ON-FIRE strikers Scott Joyce and Jack Slade kept Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ FA Vase adventure moving in the right direction with victory at home to Cowes Sports.

Joyce found the net within the first 20 minutes when he pounced on Graham Mankin’s through ball, making no mistake from closerange.

The rest of the half continued in the same vein and Bemerton had more chances to increase their lead but the Cowes goal led a charmed life and the score stayed at 1-0 in the hosts’ favour.

The visitors came out for the second half with renewed energy and made Max Frampton work for the first time when the home custodian had to do well on two occasions to hold on to deep crosses.

But, over the duration of the match, Bemerton’s Wessex Premier gumption paid off and an inevitable second came from Slade, who outpaced his marker before finishing with aplomb past the forlorn keeper.

Manager Ian Chalk was full of praise for Bemerton: “We worked really hard on taking the game to Cowes and it worked beautifully.

“Our defence was magnificent throughout the game as they held a perfect line which allowed us to press high up the pitch. Aaron Cook should get a special mention for the way he held them all together.

And we were without three of our regular back four.

“The boys up front are beginning to form a real partnership, their linked-up play is getting better and both are scoring regularly, which can only bode well for the future.”

Bemerton, who were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Wessex Premier leaders Whitchurch United on Tuesday night, are without seven regular starters for the trip to islanders Newport (IOW) on Saturday (3pm).

Chalk added: “It’s not an ideal scenario but we will get a side together, somehow, and have a go.”