Binstead COB were crowned Junior A Cup winners after a hard-fought victory over ECS Reserves last night.
Binstead made a sluggish start as ECS Reserves set out to disrupt the tempo, breaking up play at every opportunity and preventing any real rhythm from developing.
The opening period was a stop-start affair, with few clear chances. Binstead created a couple of half openings but were unable to seriously test the ECS goalkeeper as the Green Army struggled to find their flow.
After the break, there was a clear shift in intent. Binstead took control, dominating possession and pinning ECS back for long spells.
A series of set pieces and dangerous deliveries kept the pressure building, but resolute defending and confident goalkeeping kept the scores level. Despite their dominance, Binstead were unable to find the decisive touch.
ECS remained a threat, particularly from long throws, which caused a few nervy moments, but Binstead stood firm at the back.
As the game edged towards extra time, the breakthrough finally came on 86 minutes.
Binstead were finally rewarded for their persistence when substitute Tyler Thorne found the net from the middle of the penalty area to spark jubilant celebrations among the Binstead players and supporters and cause heartbreak for ECS and their fans
Full Time: Binstead COB 1-0 East Cowes Sports Reserves
Binstead COB: Austin; Suckling, Gallop, Powell (C), Garrett, McKenner, Milligan, Lock, Walter, Smith, Marchbank. Subs: Turner, Thorne, Dyer. Man-of-the-Match: Thorne
ECS Reserves: Attrill; Archer, McBride, Fletcher, Terry, G Warren, C Warren, Silk, Bryan, Richardson, Potts. Subs: Abrook, Baker, Cook.
After their cup final victory, Binstead manager James Connor said:
“ECS set up well to limit us. They wanted to frustrate us and it very nearly worked.”
Winning Binstead captain Darren Powell added:
“We won the cup for our manager James Connor. He has put blood, sweat and tears into the club over the years.”
The unlucky ECS Reserves manager John Cook commented:
“We gave a really good account of ourselves. We had a plan to stifle the opposition and it very nearly came off.”
In other games…
W&B 4-0 Brading Town
Last year’s champions Whitecroft & Barton Sports have returned to the top of Division 1 by putting 4 goals past the Romans at Sandy line in a rehearsal for Thursday’s Memorial Cup final at Westwood Park. Kade Woodford opened the scoring for W&B, Sam Cant bagged a brace and substitute Harry Green provided the finishing touch. W&B are now 3 points ahead of West Wight at the top of the table with just one game of the season left to play.
Pan 1-2 East Cowes Vics Reserves
In Division 2, East Cowes Vics Reserves recovered from going a goal down in the 2nd minute to beat Pan at Seaclose. Olli Sweatman equalised for Vics before man-of-the-match Charlie Nolan gave the away side all 3 points with an 89th-minute goal.
Binstead COB Did not deserve the game ECS Reserves where the better team. COB had 12 men on the pitch as the ref was on there side the whole match the amount if freekicks he gave the wrong side and waved a blatant penalty away. wouldn’t mind betting COB paid the ref or he knew the team. really he should have been reported for bad officiating hope some one had and he is banned from officiating again.
What did I tell u about being a little virgin sitting behind a screen u need a job , rattled the fact u believe COB payed the ref is delusional you need a life