There were wins across the board for both the men and women of the Isle of Wight Hockey Club on Saturday (6th November).
The men’s first team’s successful start to the season continued with a hard-fought win over local rivals Portsmouth. The first 15 minutes were frustrating for the Island as their efforts were absorbed successfully by the opponent’s defence. However, the Island side’s defensive line was solid and momentum built for the comeback.
Hard yards put in from the midfield were rewarded going forward as Adam Payne converted a stroke from the spot. A beautiful link up in the second half saw efforts from Tom Turney, Steven Woodford and Calum Thornton put away with ease and the Isle of Wight side cemented their control over the game. Despite local keeper Tom Speer deflecting several shots wide of the post, Portsmouth managed a consolation goal, with a well-worked deflecting taken from the penalty spot.
Final score Portsmouth 1- Isle of Wight Men’s 1st 5
Goals from Tom Turney (2), Adam Payne (1), Steven Woodford (1), Calum Thornton (1).
Looking at this season’s results so far, the Isle of Wight ladies second team went into their game against Chichester fairly hopeful of a good result.
From the pushback, the Island pressed hard and kept the ball in the visitor’s half for the majority of the game. Island keeper Poppy Cullen thwarted Chichester’s best chances and solid defending ensured the game remained goalless at halftime. Blistering runs from the Island side left the opposition’s midfield for dead and they finally got the breakthrough with a shot from Aly Townend creeping past everyone into the bottom corner.
The pressure continued and an amazing run from Megan Bridger saw her shot come off a defender’s leg on the way to goal. Penalty stroke awarded but a great save from the Chichester keeper denied Megan a goal. More drama with just 4 minutes to go after a clash of heads saw injuries to both sides. After a long stop for treatment, both teams decided to end the game early.
Final score Isle of Wight 1 – Chichester 0.
Goals from Aly Townend (1).
The women’s first team made the long trip away to face Basingstoke 3s. In a similar fashion to the previous week, the Island team spent the first 15 minutes getting reacquainted with hockey, allowing Basingstoke to settle into a passing game.
Despite being on the backfoot, the Island side dug deep and Basingstoke were unable to create any clear chances. As the Isle of Wight women grew into the game they began to find their rhythm. Driving from the right-hand side, Katy Ednay’s baseline run found an opposition foot to give the Island their first penalty corner. Jaimie Payne’s initial shot was blocked but her rebounded volley strike was thwarted by a Basignstoke foot. A clinical flick from a penalty stroke by Kirsty Fraser gave the island the lead.
Basingstoke soon equalised after an initial strong save saw the ball fall back to a Basingstoke forward who put it in off the post. A rousing halftime talk and the Island side set their stall in the second half. The Isle of Wight’s press kept the pressure on Basingstoke’s defence and tireless work in the midfield gave plenty of space to attack down the wings. It took a lovely piece of individual skill from Katy Ednay to reverse flick the ball into the far bottom corner from a tight angle to give the island the win.
Final score Basingstoke 1 – Isle of Wight Women’s 1st 2
Goals from Kirsty Fraser (1), Katy Ednay (1).
