East Cowes Vics have recorded their 4th successive victory at 2nd-from-bottom Aldermaston today (Saturday) to go 5th in Wessex Division 1 and reach the play off positions. Vics opened the scoring through Jacob Reynolds in the 36th minute (0-1). However, Simeon Weekes equalised for the home side through a deflected free kick shortly before half time (1-1). In the 2nd half, Ji Nash restored Vics’ lead shortly before the hour mark (1-2). Josh Neale then ensured a happy journey home for the Beatrice Avenue boys by scoring 10 minutes from the full time whistle (1-3). Full time: Aldermaston 1-3 East Cowes Vics East Cowes Vics: Ram, Snow, Chase, Newbold, Mumford, Chapman, Young (Wheeler 60’), Reynolds (Hart 80’), Nash (Voller 65’), Conway (Marsek 65’), Neale Sub (unused): Berry After the game, winning Vics manager Alex Smith told Island Echo:
“Delighted with the win, and it feels like the race for 5th is really on now. “We delivered a controlling performance today, only conceding from an unfortunate deflection that Alex Ram could do nothing about. “The opening goal was a commanding, towering header from Jacob Reynolds in the 36th minute, following some terrific work from Jez Conway in the corner. Aldermaston equalised against the run of play just before half time through a deflection from a dubiously awarded free kick. “Ji Nash tucked away a curling effort from outside the box just before the hour mark, leaving the keeper motionless. Josh Neale gave us the two goal cushion in the 80th minute by dispatching his chance cooly through the keeper’s legs. “Lots of twists and turns to come and a huge week ahead of us away at Clanfield and then home to Arlesford, which will both be great tests.”
Vics’ win leaves them 5th in Wessex Division 1 with 48 points from 25 games, leading 6th-placed Cove on goal difference. This Tuesday (20th February), Vics travel to Westleigh Park to play Clanfield. Kick off is at 19:30. In the Hampshire Combination & Development League, Vics Development won 7-0 in their top-of-the-table clash against Ringwood Town. Charlie Haward (3), Harry Taylor (2), Sam Kirby and Tom Ashley were the goal scorers.
PORT CONTINUE TO SHOW IMPROVEMENT IN FORM
Newport’s upturn in form continues as they comfortably beat Frimley Green in Surrey. The Port opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a superb finish from Jordan Browne (0-1). Michael Tompsett then added a 2nd for the away side to give the County Town club a 2-goal cushion at half time (0-2). Newport had further chances to extend their lead in the 2nd half, with Joe Butcher having 3 good scoring opportunities, and the Frimley keeper twice denying substitute Lewis Parsons towards the end of the game. The home side also had their chances but were denied by the athleticism of Port keeper Leon Pitman. Full time: Frimley Green 0-2 Newport IW Newport IW: Pitman, Page, M. Thompsett, Oatley, Powell, Watterson, Butcher, Harris, Browne, Catania, Myram Subs: L. Tompsett, Sayers, Darlston-Jones, Parsons, Bristow The Port remain 16th in Wessex Division 1, with 31 points from 22 games but have now won as many games as they have lost and have a positive goal difference. This Wednesday (21st February), the Port face Folland Sports at Beatrice Avenue. Kick off is at 19:45.
YACHTSMEN DROP OUT OF WESSEX PREMIER PLAYOFF PLACES
Cowes Sports have fallen out of the playoff places after losing to 2nd-from-bottom Christchurch. Christchurch began on the front foot with Derick Ewang netting for the home side in the 5th minute (1-0), and Sean Eaton heading home a 2nd 3 minutes later (2-0). The Yachtsmen were unable to make any impression on a well-drilled Christchurch defence and trailed by 2 goals at the half time break. The Yachtsmen pulled a goal back in the 68th minute through centre forward Scott McFarlane, who converted a cross from Fin Phillips (2-1). Christchurch came close to throwing the game away in the 85th minute when their keeper was sinbinned for dissent. However, Cowes were unable to take advantage of the regular keeper’s absence and an extra man and were forced to return to the Island empty handed. Full time: Christchurch 2-1 Cowes Sports Cowes Sports: Hatt, Hayward, West, Triggs, Oatley, Colson, Phillips (c), Cook, McFarlane, Neale, Kelly Subs: Cranwell, W.Bridi, Hancott, Weeks Cowes’ defeat leaves them 7th in the Wessex Premier with 42 points from 25 games. The Yachtsmen are just 1 point below 5th-placed Brockenhurst but have a game in hand. This Tuesday (20th February), Cowes Sports face W&B in the Senior (Gold Cup) at Westwood Park. Kick off is at 19:45.
