Pagham sink the Yachtsmen to make FA Vase progress

The Lions struck early, and late to scupper Cowes Sports' hopes, the first coming as early as the 9th minute, Joe Bennett curling an excellent shot into the far corner courtesy of a ball across the box from Joe Clarke.

One became two on 14 minutes with Tom Atkinson powering home a header from a Jared Rance free-kick. Clarke then had a goal disallowed for offside that would have wrapped things up and new central defender Ben Clark-Eden charged through the middle of the home defence but smacked his 25-yard shot over the bar as Pagham threatened to overwhelm their Wessex premier opponents.

On 36 minutes Sam Connolly made the game more or less safe, collecting a pass from Rance and although his first shot hit the keeper, he collected the rebound, spun and fired into the open net for 3-0 at half-time.

Cowes came out in the second half with much more purpose and vigour and gradually wore their mainland visitors down, although Connolly should really have made the game safe, wasting a four-on-one chance a few minutes in but again the keeper saved.

The tide was turning though and Clark-Eden made a wonderful goal saving tackle on the edge of his own penalty area as the Yachtsmen poured forward.

On 60 minutes Conor Kelly in the Pagham net made a flying save to keep Cowes out, but he was beaten in the 63rd as the home side’s right winger Jimmy Wykes flew down the wing, cut inside and fired an unstoppable shot into the top of the net for 3-1. But it was the Lions who eventually put the game to bed after 79 minutes, sub Grant Radmore following in a half-saved Rance shot and firing home. All round a very well-played game from the Pagham boys.

Manager Kerry Hardwell said: "The boys put in a ruthless performance - something that I’ve asked from them in recent weeks. The first half performance was probably the best we’ve played this season - the football was exceptional and we punished them with goals from Joe, Sam and Mr Consistent Tom Atkinson which really put the game to bed.

"Second half we weathered the storm but still created a number of chances, which again was pleasing. Our fitness levels were great throughout and defensively we were strong and the boys deservedly went through to the next round. A big thank you from me personally goes to those who travelled to support the team on Saturday - the numbers were great.

Pagham: Conor Kelly, Tom Atkinson, Jack Barnes (Ryan Hallett), Ben Clark-Eden, Jack Williamson, Joe Clarke, Jared Rance, Ollie Hambleton, Jake Heryet (Grant Radmore), Sam Connolly (George Bingham), Joe Bennett. Subs not used: David Crouch, Ash Hawkes.