Shanklin Ladies knocked 2 goals past Bournemouth Sports Reserves at the County Ground on Sunday (26th February) to reach the final of the Hampshire Invitational Cup.
Shanklin began the game playing against the wind in difficult, blustery conditions.
The 1st half hour of the game was even, with neither side having any clear chances. Shanklin Ladies captain Gemma Woodford took a series of pot shots at the goal with free kicks from outside the penalty area but all either missed the target or were collected comfortably by the Bournemouth keeper.
Gemma Woodford was tightly marked throughout the game, leading to some robust challenges and a booking for the Shanklin captain.
The Seasiders broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when a Gemma Woodford cross was turned into her own net by a Bournemouth defender (1-0).
Gemma was again in the centre of the action during 1st half injury time when she was forced to leave the pitch after a clash of heads.
Half time: Shanklin 1-0 Bournemouth Sports
With the wind behind them, Shanklin kept possession and controlled the game in the 2nd half.
The Seasiders added a 2nd to their tally with an Emma Webb header from a corner in the 63rd minute (2-0).
In the 77th minute, Gemma Woodford hit the woodwork with a 40-yard strike.
Sienna Brennan came close to scoring a 3rd for Shanklin 10 minutes from full time, but saw her effort go inches past the left post.
The Island side saw out the final few minutes without any scares to ensure their place in the final of the Hampshire Invitational Cup in April.
Full time: Shanklin 2-0 Bournemouth Sports
Shanklin Ladies: Kirren Shaw, Katie Barron, Jasmine Bavington, Georgia Dye, Emma Webb, Thea Broadhead, Ceri Kilcullen, Peggy Stagg, Chloe Parkes, Angelica Tatchell, Gemma Woodford Subs: Sienna Brennen, Samantha Mumford, Phoebe Connor, Mia Richardson, Faith Wagstaff
Player-of-the-match: Thea Broadhead
After the game, Shanklin Ladies’ joint managers Shannon Kilcullen and Kate Ednay said:
“The windy conditions made it difficult during the 1st half, but the girls battled well and were able to get the breakthrough before the break. We kept possession well during the 2nd half and were rewarded with another goal.
“It was a great team performance and we are both really happy to make the final.”
The Hampshire Invitational Cup final will be played at AFC Totton on 30th April.
