Andover New Street kept their play-off hopes firmly alive with an emphatic 4–1 victory over East Cowes Vics, extending their remarkable run to eight consecutive league wins and maintaining momentum with just three games remaining.
Knowing the importance of the result, New Street started at a high tempo, organised and purposeful, clearly intent on finding an early breakthrough. Their positive approach paid off in the 12th minute when Malachi Dotse calmly slotted home from a well-delivered cross by Shane Lock to open the scoring.
The hosts continued to press, and it wasn’t long before they doubled their advantage. Slick interplay between Harry Bowden and Cam Thatcher set the move in motion, with Lock timing his run before unleashing a superb left-footed strike from the far side of the box into the top corner.
Dominant in midfield, the trio of Rawkins, Erdinc and Beckley worked tirelessly to break up East Cowes attacks and maintain control of the game. Their efforts allowed New Street to keep pushing forward, and Dotse struck again before the break to make it 3-0 heading into half-time.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Dotse continuing to cause problems for the visiting defence. His persistence soon paid off indirectly when Ronan Clancy capitalised on loose play to add a fourth goal and effectively put the game beyond reach.
A series of changes followed, and New Street’s intensity dipped slightly, allowing East Cowes a foothold in the match. Charlie Urry managed to pull one back for the visitors, but it proved little more than a consolation.The introduction of supporter favourite Claudio Herbert lifted the side once more, his energy and encouragement to the team in the closing stages. Further efforts from Ashfield and Erdinc tested the Cowes goalkeeper, who produced several fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
At the final whistle, a 4–1 win confirmed another crucial three points for Andover New Street. With three matches to play and their winning streak intact, the race for a play-off place remains firmly in their hands – but as their performance showed, they are taking nothing for granted.
Next up, we travel away to Baffins FC on Tuesday 14th April