Jacob Reynolds marked his return to East Cowes Vics with a stoppage-time winner as the East Cowes side ended their 10-match league winless run.
East Cowes Vics snatched a last-gasp victory away to Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday (7th November), scoring just 2 minutes after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser.
Bemerton started the brighter of the 2 sides, putting Vics under pressure during the opening 10 minutes. Artem Mosiakin had a volley cleared inside the 6-yard box, while Harvey Hawke, making his league debut for the hosts, also went close.
Vics gradually worked their way into the contest and took the lead in the 37th minute through Josh Neale (0–1). The striker’s goal gave the Islanders a deserved advantage after they had weathered Bemerton’s early pressure.
Half Time: Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0–1 East Cowes Vics
Vics struggled to reproduce their first-half performance after the break, although they continued to threaten going forward. Bemerton goalkeeper Luke Gunston-Grey produced an outstanding save with his feet to prevent the visitors from doubling their advantage.
Jacob Reynolds replaced Char Haward in the 58th minute, making his first appearance for Vics following a spell with Newport.
Bemerton pressed for an equaliser, with James McSorley seeing an effort saved by Vics goalkeeper Law in the 72nd minute following a dangerous run and cross.
Connor Mooney replaced Will Bridi in the 77th minute, before goalscorer Neale made way for Sam Kirby in the 84th.
With Vics seemingly heading towards victory, McSorley equalised for the home side in the 90th minute (1–1), leaving the Islanders facing the prospect of another frustrating afternoon.
Just 2 minutes into stoppage time, Bemerton goalkeeper Gunston-Grey gifted possession to Reynolds with a misplaced pass, and ‘Yak’ made no mistake in firing home the winner (1–2).
Full Time: Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1–2 East Cowes Vics
East Cowes Vics: Law, Hart, Snow, West, Wheeler, Yates, Boyd-Kerr, Dyer, Neale, Haward, Bridi.
Subs: Reynolds (for Haward 58′), Mooney (for Bridi 77′), Kirby (for Neale 84′), Hiorns, Weeks.
Stuart Simmonds said:
“It’s a massive 3 points. It’s been a long time since we won a game and it was needed.
“We were devastated to concede in the 90th minute. Then the goalkeeper passes Yak the ball and he scores. You couldn’t write it!
“Yak comes back today and scores the winning goal. He’s the sort of lad who scores massive goals and that’s what we’ve lacked.
“It was the collective never-say-die attitude that got us over the line. Now it’s on to Tuesday and we have to keep that momentum going.”
The victory lifted Vics to 16th place in the Wessex Premier Division, with 14 points from 16 games.
Vics’ victory completed a hat-trick of Wessex League wins for the Island’s senior clubs, following victories for Cowes Sports and Newport. Vics will now look to build on their success when they entertain Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday evening (10th November).
