Shanklin Ladies marked their return to home action with an impressive victory over table-topping AFC Portchester Reserves on Sunday afternoon.
Playing their first home fixture since mid-November, Shanklin started brightly despite injuries and absentees forcing changes to the side.
They took the lead in the 11th minute when debutant Kira Smith pressed the goalkeeper into an error before squaring for Gemma Woodford to slot home (1-0).
The hosts doubled their advantage just 4 minutes later, Woodford’s powerful effort being saved before Smith reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound (2-0).
Smith added a third in the 19th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up and producing a composed long-range finish to cap a superb debut display (3-0).
Portchester responded on the half-hour mark with a free kick rifled into the top corner to reduce the deficit (3-1).
Half Time: Shanklin Ladies 3-1 AFC Portchester Reserves
Shanklin were forced to defend for long periods after the break, with goalkeeper Kirren producing a series of outstanding saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Portchester set up a tense finish when they pulled another goal back with 6 minutes remaining (3-2).
Despite late pressure, Shanklin held firm to secure a hard-fought and deserved victory.
Full Time: Shanklin Ladies 3-2 AFC Portchester Reserves
Shanklin remain 3rd in the table, now just 1 point behind Portchester with a game in hand, and 3 points off leaders Winchester Reserves having played 6 games fewer.
