![Toby Knowles (left) Steven Woodford (middle) Ash Metcalf (right)[16369] (featured)](https://cdn.islandecho.co.uk/uploads/2022/10/Toby-Knowles-left-Steven-Woodford-Middle-Ash-Metcalf-Right16369-FEATURED-scaled.jpeg)
The Isle of Wight’s Men’s 1XI were denied victory on Saturday (8th October) due to a serious injury to a US Portsmouth opponent at Smallbrook.
In the opening minutes, Samuel Challis and Joe Arnold led to the ball played into D, and Adam Payne won a short corner they weren’t able convert. After continued pressure and subsequent short corners, a rebound ball from the keeper went to Ed Turney, whose shot hit the backboard (1-0).
After dealing with another opposition attack, an IOW clearance saw Payne right pass to Arnold who carried the ball into D. Their tag team efforts saw the keeper come out, but they made a hash of a clearance, which allowed Tom Gould on the post to make sure the ball found the backboard (2-0).
Tireless work in the midfield saw a 2-man attack from Turney and Henry Edwards. Young drew defenders which allowed Edward’s shot to travel through the keeper’s legs into goal (3-0).
The home team controlled the game, but they were unable to convert any more in the 1st half. US Portsmouth upped their attack, and an unmarked player saw them score just before half-time, the ball slipping past keeper Lewis Wells (4-1).
The 2nd half was chaotic. The island was able to add one more to their tally, after a solo drive saw Payne score (4-0).
Sadly, not long after this, time was stopped after a US Portsmouth player received a serious injury. Due to the medical attention they needed, the decision was made to end the game there. The result is pending.
Result pending* Isle of Wight Men’s 1XI 4 – US Portsmouth 1
Goals: Ed Turney (1), Tom Gould (1), Henry Edwards (1) and Adam Payne (1)
The Isle of Wight ladies 1XI welcomed Fareham to Smallbrook.
The Island side took to the pitch determined. Fareham were fast and clinical in moving the ball, but great tackling from the midfield and defence stopped them in their tracks. The Isle of Wight had their own opportunities in the circle but were unable to convert their short corners.
The home team were unfortunate to concede a short corner in the dying seconds of the 1st half, which Fareham slotted past the keeper (0-1).
The Island took to the 2nd half, pressing the opposition early. Fareham read the game well and re-took possession to attack. The island dug-deep to defend and despite a clear foul on an island player and questionable decisions, Fareham took their opportunity and scored (0-2).
Hitting back, linking play between Pip Spibey and Georgia Whittle weaved through Fareham’s defence and put the Island side on the scoresheet (1-2).
Fantastic saves from island keeper Tia Shutler kept the home team in the hunt, including a diving save at the top of the D to deny Fareham from scoring from a 3-on-1. Debutants Evie Fairhurst and Bea Pink held the ball up and created chances in the oppositions’ end.
With minutes to go, Fareham got on the end of a ball crossed across the D, to deflect it into the goal (1-3).
Final score: Isle of Wight ladies 1XI 1 – Fareham 2s 3
Goal: Georgia Whittle
Wightlink player of the match: Pip Spibey ️
The ladies’ 2XI travelled to Haslemere.
The Island got off to a flying start in the 1st 5 minutes, winning a free hit just outside of the 25. The ball was fired into the circle and a deflection from Dee Sanchez-Brown’s stick saw it rocket into the net (0-1).
The rest of the half was an evenly matched affair, however, towards the end it was Haslemere’s turn to find the net (1-1).
The 2nd half was tense, with both sides battling for the upper hand. Despite the Island’s hard work, Haslemere scored; their second coming from free run and shot in the D, after a contentious free hit (2-1).
This play unsettled the Island side, and the opposition took full advantage; their 3rd goal coming from a ball which crept under the keeper’s kickers (3-1).
The ladies battled on, thwarting any advances from Haslemere’s attack and pushing to create their own chances. In the final minutes of the game, Haslemere were awarded a penalty flick. As the flick was taken, 3 opposition players prematurely ran towards the goal and after much protest and re-addressing of the rules, the flick was re-taken. It was brilliantly saved and Haslemere were denied.
Final score: Haslemere 4s 3 – Isle of Wight ladies’ 2XI 1
Goal: Dee Sanchez-Brown
Wightlink player of the match: Beth Longson ️
The men’s 2XI team were equally unfortunate in their result, after losing a close battle with Trojans 5s.
They battled hard and despite their best efforts, including a goal from Carl Joyce, the game ended with them on the wrong side of the score-line.
Final score: Trojans 5s 2 – Isle of Wight men’s 2XI 1
Goal: Carl Joyce
