PHOTOS: VICS END 40 YEARS OF HURT WITH DERBY VICTORY OVER LOCAL RIVALS PORT

East Cowes Vics beat Newport in a league fixture for the 1st time since the 80s in the Good Friday Derby at Beatrice Avenue. Before the game, the East Cowes side made presentations to Harrison Yates and Toby Snow for 100 appearances, Ji Nash for 150 appearances, and for Liam Newbold 200 appearances. The match began with Newport pressing and an effort from Michael Thompsett sailing over the crossbar. Josh Neale then had a scoring opportunity for Vics smothered by Port keeper Pitman in the 6th minute. In the 17th minute, Raff Boyd- Kerr ran into the box before being brought down. The referee pointed straight to the spot, centre forward Jez Conway stepped up, sent Pitman the wrong way but saw his effort hit the outside of the post. Vics were now dominant. In the 29th minute, Jez Conway hit the ball just past the upright. 3 minutes later, Jacob Reynolds sent a lob landing on the roof of the net. The only goal of the game came in the 4 minutes from half time, following some skilful play between Josh Neale and Jacob Reynolds after which Jez Conway smashed the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards (1-0). Vics keeper Alex Ram was a spectator throughout the half.

Half time: East Cowes Vics 1-0 Newport IW The 2nd half saw bookings a-plenty for Newport but precious little goalmouth action. Newport assistant manager Gary Streeter was 1st booked then sent to the stand; Port captain Martin McDonough was sinbinned; Jordan Browne, Maca Watterson Sonny Myram and Josh Appell were all yellow carded for Port. No Vics players were penalised for misconduct. The only real Port pressure came in injury time with substitute Henry West seeing his glancing header tipped over the crossbar by Alex Ram. Full time: East Cowes Vics 1-0 Newport IW

East Cowes Vics: Ram, Snow, Yates, Wheeler, Chase, Chapman, Wright, Boyd-Kerr, Conway, Reynolds, Neale Subs: Hart, Newbold, Young, Nash, Marsek Man-of-the-match: Jacob Reynolds Newport IW: Pitman, Barron, Thompsett, Oatley, McDonough, Watterson, Butcher, Catania, Browne, Younie, Appell Subs: Myram, Walsh, Page, Parsons, West Man-of-the-match: Josh Younie Attendance: 565

After the game, winning manager Alex Smith said:

“We were outstanding in the 1st half and should have gone into the 2nd half 2 goals to the good. We saw the game out without any problems in the 2nd half. Alex Ram made a vital save at the end of the game.”

Newport IW chairman John Davies said:

“Congratulations to Vics as they march towards the play offs and Newport remain in mid table – two positions both clubs would gladly have settled for at the start of the season.”

Victory for Vics leaves the East Cowes side 5th with 63 points from 33 games, 11 points clear of 6th placed Cove, who have 3 games in hand. This Tuesday, Vics travel across the Solent to face 15th-placed Totton & Eling. Newport’s defeat leaves them 11th with 42 points from 31 games. On Tuesday, Port travel to 9th-placed Romsey Town, following which they face a further away game against Ash United on Thursday.