Osborne Coburg Reserves have completed a successful season by narrowly beating Niton Reserves in a penalty shootout in the final of the Junior B Cup.
The final was an open and competitive game, played in a sporting spirit, and a good advert for Isle of Wight football.
Niton – backed by a large group of noisy but good-natured supporters – took an early 6th-minute lead when Coburg keeper Jobe Colebrook missed the ball from a corner on the left for centre forward Fred Fairman to head the ball into the net on the goal line (0-1).
For the rest of the 1st half, Osborne Coburg played the better football but without the luck required in the final third of the field.
In the 17th minute, Osborne Coburg centre forward Callum George shot just past the right post from 5 yards; in the 39th minute, George shot just over the crossbar.
Niton goalkeeper Kurtis Smith twice stopped Osborne Coburg from equalising in the closing stages of the 1st half with 2 vital saves from Jake Cook.
Half time: Osborne Coburg 0-1 Niton Community
Niton held their early lead until 6 minutes from the end of full time play.
In the 75th minute, Niton keeper Smith made a brilliant double save from Jake Cook and Callum George to preserve the South Wight side’s goal advantage.
In the 80th minute, Niton’s Adam Reuben sent a long-range effort just past the left post.
Niton were finally undone in the 84th minute when they conceded a penalty. Callum George took 2 attempts to beat Kurtis Smith as the goalkeeper was not on his line when the 1st kick was taken.
Full time: Osborne Coburg 1-1 Niton Community
And so to penalties … Only 1 kick was missed by Niton but Osborne Coburg successfully converted all theirs with Coburg’s Alfie Bailey scoring the winning penalty.
Penalties: Osborne Coburg 5-4 Niton Community
Osborne Coburg: Jobe Colebrook, Mitchell, Jezz Colebrook, Legg, Sayer, L. Newnham, J. Newnham, Baker, George, Cook, Bailey Subs: Hughes, Compsty, Knowles
Niton Community: Smith, Shepherd, Richardson, McLoughlin, Ross, Keefe, M. Verstraten, Groundsell, Fairman, Reuben, Mills Subs: D. Verstraten, Peach, Stacey
After the game, Osborne Coburg Reserves manager Pete Merrett said:
“I’m proud of all the lads. They did what we asked them to do at half time and brought it home for the Burg. Overall, we deserved to win.
“But full respect to Niton, who played a great game. All the best for them next season.”
In Isle of Wight Division 1 …
Brading Town 1-3 Shanklin
Champions Shanklin appear to have retained their title after beating the Romans 1-3 at the Peter Henry Ground. George Carter-Knight bagged a brace for the Blues with the other goal coming courtesy of Ryan Gregory. Aaron Bennett scored a consolation for Brading.
Unbeaten Shanklin are now 3 points clear of W&B at the top of the table and have a superior goal difference. The Seasiders’ final game is away to bottom-of-the-table Ryde Saints.
Cowes Sports Reserves 2-2 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
W&B’s title challenge appears over after being held to a 2-2 draw at Westwood Park. Dan Pearson and George Holmes were on target for the Yachtsmen; Liam Harper and Keelan Sainsbury scored for W&B.
Whitecroft & Barton play their final game on Saturday away to Ryde Saints.
On Thursday (4th May) W&B face Shanklin in the Island Echo Challenge Cup final.
