The women’s football season kicked off with wins for all 3 Island ladies’ sides – Shanklin, Cowes Sports and Wight Eagles – playing in the Hampshire County League on Sunday (4th September).
In Hampshire Division 1, reigning Hampshire champions Shanklin began their campaign with a confident 0-1 victory away to Fleet Town. Chloe Parkes scored the winning goal after converting an inch-perfect cross from Gemma Woodford. 3 Shanklin players made their debuts on Saturday with Phoebe Connor, Thea Broadhead, and Mia Richardson all stepping up from youth football. Peggy Stagg was awarded the player-of-the-match accolade.
This Sunday (11th September) Shanklin will host AFC Stoneham Ladies in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. Kick-off at the County Ground is at 14:00.
In Hampshire Division 3, Cowes Sports Ladies got off to a winning start by beating Rushmoor Community Women 3-0 at Westwood Park. Holly Mariner, Paula Cotton, and Kira Smith were the players on target for the Roes.
In Hampshire Division 4, Wight Eagles began their season on the front foot by winning 0-2 away to AFC Totton Women at Gang Warily Recreation Ground, courtesy of a brace from Susan Cullen. Hannah Sartini was awarded the accolade of player-of-the-match.
After the game, Wight Eagles manager Steve Spraggs said:
“it was a gruelling game for both teams as both were lacking in match fitness and with the heat and rock-hard pitch; it was hard on all the players involved. However, I couldn’t be prouder of my team for digging in and showing real character and refusing to be broken down even when they were extremely tired. An opening day 3 points and a clean sheet -I couldn’t ask for more from this very new-look Eagles team. “
