ISLE OF WIGHT SENIOR (GOLD) CUP SEMI-FINAL

                                EAST COWES VICS 1, NEWPORT 5

A BUMPER 314-strong crowd at Westwood Park, Cowes, on Tuesday — the biggest for a match on the Isle of Wight so far this season — watched a fantastic cup tie and one Newport fans will not forget in a hurry.

With two sides prolific in front of goal, coupled with the added local rivalry and being two of the Sydenhams Wessex Division 1 heavyweights this term, it was always going to be a cracker.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jordan Browne opens the scoring in the seventh minute for Newport against his former club, East Cowes Vics, in the semi-final of the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup, at Westwood Park, Cowes, on Tuesday night.Jordan Browne opens the scoring in the seventh minute for Newport against his former club, East Cowes Vics, in the semi-final of the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup, at Westwood Park, Cowes, on Tuesday night.

Newport dominated the first half taking the lead through former Vics marksman, Jordan Browne, on seven minutes.

Then Joe Craig doubled Newport’s lead on 17 minutes with a good finish from close in.

Jacob Reynolds was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a 50-50 challenge.

Isle of Wight County Press: Newport's Jacob Reynolds was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the first half.Newport's Jacob Reynolds was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the first half.

It became 3-0 through Connor Kelly on 20 minutes, but after Vics manager Steve Brougham reshuffled his side, and his side limped to the half-time whistle without conceding further and in need of some inspiration.

Some tactical changes made by Vics boss Steve Brougham during the interval shook things up and they pulled a goal back on 53 minutes — Joe Butcher turning on a sixpence and firing in past keeper Gary Streeter.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jordan Browne is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring for Newport against Vics.Jordan Browne is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring for Newport against Vics.

Vics were now well on top and an effort from Jimmi Burton flew just too high, then Alex Prezespolewski was put clean through with just the keeper to beat, but somehow he was not able to conjure up a finish.

After a difficult period of Vics control for Newport, further strikes were added by Craig — a beautiful flick header in off the bar on 74 minutes and, as Port finished strongly, a second for Browne, who bravely nodded in from close range, getting a bloody nose for his effort against his old club.

Newport boss Andy Sampson said it had been an excellent team performance and one of the best this season.

"It's nice to be able to look forward to a cup final at the end of a long season. Whoever we face, it will be a tought game," said Sampson.

Newport wait to discover who their oppoenents will be in the Gold Cup final on Saturday, April 27.

The other semi-final is between Whitecroft & Barton and either Cowes Sports or Pan Sports four days earlier.

The outstanding quarter final between the Yachtsmen and Pan Sports is due to be played at Westwood Park on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.30pm.

Newport: Streeter, Reynolds, Lamb, Younie, McDonough, Barron, Kelly, Wright, Craig, Browne, Taylor. Subs: Cousins, Powell, Snow, Yates.

East Cowes Vics: Steinborne-Busse, Lyon, O.West, Waterson, Newbold, Chapman, Przespolewski, Young, Ahmed, Burton, Butcher (capt). Subs: Gregory, Whitewood, Drew.