Sandown & Lake U15s produced a superb all-round display to defeat Gurnard 5-2 and lift the Island League Cup at Camp Road.
There was a bumper crowd in attendance despite the cross-Island journey, with supporters treated to an entertaining final from the outset.
Sandown made the worst possible start, conceding inside the opening minute as Gurnard worked the ball neatly through the middle before finishing clinically.
However, the early setback failed to knock Sandown’s confidence, and they quickly began to dominate proceedings. Captain Sonny Ferrin was at the heart of the action, seeing multiple efforts blocked in the opening exchanges.
The pressure eventually told in the 19th minute. Following a sustained spell in the Gurnard half and a series of blocked shots – including an audacious bicycle kick from Jack Bradley – Ferrin poked home to level the score.
Sandown continued to push forward, with Corey Attrill and Jack Rafferty both going close as the momentum firmly swung in their favour.
Gurnard threatened sporadically on the counter, but solid defending from River Hayden and alert goalkeeping from Ryan Morris ensured the scores remained level.
Ferrin then produced the moment of the match in the 35th minute, cutting inside from a short corner before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to give Sandown a deserved 2-1 lead at the break.
Half time: Sandown 2-1 Gurnard
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sandown firmly in control. Louie Butcher and Jack Bradley combined well to create further openings, while Ferrin continued to lead by example.
The advantage was extended just after the restart when Ferrin’s long-range effort slipped through the Gurnard goalkeeper, allowing substitute Kris Groves to apply the finishing touch and make it 3-1.
Bradley then got on the scoresheet himself, finishing smartly after excellent link-up play with Ferrin to effectively seal the contest at 4-1.
Further chances followed, with Bradley and Jenson Fowler both involved in dangerous attacking moves as Sandown maintained their intensity.
A fifth goal arrived in stoppage time when Fraser Leonard delivered a pinpoint cross for Corey Attrill to finish, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike.
Gurnard did manage to pull one back late on, including a last-gasp volley, but it proved little more than consolation as Sandown saw out a deserved 5-2 victory.
Full time: Sandown 5-2 Gurnard
Scenes of celebration followed the final whistle as captain and Man of the Match Sonny Ferrin lifted the trophy in front of family and friends.
Club secretary Jacqui Middlemiss said:
“Our U15 Raptors have been part of Sandown and Lake since U7 and as a club we are very proud of the lads. They had a great game and worked hard throughout.
“A big shout out to Pete Leonard and his coaches Kai and Karl – they have put a lot of time and effort into the boys’ training.”
