PHOTOS: ISLE OF WIGHT FOOTBALL FANS FILL WESTWOOD PARK FOR ‘LEGENDS’ GAME

Were you at the Isle of Wight Legends v Saints Legends match on Saturday? Westwood Park was filled to capacity as former (and a few current) Isle of Wight footballers took on a team of well-known ex-Southampton players. The game was dedicated to former East Cowes Vics, Ryde Sports and West Wight manager Graham Daish, who sadly passed away this year. Graham won back-to-back Hampshire League titles with Vics and 7 Isle of Wight Gold Cup finals. The opening goal of the game was scored by Saints’ Brian Howard, who chipped Isle of Wight goalkeeper Gary Streeter (0-1). Saints Legends then doubled their lead when Shane Long beat Streeter to the ball to head home (0-2). Ashley Wright pulled a goal back for the Isle of Wight before half time with a left-footed volley (1-2) Half time: Isle of Wight Legends 1-2 Saints Legends In the 2nd half, Saints extended their lead through Joe Tessem, who lobbed Isle of Wight keeper Joe McCormack (1-3) The local legends then pulled a goal back, scored by Isle of Wight manager Tom McInnes (2-3). Saints regained their 2-goal advantage through Nicky Banger who was upended in the penalty area and converted the resulting spot kick (2-4). Banger bagged his brace before the final whistle by dispatching the ball into the bottom corner of the goal (2-5). Full time: Isle of Wight Legends 2-5 Saints Legends Isle of Wight Legends: Joe McCormack, Andy Butler (c), Steve Coyle, Martin Young, Gary Rowett, Jon Holmes, Simon Butler, Adam millar, Jamie O’Rourke, Ashley Wright, Martyn Raggett, Neil Berridge, Gary Streeter, Pete Wheeler, Ollie Fleming, Wayne Newnham, Charlie Smeeton, Darren Powell, Tom McInnes, Duncan O’Rourke, Iain Seabrook, Steve Brougham

Saints Legends: Maik Taylor, Ruben Agboola, Andy Cook, Pele, Mark Blake, David Hughes, Rickie Lambert, Carter Lambert, Matt Oakley (c), James Beattie, Brian Howards, Shane Long, Nicky Banger, Danny Fox, Jamie Webbh, David Puckett, Leroy Whale, Greg Llewellyn, Joe Tessem, Andrew Surman, James Butt, Mark Barrett Referee: James Linington Assistants: Calum McFarlane, Ben Orton 4th Official: Liam White

Game promoter, Jamie Bray, said:

“I want to express my thanks to the Saints team for making the journey over. Every player has come without taking a penny, simply happy to contribute to a great cause. “It’s remarkable to see the commitment demonstrated by those who have travelled far: Ricky Lambert (Liverpool), Danny Fox (Cheshire), Matt Oakley (Richmond), Maik Taylor (Birmingham), along with all the local lads. “A special mention goes to our guest player for the IOW team, Gary Rowett (Birmingham City and Millwall manager), who is returning to the Island after 30 years. “I reached out to Gary, not knowing each other previously, and without hesitation, he was in! “Gary has connections with both Newport as a fan and Cowes, as his dad used to play for the club.”

The match was played to raise money for Newport IW football club, who are currently without a home ground, although they hope to move to a new stadium in Whippingham in the not-too-distant future. Cowes Sports FC have also benefitted financially from the Legends game. Gallery below courtesy of SJ Dear: