East Cowes Vics Reserves missed their opportunity to go top of the Isle of Wight Division 2 table after being beaten by a spirited Wootton side on Wednesday evening (21st September).
Wootton took an early lead when Harry Green pounced on a goalkeeping error from Ben Woodford in the 9th minute (0-1).
Vics equalized n the 22nd minute when an overhead kick from Billy Haylor was converted on the goal line by Kyle Kilroy (1-1).
The East Cowes side should then have taken the lead when Liam Newbold was wrestled to the ground on the goal line, leading to a booking for Wootton’s Sean Kingston and a penalty for Vics, which Newbold shot wide.
Vics then had the ball in the Wootton net, but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for offside.
Half time: East Cowes Vics Reserves 1-1 AFC Wootton
The 2nd half was a scrappy and physical contest with bookings for Wootton’s Harry Green and Macauley Barnes.
Brandon Tuckey came close to putting Vics ahead in the 74th minute but was denied by Wootton keeper Joe Throp.
Wootton battled hard and their efforts were rewarded in the 74th minute when Macauley Barnes flew past Ben Woodford before placing the ball in the back of the net from a tight angle.
Vics then struggled to find an equalising goal but were thwarted by a Wootton side that fought for every ball and denied their opponents the time to create scoring opportunities.
Full time: East Cowes Vics Reserves 1-2 AFC Wootton
East Cowes Vics Reserves: Woodford, Lavell. Phillipson, Newbold, McNaney, Berry, Kilroy, Sheerin, Haylor (c), Turner, Walter Subs: Day, Tuckey, Terry
AFC Wootton: Throp, Busbridge, Kingston, Hiscock, C. Westmore, Payne, Sleight, K. Westmore, Cheek, Green, Barnes (c) Subs: Nolan, Collier, Feakes
After the game, Wootton manager Dan Partridge said:
“Vics were expected to win, and we used that to our advantage. The lads kept going and never gave up.
“One thing I always get from any player who pulls on a jersey for me is 100%, and every one of them gave that and more tonight. Commitment, desire and the will to win was spot on from minute 1! It’s nights like this that remind me why I love this club and this game.”
Vics’ defeat leaves them 2nd in Isle of Wight Division 2 with 12 points from 5 games, equal on points with Ventnor but with a worse goal difference. Wooton’s victory sees them advance to 6th spot with 6 points from 4 games.
