IT IS almost hard to believe what one positive result six games ago has done to revitalise East Cowes Vics.

                               EAST COWES VICS 0, ANDOVER NEW STREET 0
The reds — who looked dead and buried after they lost at home to bottom side Fleet Town not so long ago — have gone unbeaten in six games (three wins, three draws) and have pulled themselves out of the relegation zone.

Not only did Vics put in an incredible shift against a high quality side, fans are even starting to whisper Alex Smith’s name as a manager of the month contender.

Isle of Wight County Press: Vics keeper Alex Ram conducting his defence brilliantly against Andover New Street.Vics keeper Alex Ram conducting his defence brilliantly against Andover New Street. (Image: Graham Brown)

Isle of Wight County Press: Toby Snow clears his lines for East Cowes Vics.Toby Snow clears his lines for East Cowes Vics. (Image: Graham Brown)

As expected, Andover started strongly, and it took a fine save from Vics stopper Alex Ram in the fourth minute to keep it level.

It really was quite a save. Andover forward, Shane Lock, was put through on goal and tried to lift the ball over the young keeper, but Ram was equal to it — pulling off a wonderful one-handed stop.

Vics’ Thomas Ashley hit a crisp effort three minutes’ later, which had the Andover keeper in a panic to push the effort around the post. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Adam Voller closes down an Andover New Street player.Adam Voller closes down an Andover New Street player. (Image: Graham Brown)

Isle of Wight County Press: Charlie Marsek goes in for a 50-50 challenge.Charlie Marsek goes in for a 50-50 challenge. (Image: Graham Brown)

Ram was in action again in the 11th minute — pulling off another fabulous save from a header by Andover top scorer, Ross Cook.

Somehow, Ram dived backwards at full stretch and tipped the effort over the crossbar. 
Andover were pressing hard and a header from Scott Hassell on 22 minutes flew inches wide. 

Right on the stroke of half-time, Andover striker Layton Tulk, should have given his side the lead, but he was unable sort his feet out and fluffed his lines when it looked easier to score.

Isle of Wight County Press: Henry West defended well for Vics.Henry West defended well for Vics. (Image: Graham Brown)

Isle of Wight County Press: Thomas Ashley on the attack for East Cowes Vics.Thomas Ashley on the attack for East Cowes Vics. (Image: Graham Brown)

Andover started the second half as brightly as they did the first.

In the 50th minute, Andover’s Michael Davis missed a sitter from just a few yards out.

It looked like a turning point for the Islanders, with Andover failing to create another real chance.

East Cowes Vics had their moments.

Efforts from Conor Lyon and Charlie Marsek could have won it for Vics, but it wasn’t to be in an entertaining stalemate at Beatrice Avenue.

East Cowes Vics: Ram, Snow, Greenslade, West, Berry, Newbold (capt), Turner, Lyon, Marsek, Ashley, Voller. Subs: Taylor, Woodford, Wragg, Kilroy, Walsh.

Special thanks to Russ Chapman.