Football: Newport FC Run Rampant, Draws For Vics And Yachtsmen

All three Island teams picked up welcome points from their Wessex League games at the weekend, with Newport leading the way. Peter White writes...

Newport show their 7-Up Fizz

Newport set aside their off-field problems to make a huge statement on the pitch with a performance that manager Steve Brougham described as ‘probably our best of the season’. 

The Port showed their fizz with a 7-Up display against Downton, one of their main rivals in the battle for a Division One play-off spot. The 7-1 score line didn’t flatter the Island outfit, who are still anxiously waiting to hear if and when they can look forward to having new headquarters.

But they made one of their temporary grounds - East Vics’ Beatrice Avenue - feel like home as they decimated the opposition with a cultured show. Boss Steve said:

“It was a great victory and probably the best we have played this season, to be fair. We were very good, especially in front of goal, but every player put all his effort into it, making it a very good all-round team performance.

“Downton have had some really good results, and have done well. Despite the score line it was quite a tough game, but we just clicked on front of goal. It was our first outing of 2022, and I think the result has given everyone a boost.”

Connor Kelly led the goal-spree with a hat-trick, Jordan Browne netted twice, and Joe Craig and Spike Pearce got one apiece. 

Vital point for Yachtsmen

A John McKie penalty earned Cowes Sports a vital point from a 1-1 draw in their home clash with Alresford Town in the Premier Division. McKie converted when Jimmy Mumford was brought down, but the Yachtsmen could so easily have secured maximum points, after hitting the woodwork four times in the second half. 

Even so, Yachtsmen manager Max Draper was heartened by his side’s endeavours, He said: “Performances are improving again, and we are slowly but surely getting our confidence back. We looked much more secure at the back, I thought the back four, and keeper Ed Hatt, were outstanding against a quick and dynamic team. 

“Once again, we missed several good chances, so fingers crossed the luck will turn and we will become more clinical again. We need to build on this by playing with more freedom and not stretching and losing shape when we are searching for a winner. 

“When we play and don’t panic, we can give all teams a problem. At the moment, when we want or need a goal, we are trying so hard that we probably force things too much. We need to believe we have the players, which we do, who will create and win us the game when we are patient.”

Keepers on top as Vics draw

East Cowes Vics’ trip to Ringwood Town in Division One ended in goalless stalemate. But Vics manager Richie Woodburn said:: “To be fair it was probably the most entertaining goalless draw I have ever seen. It was one of those games that either side could have won or lost 10-0, or it could have been a 10-10 draw, but both keepers, with Alex Ram for us, had outstanding games. But the good thing was that we have stopped the rot, and kept a clean sheet away from home. So, it’s half a step in the right direction, but we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.” 

The game could have gone against Vics late on when a Ringwood striker finally capitalised on Ram’s only error to find himself clear in front of goal, only to shoot over the bar with the goal gaping in front on him.

Richie added: “It was good to see Graham Daish at the game. He led Vics to two unbeaten seasons in the club’s halcyon days - the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’ of Vics! He now lives on the mainland, but due to restrictions, it was the first time he had been outside his house in 18 months. I’m glad we put on a decent show for him.”