Storm Darragh couldn’t stop Shanklin Ladies taking top spot in Hampshire League Division 1 with an emphatic win over United Services Portsmouth at the County Ground on Sunday (8th December).
Playing with the wind in the 1st half, the home side knew they needed to start fast and get a good lead by the interval. Right from the start, Shanklin went about their business in ruthless fashion, setting a high press and dominating possession.
It took only 5 minutes to make the breakthrough, with Tilly Yardley winning possession in the midfield and playing in Thea Broadhead for her first of the game (1-0).
Straight from the restart, Shanklin were on the hunt for more goals. Skilful play across the midfield found the ball at the feet of Daniela Melininkaite, who played a killer pass through to Mia Richardson to score her first of the season and double the Blues’ lead (2-0).
As the half progressed, Shanklin‘s midfield continued to control the game and dominate possession, creating excellent attacking situations. In the 18th minute, they got their 3rd goal from Faith Wagstaff, the assist coming from Gemma Woodford, who played a defence splitting pass for Wagstaff to slot home an excellent finish from the angle into the opposite corner (3-0).
Midway through the half, the Blues were forced to make a change in midfield, with Lola Lewis replacing Grace McDonald. New to the position, Lewis got stuck in straight away, working hard and winning back possession for Shanklin.
Chances were now coming thick and fast, with the home team raining in shots from close and long range and if not for an outstanding performance from the US Portsmouth goalie, the score would’ve been very different.
Shanklin had to wait until the 41st minute to make it 4, but it was worth the wait, Woodford again the provider broke down the right wing and crossed for Broadhead to get her 2nd with a far post bullet header (4-0).
Half time: Shanklin Ladies 4-0 United Services Portsmouth
Now playing against the wind, the challenge in front of Shanklin was potentially much more difficult and although the early exchanges were more even, normal service was soon resumed with Woodford adding a 5th with an excellent piece of skill, creating herself space in the box to fire home past the advancing keeper (5-0).
The conditions were having little effect on the game, with Shanklin in full control and 4 minutes later, the impressive Daniela Melininkaite got a 6th with a curling shot from range over the goalie into the top corner (6-0).
A good defensive performance from Shanklin‘s back 3 limited US Portsmouth to only a handful of chances, with Kirren Shaw earning a clean sheet, making an outstanding save at her near post .
With the game coming to an end, there was still time for 1 more goal and the completion of 2 hat tricks. First, a hat trick of assists for Woodford, who set up Broadhead for her hat trick of goals, racing through and calmly slotting home (7-0).
Full time: Shanklin Ladies 7-0 United Services Portsmouth
Shanklin Ladies: Bavington, Broadhead, Glenn, Henry, McDonald, Melininkaite, Richardson, Shaw, Stephan, Woodford, Yardley Subs: Wagstaff, Lewis
This game now puts the Blues top of the league. Next week is Shanklin‘s last game of 2024 ,away to Basingstoke Town in the league.
In a game dominated by the home side, credit must go to US Portsmouth for making the trip and playing the game in a very sporting and respectful manner, with both teams making the job for the referee easy.
All images: Kev Cant
