Unbeaten Shanklin overcame AFC Stoneham Development at the County Ground on Sunday (10th November).
Going into Sunday’s game, Shanklin sat 3rd in division 1 and – with the teams occupying 1st and 2nd both playing each other – they knew a win against AFC Stoneham was of the upmost importance.
Prior to kick off, both sets of players and supporters observed a well respected minute silence in honour of Remembrance Day.
Against a young and ambitious side, the home team started slowly and – in the early stages – AFC Stoneham looked to take advantage of their good start but were unable to make the breakthrough. Good defending by Shanklin kept the score at 0-0 with Mia Richardson and Floss Griffith standing out.
Halfway through the half, the momentum shifted, with Shanklin going through the gears off of the back of a much improved work-rate throughout the team. Now controlling the midfield, Shanklin were dictating play and linking up well with the forward line. Key to this was the dominance upfront of Gemma Woodford whose physicality, hold up play and creativity pushed Shanklin into the final third.
Shanklin were now creating numerous chances and could’ve been in front with the Thea Broadhead, Freya Henry and Gemma Woodford all coming close. The breakthrough finally came from a well taken corner from Henry, which found the head of Woodford whose bullet header powered Shanklin into the lead (1-0).
The 2nd came shortly after, with the home team’s midfield setting a high press and winning the ball high up the pitch following a poor clearance. Holly Stephan won the ball and seeing the Stoneham goalkeeper off her line masterfully struck a shot from 25 yards over the retreating goalkeepers head to make it 2-0.
Now in full control, chances were coming thick and fast, with Woodford and Broadhead again coming close from distance. The dominance in the air was taking its toll and it was no surprise that Shanklin’s 3rd came from a Henry corner which was not dealt with, and – following a scramble in the 6-yard box – the ball was poked home with Grace McDonald and Jasmine Bavington, both claiming to get the final touch; however, the goal was awarded to McDonald (3-0).
Half time: Shanklin Ladies 3-0 AFC Stoneham Ladies Development
The 2nd half got underway and again the away team started brightly creating good attacking opportunities, with Shanklin looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
Kirren Shaw in the Shanklin goal was much busier in the 2nd half, having to make some good saves and sweep up the loose balls behind the defence. Although possession was in Stoneham’s favour and playing some nice football from back to front they were unable to trouble the score line.
At the other end of the pitch, Broadhead and Woodford were linking up well, looking dangerous down the left flank, with both coming close to extended Shanklin’s lead.
Set pieces continued to trouble Stoneham, with Holly Stephan again coming close direct from a corner. For all Stoneham’s possession and Shanklin’s threat on the counter attack, no further goals were added, and a well-deserved clean sheet was earned.
Full time: Shanklin Ladies 3-0 AFC Stoneham Ladies Development
Shanklin’s next game is home against Wight Eagles in the Invitation Cup on the 24th November. All are welcome to the County ground to support both teams in this all Island clash .
