Illness meant that the Island’s Ladies 1XI had a last-minute reshuffle in formation, but they quickly adapted and started the weekend’s match against Chichester on the front foot.
After 15 minutes, the Island were awarded a short corner which was expertly converted by Jaimie Payne. Following a period of consistent pressure and dominance, the Island were in on goal once more after a searing run from Evie Fairhurst down the left side led to her shot into the circle which caused havoc for Chichester, but not Katy Ednay, who pulled the ball around the goalkeeper.
Just before the halftime whistle, Chichester showed they were no pushovers, converting a chance to reduce the halftime deficit to 2-1.
Chichester started the second half with momentum, with the Island’s defence soaking up pressure, but were on the wrong end of a penalty flick which brought the score level at 2-2. The Island responded well, applying pressure and with time running out, it was Fairhurst who provided the breakthrough. Her shot from inside the D took a wicked deflection off a Chichester defender, slotting past the helpless goalkeeper to restore the Isle of Wight’s lead at 3-2 and confirm the Island’s victory!
Wightlink Player of the Match – Sophie Parkhouse.
Following the Ladies 1XI impressive performance, it was then the Mens 2XI’s turn to play host, this week to Haslemere 5XI.
Following on from a strong first game last week, the Island started with as they left off, with Stephen Woodford converting an early short corner to give the Island the lead. Shortly after, Jonny Kirby finished off a lovely attacking move with a ferocious strike from the top of the ‘D’.
Thomas Young then found his way onto the score sheet after a lovely one – two with Woodford.
After half time, Haslemere hit back with 2 quick goals before Woodford converted his second of the game. The Island were then award a penalty flick, which was slotted home by Young. Woodford sealed his hat-trick with the Islands 6th goal. Final score – IoW 6 – 2 Haslemere.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Seb Foster
The Ladies 2XI started their season away against Portsmouth 3XI
Travelling with a bare 11 players, the Island knew it was going to be a hard game. They held their own early on and took the lead thanks to a fantastic ‘twin’ move from Layla and Siena Holbrook which resulted in Layla finding the back of the net!
Shortly after, Portsmouth found an equaliser, before a Megan Bridger strike found it’s way into the bottom corner. 2-1 IoW.
The Island started the second half feeling positive, but the Portsmouth’s subs had great impact on the game, and despite the Island’s best efforts the final score was Portsmouth 3XI 5-2 IoW.
The final senior fixture of the weekend saw the Mens 1XI travel away to face Romsey.
Romsey started the stronger side and inspite of some solid defending and goalkeeper Steph Boyd pulling off some spectacular saves, Romsey found themselves 1-0 at half time.
In the second half, the Island started creating more opportunities, and were helped by Sam Challis making a goal line save to keep the score down. with 10 minutes remaining the island launched a counter attack from a long corner where after two or three quick passes and a switch of play Adam Payne found himself beating two players before he was taken out by a Romsey defender.
The blatant foul led to a penalty flick for the Island, which was put away by Adam Payne. The Island continued to put pressure on Romsey for the remainder of the game, but the score finished 1-1.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Sam Challis
There was also some junior hockey action this weekend with the U11 Girls beating Burges Hill 5-1 at home.
Melody scored 3 goals and Mia scored 2
Special thanks goes to Burges Hill for great sportsmanship in lending players to play the game!
The U12 girls travelled away for a double fixture. They played well and, despite goals from Melody and Oli, were unfortunate to lose 4-2 against Fareham and 4-0 to Petersfield.
Next week the Ladies 2XI host Haslemere 4XI at 13:00, Mens 1XI host Portsmouth 2XI from 14:30 whilst the Ladies 1Xi head away to face Waterside 1XI.
