WITH this week's weather making several grounds unplayable this weekend, the football programme for Isle of Wight clubs was hit hard with postponements.

Although Cowes Sports and Newport saw their away fixtures postponed, East Cowes Vics triumphed yet again in an entertaining 4-2 over AFC Aldermaston at Beatrice Avenue this afternoon (Saturday).

Vics made it a superb seven wins on the bounce by beating mid-table Aldermaston.

Harrison Yates gave the Islanders the perfect start after ten minutes.

But the visitors made a game of it and levelled in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.

Things suddenly got worse for East Cowes Vics.

The away side caught Vics napping and took the lead less than two minutes later, to eventually going into the dressing room at half time not believing their luck.

But Alex Smith knows how to rouse his players with a half time team talk — and Vics came out for the second period rejuvenated.

Caleb Neale was substituted for the vastly experience Scott Jones and Vics looked a different animal up front.

Ten minutes elapsed when Vics pulled it level — ex-Newport favourite, Liam Triggs, finishing from close range.

Game on!

But Vics were frustrated by the opposition and needed a Zak Sullivan on to replace workhorse, Jordan Chapman, in the 71st minute.

All the hard work, patience and endeavour eventually paid off for Vics — taking the lead in the 79th minute.

Yates produced a sublime cross, for Jones to finish and put the promotion hopefuls 3-2 in front.

It was a nervy finale for Vics fans, they were able to eventually breathe a sigh of relief when Jones popped up to seal the points in the fifth minute of injury time.

The victory keeps Vics comfortably in the play-offs, but with three games in hand on the three sides above them, maximum points from them would take them second and two points behind leaders New Milton Town.

Vics' next league fixture is a real six-pointer against second placed Alresford Town away, next Saturday.

Speaking after the game, Alex Smith said: "I feel a lot different now to how I felt at half-time, that's for sure.

"We had a very rocky first half. We were poor and I don't usually say that.

"A few home truths were said at half-time. Aldermaston made it very difficult too.

"But in the second half we kicked on. The most pleasing thing for me was to ask the lads for a reaction — and actually get one.

"In the second half we were really good value. To come from the adverse position we were at, at half-time, was pleasing."

Smith also paid tribute to substitutes Jones and Gareth Bricknell.

"The game was crying out for a bit more physicality. They showed more physical presence, knowhow and nous is what made the difference in the end.

"This game was as difficult as we expected."

ALL THE RESULTS AND FIXTURES

TODAY (SATURDAY)
Wessex League Premier Division: Baffins Milton Rovers v Cowes Sports (postponed).
Wessex League Division 1: East Cowes Vics 4, AFC Aldermaston 2; Totton & Eling v Newport (postponed).
Isle of Wight Memorial Cup: Whitecroft & Barton Sports 1, Ventnor 0.
Hants Saturday Trophy, third round: Bembridge 2, Tadley Calleva Reserves 2 (Tadley Calleva Reserves won 5-3 on penalties).
Hants Vase, quarter finals: West Wight Reserves 2, Bournemouth Electric 1; Sandown & Lake Reserves 2, Emsworth Town 2.
Island League Division 1: Cowes Sports Res 7, Binstead & COB 0; Northwood St Johns v Shanklin (postponed); Osborne Coburg v Brading Town (postponed).
Division 2: Niton v Oakfield (postponed); Pan Community 2, Newchurch 2; Sandown & Lake v Ryde Saints (postponed).
Combination 1: Brading Town Res v Shanklin Res; ECS Reserves v Binstead Res; High Park v Osborne Coburg Res; Ventnor Res v Bembridge Res. (all postponed) 
Combination 2: Bembridge A v Sandown & Lake A (postponed); High Park A v Osborne Coburg A (postponed); Newchurch Res v Niton Reserves (postponed); Ryde Saints Res 1, Vectis Reserves 9.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Wessex League Cup: East Cowes Vics v AFC Portchester.