Match report: Cowes Sports v East Cowes Vics

Attendance:- 160

MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee – CALUM MCFARLANE Assistants John Hopkinson + Keyson Colebrook

So for the first time in a few years the Gold Cup Semi Final saw Cowes Sports battle it out with near neighbours from across the Medina, East Cowes Vics.

Vics look to have a very decent side on paper with former Yachtsmen Jordan Browne, Dexter Malin, Samuel Phelps, George Woodburn, Alex Przespolewski and Giancarlo Giancovich in the starting line up as well as Jordan Chapman on the bench. However they still languish near the foot of the Division One table with one League game to play.

Once again the Yachtsmen got off to the worst possible start when a free kick from 50 yards out was not dealt with by the Premier sides defence and former Cowes player GEORGE WOODBURN pounced to head in the opening goal of the contest. Callum Chase thought he had equalised for the Yachtsmen but the goal was ruled out for offside. However Cowes were not to be denied as they did level the scores around the half hour mark when Vics keeper beat John McKie to the ball in the box but JIMMY WYKES was ready to pounce on the loose ball to net for Cowes. The joy was short lived though as the Division One side regained the lead with a superb thirty yard strike from GIANCARLO GIANCOVICH that left Ed Hatt flat footed and well beaten. Back came the Yachtsmen as top scorer JOHN MCKIE once again drew the sides level. That was the way it stayed at the break.

H-t 2 – 2

The second half began where the first left off with a few feisty challenges going in but it was Cowes Sports who got the upper hand as a cross into the Vics area saw CONOR WHITE race in to head home from 12 yards a give the Premier side the lead for the first time on the night. Further joy for the Yachtsmen came when a Fin Phillips free kick was headed into the net by JIMMY WYKES ahead of  Vics keeper Dan Russell for a fourth goal. If Cowes thought that was it 10 minutes from time JORDAN BROWNE netted a third goal for Vics to ensure a tense finale for the 160 crowd. But no major incidents happened as Cowes saw out those final minutes to book their place in the Isle of Wight Senior GOLD Cup Final against either Whitecroft + Barton Sports or West Wight which will take place at St Georges Park Newport on Saturday May 12th KO 3.00 pm. Check local press and media outlets to confirm.

TEAMS:-

COWES SPORTS – Ed Hatt, Conor White, Jez Conway, Callum Chase, Craig Insley (c), Ewan Cranwell, John McKie, Gareth Bricknell, Connor Furmidge, Finnley Phillips, James Wykes, Unused Subs: Callum Watkins, Jack Broomfield, Leigh Mackenzie, Daniel Verstraeten + Dave Thurman g/k

EAST COWES VICS – Daniel Russell, Samuel Phelps, Keelan Walsh, Alex Przespolewski, McCauley Watterson, Giancarlo Giancovich, Jimmy Burton, Jordan Browne, Dexter Malin (c), Ji Nash, Used Subs; Benjamin Gregory, Kyran Hopcroft, Jacob Reynolds