It was honours even as Wessex Division 1 side East Cowes Vics took on the strong Island League side Whitecroft & Barton Sports in a pre-season friendly at Beatrice Avenue on Tuesday evening (12th July).
Vics began their pre-season campaign by losing to Hampshire League Colden Common, but then went on to beat Wessex Premier Blackfield & Langley 3-2 last Saturday. The Wessex Division 1 outfit have lost many of their experienced players from last season with 4 crossing the Medina to Cowes Sports: Harri Catania, Brandon Hayward, Jimmi Burton, and Olli West. Former captain Ryan Gregory will be turning out for Island League Shanklin this year.
The East Cowes club have signed on a very promising former Island League player though… Ant Kettell from Brading.
W&B were playing their 1st pre-season friendly. The Island League side have captured 1 highly significant player for the forthcoming campaign: Barry Calvert from Brading.
W&B began brightly with Josh Appell heading in a corner in the 7th minute to take the lead (0-1). Freddie Knowles then grazed the crossbar from a corner.
In the 12th minute, Vics were awarded a penalty for handball, which was converted by Liam Newbold to level the score (1-1). W&B then had a chance to take the lead when awarded a soft penalty for a suspected shove, but Matt Evans saw his spot kick blocked by Alex Ram.
Vics then had numerous scoring opportunities with Ant Kettell, Sam Cant, and Coner Lyon all going close. Sam Cant had an effort cleared off the line in the final minute of the 1st half, and the 2 sides went into the break all square.
Half time: East Cowes Vics 1-1 Whitecroft & Barton
The 2nd half began with a vociferous penalty appeal for W&B that was turned down, after which Vics had numerous attempts on goal but failed to beat Kev Mitchell, who replaced Gareth True in the W&B goal.
Charlie Marsek forced a good save from Mitchell in the 62nd minute, following which Liam Newbold had a strong attempt on goal blocked. In the 65th minute, Ant Kettell was bundled over in the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded.
In the 72nd minute, Marsek struck the ball just past the post. 5 minutes later Newbold sent an attempt trickling past the upright. 10 minutes before full time, Sam Cant headed just over the crossbar before having a shot blocked, then shooting wide. The final chance of the game fell to W&B when Freddie Knowles had a goal attempt stopped on the goal line.
Full time: East Cowes Vics 1-1 Whitecroft & Barton
Vics: Ram, Terry, Woodford, Newbold, Berry, Lyon, Chapman, Yates, Cant, Kettell, Marsek
W&B (starting 11) : True, Lambert, Martin, J. White, Ovnik, Sainsbury, Yelland, Calvert, Appell, Evans, Knowles
After the game, Vics manager Richie Woodburn said:
“It was a good pre-season friendly against a strong side. W&B always provide a difficult test for us. However, we have been working on our fitness and have energy and pace all over the pitch.
“I’m looking forward to the new season and think we are in a better position than we were at this time last year. We begin the new season with 5 winnable games.”
For W&B, manager Gareth True commented:
“It was a good workout. Next season will be tight. People see Shanklin as the favourites for the Division 1 title, but it suits us to be written off at the start of the season.”
