East Cowes Vics and Cowes Sports battle in Hampshire Cup

With the two sides plying their trade in different Wessex League divisions, their last competitive meeting came in a Gold Cup semi-final in May 2018.

On that night, Cowes secured a 4-3 victory and progressed to the final – later lifting the trophy after defeating West Wight at St George’s Park.

East Cowes Vics 3-3 Cowes Sports (Cowes win 4-3 on penalties)

The game started perfectly for Vics, who netted their first in the seventh minute.

A corner ball pinned on Cowes keeper Ed Hatt was parried away, only to be rebounded into the area, where Vics eventually got a shot into the right side of the net from Liam NEWBOLD.

The Yachtsmen quickly replied with an equaliser in the 12th minute.

A quick throw from skipper Ryan Oatley high up the pitch found Charlie MARSEK, who turned two defenders in the box and saw his shot nestle into the bottom left.

Just four minutes later, Vics retook the lead through Josh NEALE, who neatly slotted away a cross played low into the box.

Vics manager Alex Smith, left, watches on (Image: IWCP)

Vics took control of the game for the rest of the first half, particularly down the right wing.

Their dominance was rewarded just after the half-hour mark.

Adam Voller closed down the keeper, and the ricochet was slotted home into the bottom left for NEALE’S second.

The Yachtsmen came out strong in the second half, looking to claw their way back into the game.

Just after the hour mark, a clumsy challenge by Toby Snow on Marsek saw John MCKIE step up and score comfortably beyond Vics keeper Alex Ram.

Cowes continued to push for an equaliser, and in the 80th, the comeback was complete.

Josh Neale makes way for Scott Jones (Image: IWCP)

Finley Phillips knocked the ball over the top on the left, chested down and crossed by Oatley, which deflected back post to Jimmy MUMFORD, who volleyed in.

At the final whistle, Beatrice Avenue prepared for a penalty shootout showdown.

Both team's first spot-kicks were tucked away before Phillips stepped up for Cowes and saw his effort saved by Ram down to his right.

The shootout progressed to 3-3 when Caleb Neale’s kick was pushed onto the post by Hatt.

The Yachtsmen netted their next penalty and watched as Vics’ Jordan Chapman stepped up and hit the crossbar.

Cowes secure victory, 4-3 in the shootout, and progress to the third round of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Vics had it in the first half, Cowes in the second, and then it was a couple of unlucky pens that separated them.

Man of the match: Josh Neale (Vics)