SYDENHAMS WESSEX LEAGUE DIV. 1

                           FOLLAND SPORTS 1, EAST COWES VICS 1

VICS travelled to high-flying Folland with a positive attitude after giving another top outfit, Andover Town, a proper contest the previous week.

Boosted by the return of captain, Ryan Gregory, after a three-match suspension, Vics started well and forced a terrific save after eight minutes through Ji Nash.

Vics deservedly took the lead on 16 minutes — Scott Saunders's trickery inside the Follands box saw him being upended by a defender and Gregory stepped up to bury the penalty.

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Vics captain, Ryan Gregory, who scored. Photo: East Cowes VicsEast Cowes Vics captain, Ryan Gregory, who scored. Photo: East Cowes Vics

Brad Young, in acres of space, set up by Jordan Chapman, but blasted over.

In the 43rd minute, Harry Catania was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Right on half-time, Vics keeper, Karl Steinborn-Busse, pulled off a great save to keep them in front going into the interval.

Folland got lucky on the hour when the ball struck defender, Henry West, and the loose ball fell perfectly for the home striker to equalise.

Vics rode their luck when a wonder strike hit the bar.

With ten minutes of added on time, for an injury to the ref, it got nervy for Vics, but they hung on for an excellent point an end a sequence of defeats.

The result and performance gave Vics confidence going into last night's league game at Totton and Eling, beating them 1-0 with a Sam Kirby strike.

Vics' win edged them toward mid-table goiong into Saturday's home game — against second place Andover Town again, but in the league.

 

The result will give Vics confidence going into their next match