Whitecroft & Barton secured the Harwoods Division 1 title by beating Shanklin yesterday afternoon (Saturday), moving one step closer to a remarkable second successive treble.
Whitecroft & Barton Sports, needing just a single point at Sandy Lane to retain their league crown, took all 3 with style, sweeping aside a depleted Shanklin side to seal a 3rd successive championship.
The hosts, fresh from their Memorial Cup triumph on Thursday, wasted little time setting the tone. Josh Craig opened the scoring in the 6th minute, bending a free kick beyond Goldsmith to give the home side an early advantage (1-0).
Kade Woodford doubled the lead on 13 minutes, reacting sharply on the goal line to convert Sam Cant’s header (2-0), before Cant himself got on the scoresheet in the 26th minute with a well-taken volley (3-0). Whitecroft & Barton were in full flow, and only the crossbar denied Aidan Sainsbury with the final kick of the half.
Half Time: Whitecroft & Barton Sports 3-0 Shanklin
Shanklin, missing prolific scorer Rory Day due to marathon commitments, showed resilience after the break but found themselves riding their luck early in the 2nd half. Substitute Pearson saw his header tipped onto the upright by Goldsmith, while Woodford struck the crossbar from distance soon after.
The 4th goal arrived in the 61st minute when Pearson intercepted a loose back pass and squared for Coner Lyon to finish confidently (4-0), seemingly putting the contest beyond doubt.
To their credit, Shanklin rallied late on. Josh Field reduced the deficit with a low finish in the 66th minute (4-1) and added a 2nd in the 88th minute (4-2), giving the scoreline a more respectable look.
Full Time: Whitecroft & Barton Sports 4-2 Shanklin
Whitecroft & Barton Sports: Williams, Lyon, Craig, Jackson, Mulholland, Sainsbury, Yelland, Rayner, Cant, Frost, Woodford. Subs: Appell, Green, Pearson.
Shanklin: Goldsmith, Wilson, White, Stuber, D Field, Sheeran, J Field, Arnold, Lloyd, Trowbridge, Lloyd. Subs: Daniels, Flux, Sawtell.
After the match, assistant manager Paul O’Connor reflected on another title-winning campaign:
“We’re so happy we’ve been able to deliver the league title again for the third year in a row. We always say at the start of every season the main goal is to win the league. That’s what you’re judged on, a full league campaign – the cups are a nice added bonus.”
The victory keeps Whitecroft & Barton firmly on course for a second successive treble, with the Challenge Cup final against West Wight looming on Tuesday. It will also mark the final game in charge for manager Gareth True and assistant Paul O’Connor, with Joe Rayner set to take over next season.
W&B face West Wight at Westwood Park on Tuesday 28th April with kick off at 19:30.
BINSTEAD COB SECURE PROMOTION WITH GRITTY WIN AT SANDOWN & LAKE
Binstead COB sealed promotion to Division 1 with a hard-fought away victory despite fielding a depleted, injury-hit squad.
Binstead’s relentless run of fixtures showed early as Sandown & Lake started strongly, forcing a series of corners and set pieces. The visitors, however, stood firm and gradually worked their way into the game, beginning to threaten on the counter without finding a breakthrough before the break.
A key blow arrived at half time when skipper Daz Powell was forced off through injury, with Bud Lloyd stepping in and producing an assured display.
Binstead emerged with greater purpose in the 2nd half, creating several clear chances, only to be denied by an outstanding Sandown goalkeeper, who pulled off 3 excellent one-on-one saves.
The decisive moment came when Dan Murphy calmly fired home the winner (0-1), sparking celebrations among the travelling support.
From there, Binstead dug deep, showing determination and composure to see out the victory and confirm promotion.
Full Time: Sandown & Lake 0-1 Binstead COB
Manager James Connor said after the match:
“A massive result, a massive effort – and promotion secured. Now to secure the title at ECS on Tuesday.”
Binstead now turn their attention to Tuesday’s clash at ECS, where they have the chance to secure the Division 2 title.
HIGH PARK A CROWNED COMBINATION 2 CHAMPIONS
High Park A wrapped up the Combination 2 title in style today with a 2-6 victory over Bembridge A, capping off a superb season.
It has been a campaign to remember for the side, who have lost just once all season and boast an impressive goal difference of +71.
They have also won 2 cups this season, including the Ryde Cup back in August, which set the tone for the campaign.
Brading Town 0-1 West Wight
An Ash Brett goal 7 minutes from full time saw West Wight beat Brading at Vicarage Lane. West Wight end their season as runners up with the Romans finishing 4th.
East Cowes Vics Reserves 15-1 Pan
Travis Pitman scored a brace of hat tricks, Maca Barnes a hat trick, Olli Sweatman and Kian Vickery braces and Damo Cassford and Chris Russell single goals as Vics put 15 past Pan at Beatrice Avenue.
Isle of Wight football results for Saturday 25th April
Harwoods Division1
Brading Town 0-1 West Wight
W&B 4-2 Shanklin
Division 2
East Cowes Vics Reserves 15-1 Pan
Newport Reserves A-W ECS
Sandown & Lake 0-1 Binstead & COB
Combination 2
Bembridge & Vectis A 2-6 High Park A
Sandown & Lake A 2-3 West Wight A
