Wight Eagles Ladies started their season off at home with a draw against AFC Totton Ladies.
The Eagles gave starts to debutants Emma Webb – who signed from Shanklin in the summer – along with Wight Eagles Academy graduate in Erin Sharp who played for manager Dan Verstraeten for the last 2 years.
Both sides started strongly and evenly matched at the back and up front; the Island side had the better midfield, with Ellena Boakes and Sammie Mumford forming a strong experienced pairing.
Some great build up play from a Ellena Boakes free kick nearly saw Emma Webb score her 1st goal on her debut, but her header was just wide.
Shortly before half time, Millie Tinsley dispatched a pinpoint corner into the Totton box, which dropped to Kira Smith, whose shot was blocked and fell to Jess Green to slot home (1-0).
Half time: Isle of Wight Eagles 1-0 AFC Totton Ladies
The 2nd half started with the Island side coming out on top and looking even more in control down the flanks, with Abi Joyce and Kira Smith turning their defenders at every opportunity.
With 20 mins remaining, AFC Totton broke from the Eagles corner, as they got caught in procession leading to an equaliser for the away side.
The Eagles kept trying to push for the winner, until the red mist came over Captain Katie Rand, who fouled the AFC Totton striker in the penalty area to give away a last minute penalty – only for the penalty taker to sky the ball over the bar.
In the final seconds of the game, Abi Joyce came close to scoring a winner for the home side, but her effort went inches past the upright.
Full time: Isle of Wight Eagles 1-1 AFC Totton Ladies
After the game, manager Dan Verstraeten said:
“It was a tough game. We did everything we could to push on after taking the lead, our patterns of play were outstanding, and the team was full of energy.
“We have a great balance of experience and youth this year, with players still to come in.
“I thought Webby and Erin were fantastic and we really have a strong core now.
“A point is better than none, so I’ll take that.”
The next game for Wight Eagles Ladies is home to Pace FC Women’s 1st team on Saturday, 8th September, at Beatrice Avenue.
