A match winning performance by Binstead goalkeeper – Isle of Wight manager Tom McInnes – saw Binstead take all 3 points against Pan at the Molehill on Wednesday evening (17th August).
Pan began the game on the front foot with Ross Lacey missing a free header close to the Binstead goal line. However, it was Binstead who took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute when Ash Smith blasted the ball into the top corner of the Pan goal after receiving a long ball that caught out the Pan defence (1-0).
Pan battled hard to equalize but were denied by the skills of McInnes in the Binstead goal, who pulled off a remarkable double save from first Rob Shepherd and then Ash Gulliver in the 32nd minute. Pan were unlucky a few minutes later when a mishit strike from Ash Gulliver trickled harmlessly past the Binstead upright.
Half time: Binstead & COB 1-0 Pan Community
Pan were again unfortunate in the 63rd minute when a Ross Lacey header cannoned off the Binstead crossbar. A few minutes later, Tom McInnes pulled off another remarkable double save from Josh Piper and then Robbie Shepherd. Pan then suffered further misfortune when first Ash Gulliver was sinbinned for dissent, then had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside.
In the 82nd minute, Binstead centre forward Corbyn Ricketts made the result certain for Binstead when he stole the ball after a defensive mix up in the Pan defence before rounding the keeper and scoring from a tight angle (2-0). Pan captain Bast then had the opportunity to snatch a consolation goal for the away side but saw his shot saved by McInnes.
Full time: Binstead & COB 1-0 Pan Community
Binstead & COB: McInnes, Grandvionet, Brooks, Powell (c), Alex Smith, Oatley, Morgan, Morley, Ricketts, McGee, Ash Smith Subs: O’Rourke, Austin, Dunnet
Pan Community: J.Williams, S. Shepherd, Thorne, S.Williams. Bast (c), Piper, J.Gwilliam, Case, R. Shepherd, Gulliver, Lacey Subs: A.Hatton, S.Gwilliam, S.Hatton
After the match, Binstead manager James Connor said:
“It was a great battle in very hard playing conditions, and my team dug in to win the game. Tom put in an outstanding performance to deny Pan.”
Pan manager Steve Case said:
“Tom McInnes took everything we threw at him. On another day we could have scored 6 goals. But Binstead had 2 chances and scored twice.”
Pan next play Isle of Wight champions Shanklin at the County Ground on Saturday, but Steve claimed his side were “not frightened” to take on the current Division 1 leaders. Unbeaten Binstead will play Vectis at Cowes Community College.
In other Games …
Champions Shanklin lead the Division 1 table on goal difference after 2 games by trouncing Ryde Saints 14-0 at the County Ground. The scorers for Shanklin were Kyle Drew (4), Nick Vyse (3), Dan Field (2), George Carter-Knight, Cory Sanderson, Jordy Cook, Macca Watterson and an own goal.
Last season’s runners up – Whitecroft & Barton Sports – are 2nd in the Division 1 table after beating East Cowes Sports 1-4 at the GKN Sports Ground, courtesy of a brace of goals from Josh Appell and strikes from Jay White and Freddie Knowles.
Oakfield have maintained their 100% record and currently lie in 3rd position after overcoming Sandown & Lake 2-0 at Slade Road. Luke Hitchcox and Harrison Taylor were on target for the Oakers.
Isle of Wight Division 1, 17th August
Binstead & COB 2-0 Pan Community
Brading Town 4-0 Bembridge
Cowes Sports Reserves 3-1 Vectis
East Cowes Sports 1-4 Whitecroft & Barton
Oakfield 2-0 Sandown & Lake
Shanklin 14-0 Ryde Saints
West Wight 1-2 Northwood St Johns
