Shanklin FC have been confirmed as the 2022/23 Isle of Wight Division 1 champions for the 2nd successive season.
The ‘Invincible’ Seasiders have achieved a remarkable 74 points out of a possible 78 and have gone through their entire league campaign without conceding a single game.
Sadly, they have won their title without kicking a ball after being informed that their opponents – bottom club Ryde Saints – were unable to raise a side for their final fixture.
This is a great achievement for manager Paul Haward, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Shanklin’s sole defeat to an Island League side came on Thursday (4th May) when they were beaten by their closest rivals Whitecroft & Barton Sports at Westwood Park in the final of the Island Echo Challenge Cup.
However, Shanklin will have their opportunity to avenge their defeat at the Peter Henry Ground in Brading this Friday (12th May) when they face off with W&B in the Memorial Cup final.
WEST WIGHT ARE COMBINATION 1 CHAMPIONS
West Wight Reserves have been confirmed as champions of Combination 1 by beating Northwood St Johns Reserves 0-1 at the Isle of Wight Community Club.
The trophy has been dedicated to late chairman Steve Parsons.
West Wight have said (via social media):
“[This is] a superb achievement with only 1 loss all season. The consistency and commitment has definitely paid off and at last some silverware had found it’s way back to Camp Rd.
“An absolute privilege to be involved with this club over the last few years that has proven itself to be so much more than football. A special mention to Reserve managers Chris Bridges and Peter Millar but a huge shout out to all involved at the club and indeed to all involved with grassroots football across the Island.”
“With the passing of our much loved Chairman Steve Parsons a few weeks ago this trophy is definitely in his honour.”
“Well done boys….no more than the club deserves.”
Brading Town 4-0 Northwood St Johns
The Romans trounced NSJ at the Peter Henry Ground thanks to a hat trick from man-of-the-match Liam Bennett and a further goal from Scott Lawson.
Cowes Sports Reserves 1-1 West Wight
Connor Furmidge was on target for the Yachtsmen as 4th-placed West Wight held 3rd-placed Cowes Sports to a draw at Westwood Park.
Brading Town Reserves 2-11 Shanklin Reserves
Jamie Trowbridge scored a hat trick and their were braces for Cory Sanderson and Tom Stead as the Seasiders overcame the Romans. The other Shanklin goals came courtesy of Brad Bloodworth, Dan Drudge, Jack Hill and 16-year-old Charlie Luter (his 1st senior goal).
