High Park boosted their Harwoods Division 1 survival hopes with a 4-2 victory over Osborne Coburg at Wootton Recreation Ground yesterday afternoon (14th March).
The home side took control of the contest during the opening period with 2 well-taken goals. Harry Bell Gregory opened the scoring by rising to head home from a cross before Harry Taylor doubled the advantage after working space for himself and firing in from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Osborne Coburg remained in the contest, however, and pulled a goal back shortly before the break when Isheanesu Goredema scored on 39 minutes.
Half Time: High Park 2-1 Osborne Coburg
High Park added 2 further goals after the interval to strengthen their position. Scotty Parker produced a fine finish after cutting in from the left before driving a shot across goal into the bottom corner.
Taylor then completed his brace from the penalty spot to add High Park’s 4th goal of the afternoon.
Coburg continued to battle and managed a late reply when Stephen McCarthy scored on 86 minutes, but the hosts had already done enough to secure the points.
Full Time: High Park 4-2 Osborne Coburg
The win moves High Park further clear of relegation worries with 17 points from 15 games, while Osborne Coburg remain bottom of the table with just 4 points from 15 matches.
After the game, High Park manager John Sivier said:
“Coburg set up well with a lot players behind the ball. We had to work hard to break them down.
“This was an important win for us today in terms of staying in Div 1. We have 3 games left and need to keep the momentum going to ensure we are playing Div 1 football next season.”
BINSTEAD RESERVES REACH JUNIOR B CUP SEMI-FINALS
Binstead COB Reserves booked their place in the Junior B Cup semi-finals with an impressive 4-1 victory over West Wight A at the Molehill.
The game only went ahead thanks to West Wight providing a referee after the appointed official failed to appear.
Binstead made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes when Darrius Gambi finished from close range after good work from Sam Hart and Josh Vaughan (1-0).
West Wight fought their way back into the contest midway through the first half when an unfortunate own goal brought the visitors level (1-1).
The turning point of the match came shortly before the interval when West Wight were awarded a penalty but failed to convert, allowing Binstead to regain the initiative.
Dan Murphy restored the home side’s advantage before the break with a well-taken finish (2-1).
Half Time: Binstead COB Reserves 2-1 West Wight A
Binstead took control of the contest ain the second half and extended their lead late in the game when Murphy struck his 2nd of the afternoon with around 15 minutes remaining (3-1).
Sam McInnes then rounded off an excellent afternoon for the hosts with a superb header into the top corner to seal the victory (4-1).
Murphy’s brace and tireless work rate earned him man-of-the-Match honours for Binstead.
Full Time: Binstead COB Reserves 4-1 West Wight A
In other games…
Shanklin 2-4 Brading Town
In Harwoods Division 1, the Romans overcame Shanklin at the County Ground despite twice falling behind. Cory Sanderson opened the scoring for Shanklin with Jack Keetch equalising to leave the scores level at the half time interval. Shanklin regained the lead through Josh Field before late goals from Jack Keetch and substitute Aaron Bennett (X2) saw Brading take the spoils.
Oakfield 1-1 Bembridge & Vectis
Kev Matietko scored for the home side and came close to scoring the winner as Bembridge & Vectis took a point from Oakfield at Slade Rode. Rafi Wightwick grabbed the goal for Bembridge.
Newchurch 1-6 East Cowes Sports
ECS have taken 2nd spot in Division 2 by beating Newchurch at Watery Lane thanks to a brace from Josh Richardson and further goals from Blake Reeves, Tom McDowell, David Chiverton and Gary Richardson. Keith Rust scored Newchurch’s consolation.
Isle of Wight football results for Saturday 14th March
Junior B Quarter Final
Binstead & COB Reserves 4-1 West Wight A
Harwoods Division 1
Shanklin 2-4 Brading Town
High Park 4-2 Osborne Coburg
Oakfield 1-1 Bembridge & Vectis
Division 2
Newchurch 1-6 East Cowes Sports
Combination 1
High Park Reserves 2-1 East Cowes Sports Reserves
Sandown & Lake Reserves 1-2 Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves
