his side ahead for the first time (1-2).
Vics almost strengthened their grip on the contest in the 38th minute when Liam Triggs struck the post, with the Rams surviving to remain just a goal behind.
There was a setback for the visitors shortly before the interval when Elliott Wheeler was forced off after a heavy challenge. Jordan Chapman came on in his place as Vics took their slender advantage into the break.
Half Time: Petersfield Town 1-2 East Cowes Vics
With their first league victory of the campaign within reach, Vics still had work to do against a Petersfield side looking for a route back into the contest.
The Islanders gave themselves some breathing space in the 67th minute. New signing Gabe Wall found the net for the first time in Vics colours, extending the visitors’ advantage to 2 goals (1-3) and putting Alex Smith and Elliott Wheeler’s side firmly in control.
Wall’s first goal for the club appeared to have given Vics the cushion they needed, but the Rams were not finished.
Austen Giles pulled a goal back for Petersfield late on (2-3), suddenly leaving the Islanders with a narrow advantage to protect as the hosts attempted to salvage something from the game.
Vics saw out the closing stages to secure a valuable 3 points and, more importantly, their first victory of the new season.
Full Time: Petersfield Town 2-3 East Cowes Vics
East Cowes Vics: Bridi, Snow, West, Triggs, Yates, Dyer, Wright, Wheeler, Wall, J. Neale, Hart Subs: C. Neale, Mooney, Chapman, Newbold, Bridi.
East Cowes Vics are now 10th in the Wessex Premier with 3 points from 2 games.
