By Isle of Wight Observer
East Cowes Vics are celebrating promotion to the Wessex Premier Division, after beating Frimley Green in a play-off penalty shoot out.
After a goal-less first half, Elliot Wheeler gave the Islanders the leading shot from 10 yards. Player-of-the-match, keeper Alex Ram, made a series of saves that looked to be giving Vics the win, but Frimley equalised in the third minute of stoppage time to force a draw and penalties. Vics tactically substituted Fraser Law for Ram for the sudden death penalties. Disappointment turned to delight when skipper, Harrison Yates, Raff Boyd-Ker, Elliot Wheeler and Jacob Reynolds, kept their nerve to clinch victory and gain well-earned promotion.
Skipper, Kirren Shaw, led Shanklin Ladies, away at Andover New Street who won 2-0. There was a pre-match silent tribute to Shanklin stalwart, Andy Woodhouse, who sadly passed away earlier in the week. Andy helped establish youth sides at the club, was actively involved with the annual six-a-side competition, and volunteered across all sides.
A spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with Andy’s family at this time. He has made a lasting difference to football at the club and on the Island, and he will be much missed.”