Pan Community travelled to Westleigh Park, home of National League Havant & Waterlooville, and beat St Francis to take home the Hampshire Trophy on Saturday (23rd April).
This is the 3rd trophy the unfashionable Newport club have won this season. Earlier this month, Pan beat Northwood Reserves 5-2 to win the Isle of Wight Junior ‘A’ Cup. This Saturday, Pan were also confirmed Isle of Wight Division 2 champions after Adgestone lost to East Cowes Vics Reserves.
Former Newport player Mark Taylor opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and curled the resulting free kick past Will Jenkins in the St Francis goal (1-0). 10 minutes later, Ross Lacey headed in a Josh Gwilliam corner on the goal line to double Pan’s lead (2-0). On the half hour mark, Josh Gwilliam bundled the ball into the St Francis goal from a further corner (3-0).
5 minutes from half time, Rob Shepherd set up Ross Lacey to score his 2nd 1st half goal (4-0). However, the young St Francis side struck back in the final minute of the 1st half through a Jamie Driver penalty (4-1).
Half time: Pan Community 4-1 St Francis
In the 52nd minute, St Francis reduced the deficit to 2 goals through a Matt Driver effort (4-2). 5 minutes later, it appeared St Francis were back in the game when they were awarded another spot kick. However, Pan goalkeeper Joe Williams blocked the penalty attempt, and a further St Francis effort bounced off the Pan upright.
Ross Lacey then restored Pan’s 3-goal advantage when he coolly slotted the ball past the St Francis keeper in the 59th minute (5-2). 5 minutes later, Josh Gwilliam added a 6th for the Island side (6-2).
St Francis then brought coach 43-year-old Pedro Montiero ‘Pele’ onto the field – a player who has twice been transferred for a million pounds, 1st to Southampton then to West Bromwich Albion. However, even the skills of the former Cape Verdean international could not change the tide of the game in St Francis’ favour.
In the 75th minute, Robbie Shepherd set up Ross Lacey to score his 4th goal of the game (7-2). Finally, in the 77th minute, Robbie Shepherd managed to score himself to secure an historic win for Pan.
Full time: Pan Community 8-2 St Francis
Pan Community: J. Williams, S. Shepherd, Thorne, S. Williams, Piper, Dunkling, J. Gwilliam, R. Shepherd, Taylor, Gulliver, Lacey Subs: Davies, Hatton, Chase, S. Gwilliam
Well done you guys bring it back to the island