Whitecroft & Barton are now within touching distance of a remarkable treble after lifting the Isle of Wight Memorial Cup at Westwood Park yesterday evening (Thursday).
Whitecroft & Barton followed up Tuesday’s 4-0 win over the Romans by lifting silverware with another controlled performance against the same opponents.
The first half unfolded as a tactical battle, with W&B dictating possession and probing patiently, while the Romans remained poised to strike on the counter whenever space opened up.
The first real test came on 16 minutes when Fin Kalaker’s effort threatened to catch out Brading goalkeeper Kieran Williams, but the alert stopper adjusted quickly to make the save – an early glimpse of the form that would later earn him man-of-the-match.
As the half wore on, the contest sparked into life approaching the interval. On 40 minutes, Kade Woodford looked set to fire W&B ahead, only for Williams to produce a stunning save to preserve parity. Within moments, Brading responded at pace, Dan Vale latching onto a break but blasted his effort over the crossbar.
In the 45th minute, Brading were gifted a golden opportunity when Aaron Bennett seized on a loose back pass, but he was unable to take advantage as W&B escaped unpunished – and that let-off would prove costly.
Half Time: Whitecroft & Barton 0-0 Brading Town
Whitecroft & Barton needed just 2 minutes after the restart to seize control of the contest. A long throw into the Brading penalty area sparked confusion, and when the ball dropped invitingly, Dan Pearson was quickest to react, stabbing home from close range on 47 minutes (1-0).
That early breakthrough shifted the momentum firmly in their favour, and within 8 minutes the lead was doubled in emphatic style. On 55 minutes, Sam Cant unleashed a 25-yard strike that rocketed past Kieran Williams (2-0).
With W&B now in full command, they continued to press for a third. Finley Kalaker went close on 60 minutes, firing over the crossbar as the pressure built.
Cant remained a constant outlet, forcing another save and then heading narrowly wide from a corner as W&B pushed to put the result beyond doubt.
The final blow arrived on 84 minutes when Cant slipped a pass through to Oliver Frost. His first effort was saved, but he reacted sharply to the rebound, lifting the ball over both defender and goalkeeper to complete the scoring for W&B (3-0).
Full Time: Whitecroft & Barton 3-0 Brading Town
Whitecroft & Barton: J Williams, Lyon, Craig, Jackson, Ovnik, A Sainsbury, Yelland, Cant, Pearson, Kalaker, Woodford. Subs: K Sainsbury, Drew, Frost
Brading Town: K Williams, Powell, Glynn, Dallimer, Knowles, Collins, Keetch, Lawson, Vale, Bennett, Johnson. Subs: Fallone, Vokins, Walker
Whitecroft & Barton are now firmly on course for a potential treble. A point against Shanklin on Saturday (25th April) would seal the Harwoods Division 1 title, before Tuesday’s (28th April) Challenge Cup final against West Wight offers the chance to complete the set.
In other games…
East Cowes Vics Reserves 5-1 Sandown & Lake
Josh Neale scored a hat trick, and Jordan Chapman and Travis Pitman were also on the score sheet as Vics put 5 past Division 2 leaders Sandown at Beatrice Avenue. Tom Sleight scored Sandown’s consolation.
Newport Reserves 4-0 Binstead & COB
Newport Reserves brought Binstead back down to earth at Seaclose following their Junior A Cup triumph on Tuesday with Robbie Shepherd (X2), Ryleigh Wain and Josh Gwilliam on target for the home side.
