Shanklin handed Division 1 leaders West Wight a rare defeat at the County Ground on Saturday (24th January), with Rory Day bagging a brace following last week’s hat-trick heroics.
Played in blustery conditions, the first half was a competitive and evenly matched affair, with both sides battling against the strong wind. Clear-cut chances were at a premium, although the final 10 minutes before the break saw Shanklin begin to apply pressure. Casey Tyrell and Gareth Bricknell both forced smart saves from Shanklin goalkeeper Ash Goldsmith to ensure the game remained goalless.
Half Time: Shanklin 0-0 West Wight
With the wind now in their favour, Shanklin took greater control after the interval and were rewarded on the hour mark. Aiden White was brought down in the penalty area by West Wight goalkeeper Jonny Holmes, and Rory Day stepped up to confidently dispatch the resulting spot kick to give the hosts the lead (1-0).
The league leaders pressed for a response, but Shanklin remained disciplined and well organised, restricting West Wight to limited opportunities in the final third.
With 18 minutes remaining, the points were sealed. Substitute Seth Arnold released Day, and the forward produced an outstanding finish on the half turn, drilling the ball into the bottom corner to double Shanklin’s advantage and secure a memorable win (2-0).
Full Time: Shanklin 2-0 West Wight
Shanklin: Day, Drudge, D Field, J Field, Goldsmith, Gregory, Stuber, Trowbridge, White, Wilson, Parsons. Subs: Arnold, Flux, Winterbottom.
West Wight: Brett, Bricknell, Daley, Elliot, Goldberg, Groom, Harris, Holmes, Phillips, Thomas, Tyrell. Subs: Millar, Taylor.
Despite the defeat, West Wight remain top of Harwoods Division 1 with 31 points from 13 games, 3 points clear of Whitecroft & Barton. Shanklin sit 7th with 16 points from 11 games.
The sides meet again at the County Ground next week in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup.
In other Division 1 games…
Osborne Coburg 4-8 Oakfield
Oakfield ended a dismal run of 12 defeats with an emphatic win over bottom club Osborne Coburg at Victoria Rec. The Oakfield scorers were Sid Roberts (X3), Chaz Broadbent (X2), Jay Larbalestier and Olly Hammond. Stephen McCarthy (X2) Jason Pengelly and Luke Stone were on target for Osborne Coburg.
Cowes Sports Reserves 1-1 Northwood SJ
The Cowes derby at the Enterprise College ended all square with Aarun Ince putting Northwood into the lead in the 24th minute and Luke Smallwood grabbing the equalising goal for the Yachtsmen.
Bembridge & Vectis 2-3 High Park
Kyle Kilroy, Harry Taylor and Mark Taylor were on target for High Park as they beat 3rd-placed Bembridge & Vectis at Steyne Park. Michael Brown bagged a brace for Bembridge.
In the Memorial Cup…
East Cowes Vics Reserves 1-1 Ventnor East Cowes Vics Reserves won 5-4 on penalties
A equalising goal from Ollie Sweatman saw Vics draw level with Ventnor in the 4th minute of injury time before beating their Division 1 opponents in a penalty shootout with Aedan Coode netting the decisive penalty.
In the Junior A Cup…
W&B Reserves 1-6 Sandown & Lake
Ethan Dicker bagged a brace with Alex Breingan, Ryan Gardner, Dylan Andrews and Louis Day also on target for the away side as Sandown & Lake trounced W&B Reserves at Sandy Lane. Jack East grabbed W&B’s consolation goal.
Isle of Wight football results for Saturday 24th January
Memorial Cup
East Cowes Vics Reserves 1-1 Ventnor
East Cowes Vics Reserves won 5-4 on penalties
Junior A
W&B Reserves 1-6 Sandown & Lake
Harwoods Division 1
Bembridge & Vectis 2-3 High Park
Cowes Sports Reserves 1-1 Northwood SJ
Osborne Coburg 4-8 Oakfield
Shanklin 2-0 West Wight
