Isle of Wight champions Shanklin have made it through to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup by comfortably beating rivals Brading Town at the County Ground this afternoon (Saturday).
The Romans have a great record against the Seasiders in cup competitions. In 2021, they won the Hampshire Trophy by trouncing Shanklin 4-0 in the final at Beatrice Avenue. Last year, they lifted the Memorial Cup by overcoming the Blues 2-0 at the same venue.
Brading started brightly with Liam Bennett having a goal disallowed for handball in the 10th minute but threatened little for the rest of the game.
On the quarter hour mark, Jordan Cook had a promising attempt on goal stopped by Brading keeper Morey, following which Nicky Vyse shot over the crossbar. George Carter-Knight then forced a good save from Morey in the 17th. 3 minutes later, Kyle Drew had a shot cleared off the line.
George Carter-Knight finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a shot from just inside the penalty area after some good work from Nicky Vyse (1-0).
7 minutes from half time, Ryan Gregory doubled the home side’s advantage with a superbly executed 30-yard free kick into the top right corner of the goal after a dummy by Carter-Knight (2-0).
Half time: Shanklin 2-0 Brading Town
Shanklin continued to attack relentlessly in the 2nd half. In the 49th minute, Burford shot over the crossbar. 2 minutes later, Wayne Newnham headed onto the crossbar. Then, the luckless Aaron Burford had a further shot parried by Morey.
The goal-of-the-game came in the 55th minute, when Kyle Drew beat several Brading defenders before blasting the ball under the Brading keeper (3-0).
Nicky Vyse was unlucky not to score in the 70th minute when brought down by a defender just outside the penalty area.
The fourth goal came in the 76th minute from substitute Cory Sanderson, who converted a high cross at the left post from all of half-a-yard (4-0).
Nicky Vyse was again unlucky shortly before the full time whistle after being brought down by the goalkeeper when clean through but finding himself booked for ‘simulation’.
Full time: Shanklin 4-0 Brading Town
Shanklin: Linington, Wilson, Oatley, Gregory, Newnham, Watterson, Cook, Drew, Vyse, Burford, Carter-Knight Subs: Field, Turner, Sanderson
Brading Town: Morey, Page, Hutchinson, Smith, Knowles, Shaw, Lawson, Treagus, Vale, L. Bennett, Youngson Subs: A. Bennett, Hanmore, Wilson
After the game, Shanklin manager Paul Haward said:
“We expected a tough game. However, it was comfortable after going 1-0 up. I’m very pleased to get into the semi-finals and hopefully play against a Wessex League side.”
Brading manager Steve Lawton commented on Facebook:
“Bad day at the office. Shanklin definitely deserved their victory although we certainly didn’t help ourselves.
“The goals we conceded could have all been avoided, and we need to learn from this.”
In the Memorial Cup …
Bembridge 1-3 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
W&B beat Bembridge at Steyne Park thanks to strikes from Josh Appell, Matt Evans and Barry Calvert
Binstead & COB 2-1 Northwood St Johns
Binstead overcame Northwood St Johns at the Molehill courtesy of goals from Darren Powell and Jacob Morley.
High Park 1-3 Sandown & Lake
On the other pitch at Steyne Park, Sandown got the better of High Park. Harry Mulholland scored a brace for the Division 1 side with Thomas Bleach also on the scoresheet.
Oakfield 0-2 Ryde Saints
In the Ryde derby, Saints beat near neighbours Oakfield at Slade Road thanks to strikes from Szymon Sadel and Lewis Wren.
West Wight 4-2 Osborne Coburg
West Wight were the winners at Camp Road. Louie Thomas scored a brace for West Wight with Charlie Smeeton and Chris McFarlane also hitting the back of the net for the home side.
Isle of Wight results for Saturday 18th February
The Harwoods DACIA Senior (Gold) Cup -Quarter-Final
Shanklin 4-0 Brading Town
The Isle of Wight Memorial Cup sponsored by Andy Butler Sports Ground Specialist 3rd Round.
Bembridge 1-3 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
Binstead & COB 2-1 Northwood St Johns
High Park 1-3 Sandown & Lake
Oakfield 0-2 Ryde Saints
Pan Community 2-7 East Cowes Sports
West Wight 4-2 Osborne Coburg
Harwoods Renault IOW Saturday League Division 2
AFC Wootton 5-1 Yarmouth & Calbourne
East Cowes Vics Reserves 5-2 Newchurch
Niton Community 1-2 Carisbrooke United
Seaview 1-4 Ventnor
Combination Division 1
Brading Town 1-3 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
ECS 2-1 West Wight
Northwood St Johns 3-2 Shanklin
Sandown & Lake 3-1 Bembridge
Vectis 3-5 Binstead & COB
Combination Division 2
Newchurch 2-3 Ryde Saints
Osborne Coburg 2-0 AFC Wootton
Ventnor 3-1 Bembridge ‘A’
Results courtesy of IOW DFA
