In the only Harwoods Division 1 game to survive the weather, Shanklin produced one of their best performances of the season to claim a surprise 1-4 victory away to Bembridge & Vectis at Steyne Park.
Shanklin, who went into the game sitting 8th in the table, showed their attacking intent early and were rewarded after just 9 minutes. Excellent work down the left from Lewis Parsons created the opening, his delivery met by Rory Day who finished confidently to give the visitors the lead (0-1).
Bembridge & Vectis responded positively and were kept in the contest by their goalkeeper, who produced a brilliant double save to prevent Shanklin from extending their advantage as the visitors continued to control the opening exchanges.
The pressure told again on 22 minutes. Pete Wilson delivered a pinpoint cross into the area and Day was once more on hand, timing his run perfectly to double Shanklin’s lead before the break (0-2).
Half Time: Bembridge & Vectis 0-2 Shanklin
The hosts emerged with renewed purpose after the interval and briefly threatened a comeback. Michael Brown saw an initial effort well saved before capitalising on a defensive error to halve the deficit (1-2).
Any momentum was quickly halted. On 63 minutes, Shanklin responded immediately, Jamie Trowbridge delivering from wide for Day to rise highest and head home to complete a well-earned hat-trick (1-3).
With Bembridge & Vectis pushing forward, space began to open up and Shanklin took full advantage. On 77 minutes, Frank Stuber released Parsons through on goal and the winger showed great composure to beat the keeper one-on-one and put the result beyond doubt (1-4).
Full Time: Bembridge & Vectis 1-4 Shanklin
The result leaves Shanklin 8th in the Isle of Wight League with 13 points from 10 games, while Bembridge & Vectis remain 3rd on 23 points from 12 matches, making it an unexpected but impressive outcome for the visitors.
Whitecroft & Barton Sports have reached the semi finals of the Challenge Cup by beating High Park at Sandy Lane
W&B’s scorers were Sam Cant and Aidan Sainsbury. They will now play Brading Town for a place in the final.
Waterlogged pitches resulted in the postponement of all Harwoods Division 2 and Combination 2 games.
Isle of Wight results for Saturday 17th January
Challenge Cup
W&B 2-0 High Park
Harwoods Division 1
Bembridge & Vectis 1-4 Shanklin
Combination 1
ECS Reserves 4-3 W&B Reserves
Oakfield Reserves 5-0 Bembridge & Vectis Reserves
