THE East Cowes Vics match at home to high flying Alton was a game of three kick-offs — one at the start, one to begin the second half and a third at full time when both sides brawled on the touchline.

In an ill-tempered game at Beatrice Avenue, in which Alton led 3-1 going into the final few minutes, Vics were controversially denied a penalty.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ji Nash in action for Vics against Alton. Photo: Graham BrownJi Nash in action for Vics against Alton. Photo: Graham Brown

With the referee poised to blow up for full time, a variety of off-the-ball incidents lit the blue touch paper for a mass brawl involving almost all the players of both sides.

Vics boss, Richie Woodburn, said he understands an opposition player had made threats against a Vics fans in the stand and that another player is alleged to have used a derogatory term against Islanders.

At least one red card was brandished, for Vics skipper Ryan Gregory, though it remains unclear whether anyone else received one as the referee tried to restore calm.

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Vics captain, Ryan Gregory, was given his marching orders before his team-mates walked off the pitch in protest. Photo: Graham BrownEast Cowes Vics captain, Ryan Gregory, was given his marching orders before his team-mates walked off the pitch in protest. Photo: Graham Brown

However, it led to the East Cowes boss ushering his players to the dressing room before the referee could officially end proceedings.

The game, watched by Wessex League results secretary Lee Bray and his wife, was subsequently abandoned.

Woodburn said: "In more than 30 years of being involved in local football, I have never seen anything like it. I hope justice will prevail.

"It is the lowest I have ever felt being involved in the game. It was disgusting.

"The way my players and the club conducted themselves during this incident made me proud."

"One minute the game was being played, then the next they were fighting. It just kicked off. It was quite an ill-tempered game at times," said one Vics fan.

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Vics keeper Karl Steinborne-Busse makes an excellent penalty save in the first half against a strong Alton side. Photo: Graham BrownEast Cowes Vics keeper Karl Steinborne-Busse makes an excellent penalty save in the first half against a strong Alton side. Photo: Graham Brown

The Vics boss was also unhappy the referee sent off Gregory when he had only got involved to break it all up.

After their 6-2 midweek humiliation at Fawley, Vics showed plenty of heart against a decent side.

It was an afternoon of mixed fortunes for the Isle of Wight's three principal clubs in Sydenhams Wessex League action.

In the Premier, Cowes Sports earned a valuable point away at second bottom Shaftesbury, with John McKie on target again.

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Kelly, left, in yellow, scored twice for Newport at Andover Town.Connor Kelly, left, in yellow, scored twice for Newport at Andover Town.

The Yachtsmen took the lead on 66 minutes, but the home side levelled seven minutes later as the game ended 1-1. 

Newport shook off the disappointment of their midweek defeat by bouncing back with a 3-1 victory away at Andover Town.

The Islanders took the lead on eight minutes when Connor Kelly was played in nicely by Joe Butcher to slot easily past the keeper.

Jordan Browne smashed home to make in 2-0 on the half hour, thanks to good work by Neo Lamb.

Before half-time, the home side pulled one back and Newport had to hold out for most of the second half before they made the game safe — Kelly scoring from the spot.

With the top five all winning, there was no change at the top of Division 1 of the Island League — Shanklin still three points clear of Whitecroft and Barton Sports.

Blink and you would have missed a goal in the match between top of the table Oakfield and bottom side Wroxall in Division 2 — the former running out 18-0 winners to maintain their 100 per cent win record after nine games. 

                                         TODAY'S RESULTS

Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division: Shaftesbury 1, Cowes Sports 1.

Sydenhams Wessex League, Division 1: Andover Town 1, Newport 3; East Cowes Vics 1, Alton 3.

Harwoods Island League Division 1: Bembridge 1, West Wight 5; Carisbrooke United 2, ECS 4; Cowes Sports Res 0, Northwood St John 1; Sandown 2, Brading Town 8; Vectis 2, Ryde Saints 5; Ventnor 0, Shanklin 3; Whitecroft & Barton Sports 7, Binstead & COB 1.

Division 2: Wootton 2, Seaview 2; Newchurch 3, Osborne Coburg 3; Oakfield 18 (eighteen), Wroxall 0; Pan Sports 3, Adgestone 2.

Combination 1: Binstead & COB Reserves 1, Oakfield Reserves 2; Ryde Saints Reserves 1, Brading Town Reserves 4; ECS Reserves 2, Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves 3; Northwood St John Reserves 9, Carisbrooke United Reserves 0; Shanklin Reserves 2, Sandown Reserves 5; West Wight Reserves 14 (fourteen), Seaview Reserves 1.

Combination 2: Niton Community Reserves 2, Ventnor Reserves 1; Osborne Coburg Reserves 3, Yarmouth & Calbourne Reserves 2; Ryde Saints A 2, Bembridge Reserves 3; Sandown A 5, Newchurch Reserves 0; Vectis Reserves 3, Wootton Reserves 3.