EAST COWES VICS 1, WESTBURY UNITED 2

PLUCKY East Cowes Vics came up against quality higher league opposition in the first stage of this season’s FA Vase — and came very close to forcing it to a penalty shoot-out, despite the gulf in class.

Up against a side in the upper reaches of the Toolstation Western League’s Premier Division, the game was a ‘free hit’ for a developing Vics side — an opportunity for the Island club’s boss, Richie Woodburn, to try new things in preparation for a long, hard season in Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Vics put Westbury United, of the Toolstation Western Premier, under pressure early on.East Cowes Vics put Westbury United, of the Toolstation Western Premier, under pressure early on.

The game started quite evenly, but as Westbury took control they were awarded a highly controversial penalty on 20 minutes, when their striker fell into the box after seemingly being tripped outside it — a decision that shocked both sets of players.

However, justice was done when it was blazed over the crossbar.

Isle of Wight County Press: Westbury miss the first of three penalties awarded against East Cowes Vics on Saturday.Westbury miss the first of three penalties awarded against East Cowes Vics on Saturday.

It was backs to the wall as the Westbury spot kick culprit missed other glorious chances.

But Vics took the lead on 27 minutes, against the run of play, when Brandon Hayward blasted a loose ball into the roof of the net, to the delight of the socially distanced crowd at Beatrice Avenue.

Isle of Wight County Press: Vics goalscorer Brandon Hayward in action.Vics goalscorer Brandon Hayward in action.

Westbury were dominant, but lacked a cutting edge, and Woodburn was glad to hear the half-time whistle at a time when Vics looked like they may concede.

But the chances kept coming for Westbury after the interval and they were awarded a second controversial spot kick, to the anger of Woodburn and incensed supporters — but amazingly it hit the post and was cleared.

Isle of Wight County Press: Vics defender Oliver west brings the ball away from danger.Vics defender Oliver west brings the ball away from danger.

Vics fans must have been starting to think it could be their day, but Westbury eventually got their equaliser — a superb finish — the forward cutting in from the left and driving it into the top corner.

Even more incredibly, the referee awarded a third penalty to Westbury late on, when Liam Newbold accidentally clipped the onrushing winger, but this time they scored — a weak spot kick the normally reliable Karl Steinborn-Busse should have done better with.

Isle of Wight County Press: Backs to the wall as Vics repel another Westbury attack.Backs to the wall as Vics repel another Westbury attack.

After the game, Woodburn said: “When decisions go against you like that, it is very frustrating — especially in such a high profile competition like the FA Vase.

“The first penalty was a joke. The player leapt like a salmon into the box from about three yards outside it. The Westbury players didn't even appeal for a penalty.

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Vics boss Richie Woodburn was angered by refereeing decisions — three penalties awarded against the Islanders in the FA Vase ties against Westbury. FILEEast Cowes Vics boss Richie Woodburn was angered by refereeing decisions — three penalties awarded against the Islanders in the FA Vase ties against Westbury. FILE

“The second was just as bad. The player dived and he wasn’t even touched!

“But when their player missed it I thought, Christ, it might just be our day.

“Let's be honest, we were always up against it, fielding a side with one recognised striker suspended and the other two off with flu.

Isle of Wight County Press: Vics celebrate their goal against Westbury.Vics celebrate their goal against Westbury.

“I’m bitterly disappointed for the lads, who really put a shift in.

"On another day, with a different official, we could well have got something out of the game."

East Cowes Vics: Steinborne-Busse, O.West, White, H.West, Gregory (capt), Newbold, Chapman, Catania, Hayward, Young, Greenslade. Subs: Nash, Murray, Furness, Berry, Kirby.