West Wight ended a long wait for silverware by defeating rivals Whitecroft & Barton Sports in last night’s (28th April) Challenge Cup final.
West Wight lifted their first trophy since the 2013/14 Division 1 title – and their first cup since the 2013 Memorial Cup – with a composed and clinical performance at Westwood Park. It also marked their first Challenge Cup success since 2011.
The result defied expectations. Having finished league runners-up, 3 points behind W&B, and after suffering defeat to them in the Memorial Cup semi-final at Camp Road, West Wight went into the final as underdogs – with many, even among their own support, expecting W&B to prevail.
The two sides had already shared victories on the road in the league this season, underlining how closely matched they were, but few anticipated the manner in which West Wight would take control of this final, with W&B also coming into the game on their 4th match in 8 days.
W&B began brightly and threatened early. In the 13th minute, Tommy Jackson’s header struck the crossbar, before Dan Pearson headed over as West Wight absorbed the early momentum.
The game turned in the 36th minute when West Wight were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area following a handball. Casey Tyrrell stepped up and curled an excellent effort beyond Joe Williams (1-0).
A couple of minutes later, West Wight struck again. Ash Brett met a delivery with a powerful diving header that flew past Williams (2-0), leaving W&B stunned after their strong start.
Brett almost added another before the break, heading narrowly wide in the 42nd minute as West Wight finished the half firmly on top.
Half Time: West Wight 2-0 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
West Wight struck again early in the second half. In the 50th minute, a foul on Josh Daley presented another free kick opportunity, and Tyrrell produced a near-identical finish, curling the ball beyond Williams (3-0).
As the game moved into its latter stages, a small but telling moment captured the shift in expectation. With W&B widely tipped to prevail, the Isle of Wight FA had prepared red ribbons for the trophy – only for them to be replaced late in the second half by West Wight’s blue and white as the game moved out of W&B’s reach.
The contest was a physical battle throughout, but it never boiled over.
W&B had applied sustained pressure for much of the second half, with their main threat coming from long balls and aerial deliveries. Ollie Frost and Sam Cant both went close with headers, but West Wight’s defence stood resolute.
Despite that, goalkeeper Ben Gearing was rarely called into meaningful action as West Wight remained disciplined and organised.
Tyrrell nearly completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, striking the crossbar as West Wight continued to threaten on the counter.
There were 7 minutes of injury time, which West Wight saw out comfortably.
Full Time: West Wight 3-0 Whitecroft & Barton Sports
West Wight: Gearing, Goldberg, Groom, Brett, Thomas, Harris, Phillips, Elliot, Bricknell, Daley, Tyrell. Subs: Millar, Taylor, Simmonds. Man-of-the-Match: Casey Tyrrell
Whitecroft & Barton Sports: Williams, Lyon, Wright, Jackson, Craig, Sainsbury, Yelland, Cant, Pearson, Frost, Woodford. Subs: Kalaker, Green, Appell
BINSTEAD & COB ARE DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS
Binstead & COB have completed the Junior A and Division 2 Championship double by beating East Cowes Sports at the GKN Sports Ground.
Scott Jones opened the scoring for Binstead in the 18th minute, with Ash Smith scoring in the 2nd half to wrap up the victory.
After the game, Binstead manager James Connor said:
“ECS started on the front foot, which we expected as they needed to win. They were very direct, but we stood firm, stayed organised, and gradually grew into the game. We got our reward with a great header from Scott Jones to take the lead.
“In the second half, we had to absorb more pressure, but we always looked dangerous on the counter. The second goal came from an Ash Smith strike that took a deflection, and from there I thought we managed the game superbly. We saw it out professionally and fully deserved to win the title.
“We’ve done it the hard way this season with a relentless schedule, but every single lad has played their part. At the start of the season, I set them a target of winning the double, and to their credit, they’ve gone and achieved it. I’m absolutely ecstatic for them – they deserve every bit of this success.
“Sam McInnes was outstanding and fully deserved Man of the Match.
“I’d also like to wish ECS the very best of luck in their upcoming Hampshire Cup Final.
“Now the focus turns to getting behind Steve and the reserves as they head into their second cup final of the season.”
Binstead’s win also sees Sandown promoted as runners up in Division 2, with ECS finishing their season in fourth place. East Cowes Victoria finish third after a walkover win against Ryde Saints.
