PACE, power, imagination ­— Newport Football Club possessed all three when they booked their place in the IW Gold Cup final on Tuesday.

There was a big crowd at Westwood Park for their semi-final clash against East Cowes Vics.

Both sides were missing some key players, but it was Newport ­— sharpening their blades ahead of the Wessex League One play-offs ­— that started the game at a blistering pace.

Joe BUTCHER gave his side the lead inside two minutes ­— a curling effort from the edge of the box.

Sam Cant for the hosts had a chance to level on five minutes, but was denied by Newport stopper, Gary Streeter.

The 'Port extended their lead through Aaron BURFORD ten minutes later ­— Josh Younie the provider from a free kick.

Butcher was then denied his brace on 30 minutes, but a pinpoint cross soon after found Joe CRAIG in space, and he headed home at the near post.

Vics rallied, and a Sam Cant sliding effort had to be smothered and cleared by an alert Streeter.

Skipper, Ryan Gregory, made a vital stop before the break to keep his side in the game.

Second half, the Vics enjoyed more of the ball, but it was the visitors who continued to fashion chances.

Their prowess in the final third yielded a fourth on 68 minutes, when Jordan BROWNE headed in a Younie corner.

The Vics failed to breach Newport's back line in the closing stages, and the game ended 4-0.