WIGHT EAGLES FLY AT PORTCHESTER TO EXTEND THEIR UNBEATEN RUN

Wight Eagles U12s travelled to AFC Portchester, hoping to extend their unbeaten run away from home to 5 games, on Saturday (2nd April). 

In the 1st half, the Eagles created the better chances down the left, with Jess Smith finding the room and pace to pass the defenders, which ended in a series of corners for the Island side. After 20 minutes, the game started to open up, and the Eagles looked like they would take the lead, as the Eagles’ Kelsie Ronan kept on breaking in behind the defence. The Eagles were very strong and created chance after chance without scoring. Eloise Winter in the Eagles goal didn’t have to make a save until 5 minutes from half time.

Half time: Portchester U12s 0-0 Wight Eagles U12s

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In the second half, the Islanders kept possession and created more chances. Eagles goalkeeper Eloise Winter in goal had a quiet afternoon until 20 minutes into the second half, when Porchester found a bit of momentum, managing to break in behind the strong Eagles defence and create a couple of chances which were denied by Eloise in goal. In the 25th minute, the Eagles made some changes up front and wide, bringing in Imogen Jones on the left side, giving them an extra spark to change the dynamic of the team.

The Eagles soon got behind the Portchester defence, with the Eagles scoring in the top right-hand corner after some fantastic play (0-1).

With about 5 minutes left, the ball broke through the middle of the park, with Misha Gough getting into the Porchester box and calmly slotting home past the Portchester keeper, to claim her first goal for the club (0-2).

The Eagles then held out till the end of the game, for another fantastic clean sheet by Eloise Winter, her 6th of the season. 

Full Time: AFC Portchester U12s 0-2 Wight Eagles U12s
Player of the Match: Magenta Coleman

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After the game, Wight Eagles Manager Dan Verstraeten said:

“This performance today showed great character from all, from front to back. They knew from the start we had to be on it if we wanted to finish the season on a high, and they all did that today.

“It’s an amazing achievement for all involved, from players to parents, and all the staff that have made this season possible. It’s great for girls’ football, and such a great statement for the Isle of Wight.”

WIGHT EAGLES TAME HAMBLE LIONESSES

Wight Eagles travelled to the game against Hamble Lionesses on Saturday (26th March).

The Eagles knew it would be a tough test for them with the Hamble Lionesses sitting 2nd in the League. The Islanders realised a win could push them above Hamble, but Hamble also needed a win to secure a 2nd place finish.

The Lionesses attacked from the off, pushing the Eagles back in their own half and making the game extremely hard for them to gain possession. Hamble managed to create 15 corners within the first 15 minutes but were unable to score.

With 15 minutes of the half to go, the Eagles started to fight back, and balls were flowing better as play was being created from the hard-working midfield. However, the Eagles were caught out from a mistake at the back, which gave Hamble the lead (1-0).

With 10 minutes remaining, Hamble lost the lead after their centre back handled the ball in the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, which the Eagles converted (1-1).

2 minutes later, the Eagles were awarded a 2nd penalty after a foul on Imogen, who coolly stepped up and slotted home the spot kick (1-2)

In the final minute of the 1st half, Hamble won a corner which they headed home to level the scores (2-2).

Half time: Hamble Lionesses U12s 2 – 2 Wight Eagles U12s

In the second half, the Island girls knew they had to work hard if they were going to take all 3 points. The Eagles were soon putting pressure on Hamble with the quick wingers linking up well with Kelsie.

A quick attack down the right side saw the Eagles take the lead (2-3).

5 minutes from full time, the Eagles scored again (2-4).

At this point, with only 5 minutes left on the clock, manager Dan Verstraeten started resting players for their final game the following Saturday away to Portchester.

Full time: Hamble Lionesess 2 – 4 Wight Eagles
Player of the match: Summer French

After the game, Wight Eagles Manager Dan Verstraeten said:

“We knew again today this wasn’t going to be an easy task; we needed to fight hard to secure all 3 points. Being at Hamble last week, I knew when we played the Falcons that the manager of the Lionesses was watching us and taking notes, so we came away with a different squad today and changed things in the second half which paid off for us.”

After a successful season for the U12s, Wight Eagles are looking for new players to join aged 6 to 16. The Eagles are seeking to enter a U11s and U15s team into the Hampshire League from August.