VICS NOT YET VICTORIOUS: WESSEX LEAGUE MATCH REPORT & ROUND UP

East Cowes Vics are still looking for their 1st win of the season after 1 defeat, 1 abandoned game and 2 draws.

Vics began the game brightly with Brandon Hayward, Harrison Yates, Toby Snow and – of course – prolific striker Jimmi Burton all proving a potent threat to the New Forest side. In the 13th minute, Jimmi shot the ball into the net, but the effort was ruled offside. In the 25th minute, Jimmi got his goal with a low shot from a tight angle that trickled past the right post after he had been set up by Brandon Hayward (1-0).

Vics continued to attack with Burton again breaking free in the 28th minute but sending his shot past the right upright. On the half-hour mark, Harrison Catania had a free header in the middle of the Ringwood penalty area but directed the ball at Ringwood goalkeeper Sam Reilly. In the 40th minute, Toby Snow had a clear run on goal but saw his effort saved.

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Ringwood should have equalized in the 38th minute when an accurate cross into the box picked out Jack Knight, but he hoofed the ball over the bar when it appeared easier to score. 5 minutes later, Ringwood should again have levelled when Ringwood centre forward Harry Smith attempted to chip the ball over Vics keeper Karl Steinborn-Busse only to hit it straight into his arms.

In 2nd minute of 1st half injury time, the referee unjustly awarded a penalty to Ringwood after Jack Knight took a tumble in the penalty area. Chris Turner was then sinbinned for something said by Vics captain, Liam Newbold. Ringwood’s Harry Smith stepped up to take the spot kick and sent his effort wide with the last kick of the half.

HT: East Cowes Vics 1-0 Ringwood Town

Vics dominated the 2nd half but somehow contrived to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory. Ringwood took the lead against the run of play in the 66th minute when Ben Harris sent a powerful shot past Steinborn-Busse from an acute angle (1-1).

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2 minutes later, a sublime through ball from Zak Sullivan found Jimmi Burton, who took the ball around the keeper, but his shot goalward-bound shot was cleared off the line by a Ringwood defender. Vics pressed hard for the winning goal but three further efforts from Jimmi Burton— who could have easily had his second hat trick in a week—were all saved by Reilly.
Ringwood created little but—in the 92nd minute—nearly returned to the New Forest with an undeserved win when a curling effort from Asa Drodge sailed inches wide of the far post.

Finally—in the 3rd minute of injury time—Vics came close to securing all 3 points when a cross from Zak Sullivan found Toby Snow unmarked in the 6-yard box, but the young striker headed straight at Ringwood keeper Sam Reilly.

FT: East Cowes Vics 1-1 Ringwood Town

After the game, Vics manager, Richie Woodburn, said:

“We need the run of the green. This was 2 points dropped. We’ve had 3 draws in a row and our season does not look as good as it should points wise.
“We had 6 players missing today. However, we now have greater strength in depth with more young players able to step up to play in the 1st team.”

Vics currently lie in 18th place in Wessex League 1, with 2 points from 3 games. On Tuesday, Vics play Fawley at home in the Hampshire Senior Cup. A win would mean Vics facing professional National League side Eastleigh at Beatrice Avenue in the next round

Cowes Sports won their 2nd game of the season so far with a creditable 0-2 victory away to bottom club Hythe & Dibden and now lie in 7th place in the Wessex Premier, only 2 points behind leaders Bashley.

John McKie and Connor Furmidge were on target for the Yachtsmen, and both goals were set up by Fin Phillips. Ed Hatt saved a penalty for the Island side. Hythe & Dibden were reduced to 9 men by the end of the 90 minutes after having 2 of their team sent off.

Cowes next face Christchurch at Westwood Park on Tuesday in the 1st round of the Hampshire Senior Cup. Kick-off is at 19.45.

Wessex League 1 leaders, Newport IW, have kept their 100% record intact by beating Salisbury side, Laverstock & Ford, 5-3 at Smallbrook stadium.

Jordan Browne (2), Joe Butcher (2) and Joe Craig were the players on target for the Port. Newport now have 12 points and have scored 18 goals in the 4 league games they have played in to date.

Newport travel across the Solent to face Cove in the 1st round of the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.