The results are in, and Saturday 27th November saw numerous goals for the Isle of Wight.
Final score Isle of Wight Men’s 1s 6 – Haslemere 3s 1
The men’s first eleven played host to a determined Haslemere side. The game started well, with the Island showing their intentions early with several attacking moves.
Despite their positive play, Haslemere found themselves two goals down, thanks to brilliant attacking play from forwards Tom and Ed Turney. Haslemere shifted momentum with a well worked goal from a short corner routine just before half-time.
Going into the second half, the Island knew they needed to start strong and this was evident through a goal in the first few minutes. Injuries became the Island’s main concern as two of their forwards suffered hamstring injuries. This did not quash their desire to win as they added three more goals to their tally.
One of which was an impressive drag flick into the roof of the net by Aaron Hoare. Special mention to Stephen Woodford who bagged his first hattrick of the season.
Goals from Stephen Woodford (3), Ed Turney (1), Tom Turney (1), Aaron Hoare (1).
Wightlink Player of the Match – Stephen Woodford
Isle of Wight Women’s 1s 4 – Portsmouth 0
A wild and stormy day saw the Isle of Wight Women’s first team welcome Portsmouth to Smallbrook. The Island started the stronger, Katy Ednay on target within 5 minutes converting with a vital touch on a penetrating pass from Pip Spibey.
The Island’s strong form continued with multiple short corners, Saffron Hart converting a left slip pass from Jaimie Payne. The Island’s forwards ran riot through the Portsmouth defence, however Carolyn McLellan’s one-on-one with the keeper and Sarah Shaw weaving through players were both unable to add to the scoresheet.
Half time score 2-0. The second half saw Portsmouth start strong with sustained pressure on the Island’s defence, with multiple circle penetrations, however the stalwart play of backs Claire Caddick and Kirsty Fraser kept them at bay. Island goalkeeper Tia Shutler had the odd touch but was never really troubled.
Two further goals for the Island Women came from penalty corners, Sarah Shaw threading a ball through for Katy Ednay to deflect over the keeper and Saffron Hart completing the score with a low strike into the goal.
Goals from Katy Ednay (2), Saffron Hart (2).
Joint Wightlink Player of the Match – Pip Spibey and Saffron Hart.
Hamble 3s 0 – Isle of Wight Men’s 2s 4
After travelling away, it was a very cold and windy start to the game for the men’s second eleven against Hamble. The Island started very strong, keeping possession for most of the first half. Two early goals from Thomas Young did well to keep spirits up through the freezing weather.
With too many short corners to count, Hamble had many chances to score but they were quickly disposed of by Lewis Wells and Carl Joyce, leading the defensive line for the Island. Half time 2-0 to the Island. The second half didn’t start off as well, causing the Island side to lose their structure and let one or two balls through that shouldn’t have.
However, they quickly pulled it back, with Jonny Kirby adding to the score line; and after a couple of perfect through balls, Nick Pratt scored the fourth and final goal.
Goals from Thomas Young (2), Jonny Kirby (1), Nick Pratt (1).
Wightlink Player of the Match – Reuben Smallwood-Butler
Chichester Centurions 7 – Isle of Wight Women’s 2s 1.
The Women’s second eleven headed away to face top of the table Chichester Centurions. Having never played them before as they are new to the league, the Island side were unsure what to expect. After a quick start it was the Island who found themselves in the Centurions’ D early on.
No goal came but this was promising. Despite the difference in team numbers the game was even, and the Island side had their fair share of chances. The home side took the lead with 2 goals in quick succession and the Island kept battling. Marika Anszczak came close with a great strike from the top of the D which demanded a save from their keeper. Shortly after with an almost identical move, a goal came for the Island from Megan Bridger.
Half time refreshments lifted spirits up but sadly didn’t warm the team up and as the icy temperatures continued, the centurions started to gain the upper hand. Despite some valiant defending from the Island’s defence, they were able to find the net a few more times. An amazing performance from the Island despite the result.
Goals from Megan Bridger (1).
Wightlink Player of the Match: Marika Anszczak.
