Shanklin were edged out on penalties by West Wight after a dramatic Challenge Cup semi-final draw at the County Ground yesterday (Saturday).
One of very few games to beat the weather on the Isle of Wight, the pitch was in good condition and both sides played their part in a contest watched by a large three-figure crowd, making for a fine advertisement for local football.
West Wight carried the greater threat in the opening half. On 15 minutes, Chris Elliott struck the post, before seeing another effort blocked on the line 3 minutes later. Josh Daley then rounded the Shanklin goalkeeper on 25 minutes but failed to apply the finish, as the visitors spurned 3 good chances to take the lead in an otherwise evenly matched first half.
Half Time: Shanklin 0-0 West Wight
Shanklin showed more intent after the break and went close on 50 minutes when Rory Day dragged an effort narrowly wide. Chances continued to arrive at both ends, Luke Phillips firing just past the post for West Wight on 70 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came on 76 minutes. Ben Gregory provided the pass and Day finished confidently to give Shanklin the lead (1-0), sparking celebrations among the home support. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Josh Daley was brought down in the area 5 minutes later, and Elliott stepped up to calmly convert the penalty and level the tie (1-1).
Elliott almost won it for West Wight with the final action of the match, his effort forcing a save from Goldsmith before the game moved to penalties.
Full Time: Shanklin 1-1 West Wight
And so to penalties…
The shoot-out proved tense. Wilson and Trowbridge converted for Shanklin, while Elliott, Brett and Bricknell scored for West Wight. Gearing saved efforts from Field and Parsons before the visitors’ Casey Tyrell converted the decisive kick, sparking scenes of jubilation among the visiting players and support.
Penalties: Shanklin 2-4 West Wight
Shanklin: Goldsmith, Drudge, Wilson, Gregory, D Field (c), Stuber, Trowbridge, White, Day, J Field, Flux. Subs: Parsons, Arnold, Winterbottom.
West Wight: Gearing, Goldberg, Groom, Harris, Brett, Thomas, Millar, Elliott, Bricknell, Daley, Tyrrell. Subs: Simmonds, Taylor, Phillips.
West Wight will now face the winners of Whitecroft & Barton v Brading in the Challenge Cup final.
In other games…
Junior A Cup: ECS 7-0 High Park Reserves
Shaun Gulliver grabbed a hat trick as East Cowes Sports progressed to the next round of the Junior A Cup at the GKN Sports Ground. Chris Turner, Aiden Jones and Josh and Gary Richardson were also on target for the home side.
Combination 1: Osborne Coburg Reserves 2-3 Shanklin Reserves
Shanklin recovered from being 2 goals down at half time to beat Osborne Coburg by the best of 5 goals. Jason Hodgkins and Isheanesu Goredema were the scorers for the home side, with Sam Collings (X2) and Jason Smythers on the score sheet for the visitors.
No further fixtures were played on the Isle of Wight this Saturday.
