Alresford Town 8 East Cowes Victoria 1: A WELCOME win, an encouraging performance and something to build on.

Alresford’s first victory since August came against opponents struggling in their own division a level below, and space – normally at a premium – was available all over the pitch.

And the uncertainty that comes with lack of confidence was evident when Ji Nash beat a statuesque defence to a cross to give the visitors a sixth minute lead.

But once Jamie Bentley’s powerful header from Ben Thomson’s pinpoint corner had put the home side level five minutes later, confidence began to flow.

The presence of Brian Howard had a huge amount to do with that. His Football League experience – and ability to link with his brother John up front, as well as Thomson and Simon Everett in midfield, from his number ten position, enabled the Magpies to control the game.

It was he who played in a much-improved Tom Donaldson to make it 2-1 after 26 minutes. And he whose free kick rebounded off the goalkeeper, then the post to enable brother John to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half time.

Vics had had their chances in the first half – but the second was one-way traffic.

Brian Howard made it 4-1 from John Mulhern’s cross on 49 minutes, and laid on another goal for brother John ten minutes later.

Apart from the goals, both the Howards, Everett and Liam Magee either had shots saved by the overworked Josh Pietak in the Vics’ goal, or went close in the waves of attacks that followed.

It wasn’t until the last ten minutes that the visitors caved in – but when they did, Alresford administered the coup de grace, with three goals, from Brian Howard, Magee and Donaldson, in four minutes.

To add to a satisfying afternoon, Harry Draycott was able to make an untroubled return as a substitute after his recent knee problems.

There is still a long way to go, and a lot of work to do if Alresford are to get out of trouble in the league. But you have to start somewhere – and this Wessex League Cup win, this performance, was just what the doctor ordered.