East Cowes Vics produced a ruthless attacking display to overwhelm Hamworthy Recreation this afternoon (Saturday).
Vics welcomed high-flying Hamworthy Recreation with confidence despite injuries to Rafferty Boyd-Kerr and Harrison Yates, and the absence of Jacob Reynolds. The pitch was immaculate after heavy rain, thanks to Trev Lacey and Rob Prewer.
The home side set the tone early. On 14 minutes, a slick interchange between Josh Neale and Connor Kelly saw Kelly whip in a cross for Jake Scrimshaw to power home with a thumping header (1-0).
Josh Toop forced a smart save from George Bridi soon after, while a Josh Neale free kick and a Caleb Neale volley both came close. The pressure told again on 27 minutes when another flowing move saw Caleb Neale deliver a pinpoint cross for Scrimshaw to nod in his second (2-0). The crowd were in raptures as the Vics front two showcased their finishing class.
Hamworthy battled hard and almost got a lifeline when a Tom Blair delivery flashed across the box, but right on the interval a rehearsed free kick fizzled wide from Ash Pope.
Half time: East Cowes Vics 2–0 Hamworthy Recreation
Vics picked up where they left off. On 60 minutes, Josh Neale reacted quickest to a loose ball and slotted home (3-0). He doubled his tally on 85 minutes with a curling strike that left the keeper rooted to the spot (4-0).
Hamworthy finally got on the board through Martin Videnov a minute later (4-1), but Vics hit back instantly. Murphy did well to save a Neale free kick, only for Gareth Bricknell to pounce on the rebound (5-1). Videnov grabbed a second right on the final whistle (5-2), but the result was never in doubt.
Full time: East Cowes Vics 5–2 Hamworthy Recreation
East Cowes Victoria: Bridi, Holbrook, Newbold (c), Triggs, Wheeler, Chapman, Wright, J. Neale, Kelly, Scrimshaw, C. Neale Subs: Coode, Bricknell, Kirby, Snow, Pitman Man-of-the-match: Josh Neale
Victory sees the East Cowes side rise to 11th in the Wessex Premier with 20 points from 14 games. Vics are now unbeaten in 5 league games. Next week, the East Cowes side travel to 2nd-placed Petersfield Town and the following Saturday welcome leaders AFC Stoneham.
COWES BREAK WINLESS RUN THROUGH LATE CALLUM CHASE HEADER
Cowes Sports finally ended their winless streak with a last-gasp header from Callum Chase to sink stubborn Christchurch.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Cowes threatening early. Ollie Flood’s clever pass found Carter Knight, but his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Scott McFarlane then surged through the defence but curled his effort just past the post.
On 22 minutes, Carter Knight floated in a perfect ball, but McFarlane’s header flew high and wide. The Yachtsmen continued to press: Jordan Browne’s header from a corner was scrambled off the line, Carter Knight’s follow-up shot blocked, and McFarlane saw another effort deflected wide. Somehow, the scoreboard remained blank.
Half time: Cowes Sports 0–0 Christchurch
The second half saw Cowes dominate possession, battering the Christchurch defence with waves of attacks. Flood and Perrin looked dangerous down the flanks, while Carter Knight orchestrated everything in the middle. Christchurch defended heroically, but cracks were beginning to show.
The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute. Carter Knight swung in a pinpoint free kick, and Callum Chase rose highest at the far post to nod the ball home (1-0). The Westwood crowd erupted as Cowes held firm in the final moments to secure a long-awaited three points.
Full time: Cowes Sports 1–0 Christchurch
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hughes, Flood, Chase, Oatley, Perrin, Carter-Knight, Haward, Browne, Sanderson, McFarlane
Subs: Cruttenden, Backshall, Long, Fever-Norton, Ram Man-of-the-match: Callum Chase
Victory lifts the Yachtsmen to 15th in the Wessex Premier with 16 points from 13 games. This was Cowes’ first win in five league games and a huge morale boost ahead of their visit to Laverstock & Ford this coming Saturday.
Newport IW were also due to play Ringwood Town in the New Forest today, but the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
