Shanklin turned on the style at the County Ground last night (Wednesday), sweeping aside Northwood St Johns 6-0 in the Harwoods Renault Isle of Wight League.
The home side dominated from the opening minutes, despite playing into a strong headwind during the first half. Northwood SJ had an early chance in the 1st minute when England broke through on goal, but his shot was fired straight at Shanklin keeper Goldsmith.
Shanklin looked to have opened the scoring in the 6th minute when the ball appeared to cross the line, but the goal was not given. They didn’t have to wait long, however, as Rory Day put the hosts ahead just a minute later with a low finish following a smart assist from Lewis Parsons (1-0).
Dan Field doubled the lead in the 10th minute, taking advantage after the NSJ goalkeeper failed to hold a shot, allowing him to tap in the rebound (2-0). The pressure continued to mount and in the 17th minute, Rory Day made it three with a clinical finish (3-0).
Pete Wilson was inches away from adding to the scoreline in the 28th minute when his thunderous effort struck the post. Four minutes later, Josh Field fired in Shanklin’s fourth goal with a powerful strike following sustained pressure (4-0).
Half time: Shanklin 4-0 Northwood St Johns
Wilf Roberts came closest for the visitors in the 70th minute when his fierce drive from outside the box rattled the crossbar.
The visitors’ hopes of a comeback faded quickly as Shanklin regained control in midfield, with substitutes Hayden Little and Seth Arnold adding fresh energy.
Shanklin extended their lead in the 76th minute through Pete Wilson, who got on the end of a pinpoint cross from Hayden Little to nod home with a diving header (5-0).
As the clock ticked down, the home side continued to press for more. Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute when a handball inside the area gave Shanklin a penalty. Rory Day stepped up and blasted the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick (6-0).
Full time: Shanklin 6-0 Northwood St Johns
Shanklin: Goldsmith, Drudge, Wilson, F. Stuber, D. Field (c), Builth, White, Flux, J. Field, Parsons, Day Subs: Little, D. Stuber, Arnold
Northwood St Johns: F. Bell, Dove, Rogers, K. Butt, C. Butt, Horder, H. Bell, Roberts, K. Mooney, McKenzie, England Subs: Lewis, Cowland
The result sees Shanklin move up to 5th in the league table with 3 points from 2 games, having bounced back from an opening day defeat. Northwood St Johns, also on 3 points from 2 fixtures, drop to 10th on goal difference.
Isle of Wight football results for Wednesday 3rd September
Harwoods Renault Division 1
Shanklin 6-0 Northwood St Johns
Combination 1
Brading Town Reserves 5-1 Bembridge & Vectis Reserves
ECS Reserves 5-1 Osborne Coburg Reserves
Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves2-0 Sandown & Lake Reserves
