Brading Town have beaten Isle of Wight Champions Whitecroft & Barton Sports away from home to advance to the Quarter Finals of the Memorial Cup.
This was W&B’s 1st defeat to an Isle of Wight side since they last lost to Brading back in 2020. The Romans would appear to have a ‘jinx’ on Island football’s strongest side having knocked them out of the Hampshire Trophy a couple of seasons ago.
Brading travelled to Sandy Lane with a very young side, no goalkeeper and only 2 subs. Sam Sayers donned the gloves for the away side and put on an outstanding performance.
The Romans forced former Roman Andy Payne into making 2 saves before W&B took the lead through Josh Appell (1-0). Barry Calvert became more influential as the half wore on, and he levelled with a superb finish off the upright (1-1)
Half time: Whitecroft & Barton 1-1 Brading Town
The Romans found the winner in the 2nd half when Aaron Bennett was brought down for a penalty, and Dan Vale buried the resulting free kick in the corner of the goal (1-2).
W&B also had opportunities to score in what was an end-to-end battle. However, Brading earned their victory through a stunning block from Vale and an amazing clearance off the line from Todd to preserve their lead after 6 tense minutes of injury time.
Full time: Whitecroft & Barton 1-2 Brading Town
W&B: Payne, Shaw, Ovnik, Bast, Yelland, Wright, A.Sainsbury, K.Sainsbury, Lambert, Evans, Appel. Subs: Rayner, East, Kalaker
Brading Town: Sayers, Page, Hanmore, Shaw, Connor, Youngson, Paine, Oatley, Vale, Calvert and Bennett. Subs: Stuber & Russell (both not used)
After the game, Romans’ manager Steve Lawton said:
“I was immensely proud of the boys yesterday: we went there without several first team regulars and no goalkeeper. The lads were tremendous – we did ride our luck at times – but even some of their club admitted we deserved it.
“Special mention to Sam Sayers who took the gloves the first time he had played in goal since youth football!
“W&B are still the best island league side by some way and are still the team everyone aspires to be better than.”
Whitecroft & Barton have been approached by Island Echo for their comments on Saturday’s game.
In other Memorial Cup Games …
Shanklin advanced to the Quarter Finals of the Memorial Cup by comfortably beating Ryde side Oakfield 3-0 at the County Ground.
The scorers for the Seasiders were: George Carter-Knight, Nicky Vyse and Dan Field.
After the game, Shanklin manager Paul Haward said:
“The game versus Oakfield was closely contested for the 1st half hour with the Oakfield centre forward causing us problems. As the game went on, I thought we were dominant, especially in the 2nd half, where we controlled the game well and deserved the win.
“Also, I think the Oakfield goalkeeper should get a special mention from myself as he made at least 2 outstanding saves.”
For Oakfield, manager Gary Gee said:
“I thought we started the game well and created the best chances early on, but I was disappointed to concede a dubious penalty just before the break.
“Shanklin were the better side 2nd half and deserved the win. Good luck to them in the next round and for next week’s Hants cup.”
On Wednesday, Oakfield face Newport at Beatrice Avenue in the Quarter Finals of the Senior (Gold) Cup. Gary says:
“It will obviously be very tough against a Newport side flying this season, but we will go into the game expecting a good performance, as I know the lads will be up for it.”
Bembridge progressed to the Quarter Finals of the Memorial Cup after beating Pan Community 4-1, courtesy of a brace of goals from both Ben Field and Liam Harper.
Harper was denied his hat trick by the crossbar, and Ant Kettle also hit the woodwork. Ash Gulliver scored in reply for Pan.
After the game Bembridge manager Justin Malin said:
“I’m very happy to progress to the next round of the cup. It was a scrappy first half, but we went through the gears in the second half, scoring 3 more goals and hitting the woodwork twice.”
For Pan, co-manager John Sivier said:
“We proved today we can more than hold our own in Division 1 if we get promoted. The score line doesn’t reflect today’s game. We shall learn from our errors which gifted them the win.
“I’m proud of the boys today, and we now focus on next week’s Hants Vase semi-final.”
Isle of Wight results for Saturday 26th February 2022
Isle of Wight 1st Irish Rifles Memorial Cup – Third Round
Sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist
Bembridge 4-1 Pan Community
Shanklin 3-0 Oakfield
Whitecroft & Barton Sports 1-2 Brading Town
The U.N.I.S.O.N. Isle of Wight Junior ‘B’ Cup – Second Round
AFC Wootton Reserves 6-2 Newchurch Reserves
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 1
Binstead & COB 4-1 Cowes Sports Reserves
Northwood St Johns 2-1 West Wight
Sandown & Lake 3-1 Vectis
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 2
Adgestone 5-0 Newport Reserves
Carisbrooke United 7-2 Osborne Coburg
East Cowes Sports 2-0 AFC Wootton
East Cowes Vics Reserves H-W Ventnor
Newchurch 3-0 Wroxall
Yarmouth & Calbourne 1-7 High Park
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Combination Division 1
Oakfield 10-0 Ryde Saints
West Wight 3-0 Osborne Coburg
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Combination Division 2
Vectis H-W Carisbrooke United
Fixtures courtesy of Isle of Wight DFA
UP THE ROMANS……..!