By Isle of Wight Observer
This week’s football saw volunteer grounds teams across the Island battling the elements to ensure a handful of league and cup games could be played. Shanklin forward Rory Day, struck twice to dent leaders West Wight’s dream of league success, and Sid Jones hit a hat-trick for Oakfield. East Cowes Vics Res won a penalty shoot out against Ventnor, who recently announced the scrapping of their A side, and Newport won in Wessex.
Division One
Shanklin shocked leaders West Wight with a solid 2-0 home win at the County Ground in blustery conditions, with Shanklin keeper Ash Goldsmith pulling off a string of saves to keep a clean sheet.
With West Wight unable to benefit from the weather conditions early on, Shanklin got a a strong grip on the game after a goal-less first half. After the break, Shanklin’s midfield created a series of chances. West Wight keeper Jonny Holmes fouled Aiden White in the box to concede a penalty, which a confident Rory Day placed in the corner. Day followed this up with a run down the right wing, cutting inside to finish drilling past the outstretched arms of the keeper, for Shanklin to claim a much deserved win. West Wight returned to the County Ground for the semi-final of the Challenge Cup at the weekend.
Oakfield won 8-4 away at Osborne Coburg, with a hat-trick from Sid Jones, 2 goals from Chaz Broadbent, and a goal each for Jay Larbalestier and Ollie Hammond. Consolation strikes came from Stephen MacCarthy (2), Luke Stone and Jason Pengelly.
High Park won 3-2 away at Bembridge & Vectis, with goals from Kyle Kilroy and Mark and Harry Taylor. Michael Brown scored both Bembridge goals.
Northwood drew 1-1 away at Cowes Res. Aarun Ince gave ‘Wood the lead and Luke Smallwood levelled for Cowes.
Island Cups
East Cowes Vics Res won 5-4 on penalties after drawing 1-1 at full-time in the Memorial Cup clash with Ventnor, with Ollie Sweatman getting the equaliser for Vics.
Sandown & Lake won 6-1 away at Whitecroft & Barton Res in their Junior A Cup match. There was a goal apiece from sub Louis Day, Dylan Andrews, Ryan Gardner and Alex Breingan. Ethan Dicker grabbed two, W&B’s Jack East got the lone home goal, and Callum Chambers was cautioned for Sandown.
Wessex
Newport won 3-0 at home to Amesbury Town in Wessex Division One. In heavy rain, ‘Port’s keeper Leon Pitman ensured a goal-less first half. After the break, Joe Butcher, in his 299th match for the club, struck a 25-yard free kick to lead 1-0.
Growing in confidence, and inspired by player-of-the-match Keelan Walsh, the Islanders extended their lead when Ji Nash slotted home from 10 yards. He then added his second from the penalty spot, and narrowly missed a hat-trick before Newport claimed the 3 points. They remain in 10th place in the league.
Before the match, Newport confirmed the board appointments of new club vice presidents Roger McCormack, John Linington and Paul Guy, and new club president Bob Foad.
East Cowes Vics and Cowes match fell foul of the weather.
Women’s football
Shanklin Ladies won 6-2 away at AFC Stoneham. With first-half goals from Thea Broadhead and Gemma Woodford, the sides were evenly balanced 2-2 at the break. Shanklin started the second half refreshed, with Kirren Shaw putting the Islanders 3-2 ahead. Gemma Woodford scored from close range after Brooke Strudwick secured a free-kick, Tilly Yardley got Shanklin’s fifth, and Kirren Shaw capitalised on a defensive error to make it 6-2, three points and ensure second place in the league, with a game in hand over the leaders AFC Portchester Res.