A goal from Elliot Wheeler 4 minutes from the full time whistle saw East Cowes Victoria take all 3 points from their trip to Dorset this afternoon (Saturday).
Manager Alex Smith made one change to last weeks game against Ringwood, bringing Raff Boyd-Kerr back, with Sam Kirby dropping to the bench.
Verwood came out of the blocks immediately and forced 3 chances inside of the first 10 minutes, with all 3 efforts going wide; Vics’ 1st goal attempt from Jacob Reynolds was on target but was blocked by 2 defenders. Rafferty Boyd-Kerr then headed wide in the 26th minute.
Vics took the lead on the half hour mark when a pinpoint cross into the box found Jacob Reynolds, who volleyed the ball into the goal (0-1).
Verwood equalised in the 38th minute after a cross into the box was flicked on by Sam Hockey into the far corner of the goal (1-1) to leave the scores level at half time.
Half time: Verwood Town 1-1 East Cowes Victoria
Verwood started the 2nd half brightly with Vics keeper Alex Ram saving from Matteusz Grzybowski and Sam Hockey. Vics then had a series of half chances falling for Rafferty Boyd-Kerr, Josh Neale and Aedan Coode, none of which taken . At this point in the game, Vics were in the ascendancy, with Verwood pinned back in their own half for long spells.
The Victorians went in front in the 86th minute when a long throw from Harrison Yates was headed away at the near post, the ball dropping perfectly for Elliot Wheeler to hit a sweet strike across the keeper and into the far corner of the goal (1-2).
Vics held out for the final 4 minutes of full time play to return all 3 points across the Solent.
Full time Verwood Town 1-2 East Cowes Victoria
East Cowes Victoria: Ram, Snow, H. Yates, Newbold (c), Wheeler, Chapman, Coode, Boyd-Kerr, J. Neale, Reynolds, C. Neale Subs: Sullivan, Hart, J. Yates, Voller, Kirby
East Cowes Victoria’s victory leaves them 2nd in Wessex Division 1 with 15 points from 6 games, 2 points behind leaders Frimley Green but with a game in hand.
This Tuesday, Vics face Cowes Sports in the Hampshire Cup at Beatrice Avenue with kick off at 19:45.
YACHTSMEN STILL SEARCHING FOR 1ST LEAGUE WIN
Cowes Sports are still searching for their 1st win in the Wessex Premier this season after being comprehensively beaten by Andover New Street at the Zilch Waste Stadium (Westwood Park).
The Yachtsmen suffered an early blow when defender Callum Chase was forced off the pitch in the 22nd minute to be replaced by Jez Conway.
Andover New Street took the lead shortly before the hour mark through Thatcher, who knocked in a low cross from Herbert (0-1).
The North Hampshire side then scored again 2 minutes before half time when Williams dummied Ryan Hughes before placing the ball in the bottom corner of the goal (0-2).
Half time: Cowes Sports 0-2 Andover New Street
The Yachtsmen were unlucky not to get a goal back 3 minutes into the 2nd half when Scott McFarlane had a header cleared off the goal line.
Andover New Street went down to 10 men late in the game after their full back was sent off for a 2nd yellow after fouling Scott McFarlane.
However, the home side failed to take advantage of playing with an extra man, with Williams bagging his brace in the 90th minute (0-3) to ensure Andover returned to North Hampshire with all 3 points.
Full time: Cowes Sports 0-3 Andover New Street
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Tout-Walters, Hughes, Chase, Oatley (c), Hancott, Phillips, Jackman, McFarlane, Carter-Knight, W. Bridi Subs: Cook, Wright, Marsek, Conway, G. Bridi (gk)
Defeat leaves Cowes bottom of the Wessex Premier with 2 points from 7 games.
PORT FALL TO 2ND DEFEAT OF SEASON
Newport fell to their 2nd defeat of the league campaign at a soggy Beatrice Avenue in a game that they dominated in terms of possession but lacked an end product.
Newport were forced to make changes to their line up. Harri Catania is out injured with what looks like a long term issue with his knee, but Keelan Walsh and Joe Craig were back on the bench.
The 1st half was as drab as the weather. An early injury to captain Jordan Browne meant that Joe Craig was called into action earlier than anticipated.
Newport looked in control in all areas of the pitch but, bar long range efforts, they rarely threatened, and their usual set piece dominance was sadly lacking. Fawley had clearly come to sit in and live off scraps, allowing Newport to push higher up.
The only talking point came on the stroke of half time when Joe Craig seemed to be upended by a Fawley pincer movement but the referee waved the penalty appeals away.
Half time: Newport IW 0-0 Fawley
The 2nd half followed the same pattern, but the difference was 2 unfortunate defensive errors, which allowed Fawley to pounce and clinically despatch their shots, taking the lead in the 50th minute (0-1) before adding a 2nd in the 75th (0-2).
Now having something to hold on to, the Oilers were even more resilient and – despite the tireless efforts of Kai Grace down the flanks and the industrious work rate of Josh Younie and-man-of-the-match Brad Young – Port failed to fashion a clear cut opportunity, and Fawley comfortably held on to return all 3 points across the Solent.
Full time: Newport IW 0-2 Fawley
Newport IW: Pitman, Holbrook, Oatley, Young, Watterson, Thompsett, Grace, Butcher, Browne (c), Younie, Nash Subs: Myram, Craig, Wright, Walsh, Kettell
Defeat leaves Port 12th in Wessex Division 1, with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats in the 6 games they have played in the season to date.
