By Isle of Wight Observer
IW Men’s 1st XI won 3-1 away at Wimborne Wayfarers, in South Central Division Two, with a field goal from skipper, Adam Payne, in 30 seconds, after great link-up play between Alex Breach, Rueben Butler, and Joseph Arnold. Kit McChesney and Fin Woodford’s pressure earned a short corner, which Aaron O’Hanlon-Hoare converted for a 2-0 lead at the break. Player-of-the-match Aaron O’Hanlon-Hoare added a reverse hit strike for 3-0, and despite an outstanding display from keeper Steph Boyd the Islanders conceded a late goal.
After a week’s break, the Men’s 2nd XI lost 4-2 away at Basingstoke, in Solent One, with skipper, Carl Joyce, scoring in the first minute, and Basingstoke equalising after an error. Steven Woodford and Cian Butler pressurised in midfield, creating chances for Peter McClelland, Tom Young, and Rupert King, but a head injury to Steve Holbrook forced an early substitution. Basingstoke capitalised with 2 goals, and a goal from Tom Young promised a tense finish, with keeper, Nate Brewer, and defenders, Jarrod Butler, Seb Foster, and Toby Noyes, holding firm under pressure and conceding once more before the end. John Pearson was named player-of-the-match.
In South Central Division Two, the Women’s 1st XI drew 2-2 in a hard-fought home match against Bournemouth. Coming back from a goal behind, Jaimie Payne levelled from a penalty flick, followed by Georgia Whittle finishing a well-executed short corner. Despite strong defence organised by keeper, Tia Shutler, and player-of-the-match, Hannah Pocock, the visitors equalised after the Island side received a green card, with the point seeing IW drop to third place.
The Women’s 2nd XI lost 6-0 away to league leaders, Havant, with a player-of-the-match performance from Phoebe Heng.
The Girls’ U-16 side narrowly lost to Bournemouth, with Sienna Holbrook having 2 goals disallowed. Player-of-the-match, Evie Fairhurst, scored twice in a match the Islanders will be disappointed to lose. The U-14 side, with only 10 players, won their first home game of the season to Wimborne 6-3. The strength at the club was in evidence with the U-12s beating Chichester 3-2.
This weekend 4th-placed IW Men’s 1st XI welcome Winchester II XI, also 4th-placed, and the 2nd XI welcome Southampton University.
IW Women’s 1st XI travel to Winchester, and the 2nd XI have a bye.