MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM CLINCH SEMI-FINAL SHOWDOWN WIN AT SMALLBROOK 

The game started with huge amounts of enthusiasm and pace from both sides. Adam Payne, Will Mew, Tomas Turjanica and Samuel Challis kept the attacking pressure on, and they were rewarded when the island got themselves a penalty corner. Aaron Hoare stepped up and powered a drag-flick into the net (1-0).

Despite the lead, the island was unable to deter their opposition, with Alton slotting two quick goals to bring the momentum back to them (1-2). Patrick Butt and Lewis Heaven-Gandy provided stability at the back, with Stuart Allen and Ethan Edmunds-Lamb offering attacking options.

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Half time: IW 1st XI 1-2 Alton 1st XI

The 2nd half saw an Island side that had found their second wind, take to the pitch. Alex Breach and Carl Joyce added fresh legs to both the midfield and defence. Their link up with Thomas Young saw a huge number of chances open.

Hoare capitalised on this and after winning a penalty corner, he thundered a drag-flick into the goal, levelling the scores (2-2). Shortly after, Payne thumped in a reverse stick show to give the island a 1-goal cushion (3-2).

Alton equalised after peppering the island goal numerous times (3-3). However, exquisite passing between Young, Mew and Payne saw the latter find the net yet again (4-3). Stephen Woodford provided his expertise and clinical passing from the left, and after a beautiful piece of possession play, Young set Mew up to give the island a 2-goal cushion with 5 minutes to go (5-3).

Alton pressed the island goal, determined to steal the win, hit back with 2 minutes to go (5-4). The home side kept their composure and managed to keep the score line where it was.

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With a huge roar from the side line support, the men’s 1XI find themselves ready to play in the cup final in a few weeks’ time.

Final score: IW 1st XI 5-4 Alton 1st XI

Scorers: Aaron Hoare (2), Adam Payne (2) and Will Mew (1)
Wightlink Player of the Match: Adam Payne