Shanklin came from 2 goals down twice before Pete Wilson’s last-minute penalty rescued a point against Northwood St Johns at the County Ground yesterday (Saturday).
Defensive errors left Shanklin with a mountain to climb early on as Northwood took full advantage to race into a 0-2 lead.
The home side failed to clear a cross for the opening goal, allowing Lewis Blackmore to tap home from close range (0-1).
Another mistake then gifted Northwood their 2nd. The Shanklin goalkeeper failed to collect the ball after coming outside his area, leaving James Cheek with an empty net to make it 0-2.
Despite the scoreline, Shanklin enjoyed most of the play and gradually began to work their way back into the contest.
Their pressure was rewarded in the 33rd minute when Cory Sanderson reduced the deficit to a single goal (1-2).
Half Time: Shanklin 1-2 Northwood St Johns
The pattern continued after the break, with Shanklin pushing for an equaliser and Northwood having to withstand increasing pressure.
Jamie Trowbridge came close when he struck the crossbar, while Shanklin also hit the upright as the visitors’ lead came under threat.
However, it was Northwood who struck next against the run of play. Arthur Balchin restored their 2-goal advantage to leave Shanklin trailing 1-3.
The hosts refused to lie down and Frank Stuber gave them renewed hope in the 74th minute, finding the net to bring the score back to 2-3.
Shanklin then had a golden opportunity to draw level when Sanderson was presented with an open goal, but his effort went past the post.
Lewis Blackmore came close to extending the away side’s lead when his free kick struck the crossbar.
Just when it appeared Northwood had survived the onslaught from the home side, Shanklin were awarded a penalty in the final minute.
Wilson stepped up and sent the Northwood goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-3 and complete Shanklin’s 2nd comeback of the afternoon.
Full Time: Shanklin 3-3 Northwood St Johns
Shanklin’s point leaves them 4th on goal difference with 4 points from 2 games, level on points with W&B and Cowes Sports Reserves.
In other Division 1 games…
Oakfield 0-11 West Wight
West Wight maintained their perfect start by running riot at Slade Road, with Joshua Daley completing a hat-trick and Ashley Brett, Luke Phillips and Brad Thomas each bagging a brace. Zak Harris and substitute Harley Kennett were also on target. Having beaten Brading 5-0 on the opening day, West Wight sit top with 6 points after scoring 16 goals without reply.
Sandown & Lake 0-7 Bembridge & Vectis
Bembridge & Vectis bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a 0-7 demolition of Sandown & Lake at The Fairway. James Ashley, Callum Chambers, Ethan Dicker, Ryan Gregory and Louis Newsham were joined on the scoresheet by substitutes Tyler Greenslade and Joseph Houghton as the visitors climbed to 5th in Division 1.
In Division 2…
ECS 2-0 Osborne Coburg
ECS claimed their 1st win of the season at the GKN Sports Ground, with Jordan Brownrigg and Blake Reeves scoring in a 2-0 victory over Osborne Coburg. The result leaves ECS unbeaten and 2nd in Division 2 with 4 points from their opening 2 games.
Newchurch 0-4 Ryde Saints
Ryde Saints continued their winning start with a 0-4 victory at Watery Lane. Alfie Bradley and Jay Larbalestier were on target before Joshua Tombleson bagged a brace to complete the scoring. Saints have now won both their opening games and sit top of Division 2 as the only side with a 100% record.
Niton 2-6 East Cowes Vics Reserves
East Cowes Vics Reserves picked up their 1st points of the season with an emphatic 2-6 victory at Springhead. Simon Williams completed a hat-trick, Connor Mooney bagged a brace and Jack Groundsell also found the net as Vics bounced back from their opening-day defeat.
Seaview A-W Newport Reserves
Newport Reserves were awarded the points after Seaview conceded the fixture, leaving Port unbeaten with 4 points from their opening 2 Division 2 games.
Isle of Wight football results for Saturday 12th September
Division 1
Oakfield 0-11 West Wight
Sandown & Lake 0-7 Bembridge & Vectis
Shanklin 3-3 Northwood St Johns
Division 2
ECS 2-0 Osborne Coburg
Newchurch 0-4 Ryde Saints
Niton 2-6 East Cowes Vics Reserves
Seaview A-W Newport Reserves
Combination 1
Bembridge & Vectis Reserves 2-4 ECS Reserves
Brading Town Reserves 1-4 Whitecroft & Barton Sports Reserves
West Wight Reserves 4-0 Sandown & Lake Reserves
Combination 2
Bembridge & Vectis A 2-3 Shanklin A
Northwood St Johns Reserves 6-2 Newchurch Reserves
Osborne Coburg Reserves 0-3 Brading Town A
Ryde Saints Reserves A-A West Wight A
