This was another good result for Shanklin & the final score doesn’t really reflect the quality of the football they played. We were also unfortunate to be missing two of our players James Douglas who has a nasty dose of the virus that is currently doing the rounds, and Tommy O’Neill who is still suffering from the knee injury that he picked up at last weeks Hampshire Cup Match against Highcliffe Hawks. We all wish you both a speedy recovery.

Shanklin dominated from the start and were passing the ball around well, but struggled to capitalise on the chances they were making for themselves.

Newchurch were very quick on the break, and making some good runs into the Shanklin half but were unable to penetrate our solid back line.

Shanklin really didn’t do themselves any favours by giving Newchurch a little too much space to play their game and playing mostly along the left wing and not using the full width of the pitch effectively.

Although it seemed that Shanklin were pretty much in control of the game, it was swings and roundabouts for most of the first half. Both sides were making runs into each others half but neither side could find the finishing touch that they both desperately wanted, until the 30^th minute when another run up to Newchurch’s 18 yard box saw a cross from the left hand side sail across into some clear space. Striker Ji Nash took full advantage by moving into position and belting the ball into the back of Newchurch’s net.

The second half was much like the first, with Newchurch battling hard to find a way past the Shanklin defence and get a much needed equaliser. Whilst Shanklin were busily trying to respond in kind and get a second goal just to solidify their lead and create a buffer for themselves. Shanklin again made some great goal scoring opportunities for themselves and were playing a terrific game of football. But this resulted in nothing more than several ‘ooh aah!’ moments for players and supporters alike, as yet another shot went just wide, hit the post or was stopped by the efforts of Newchurch’s very able goalie. There were several ‘ooh aah!’ moments at the Shanklin end too as Newchurch made some good attempts at goal too, only to be faced with a similar outcome to Shanklin’s efforts. All in all the second half remained dead-locked, with neither side able to make any headway and the match finished with a 1-0 victory for Shanklin, who move through to the next round of the Isle of Wight Cup.

Many commiserations to Newchurch, who put up a terrific fight and were unlucky not to force the match into extra time, a great effort fellas.

Well done to all the lads who, despite it not being quite as tough, exciting or nail biting as last weeks game, never the less put in a great performance. It’s nice to see a bit of consistency with the lads performance, let’s keep it up for the rest of the season.

This weeks Man of the Match award went to Lewis Bishton who always turns in a solid effort , but whose sheer work rate in this match was outstanding , well done Bish or is that Bishtrum?! (Anyone who knows Butch or Benny will get the joke).

Squad Members: Matt Gibbon, Owen Baker, Jamie Hanmore, Alex Sibley, Ben Ballard, Ryan Brenchley, Sam Lancey (Captain), Connor Kelly, Lewis Bishton, Olly Old, Finlay Jones-West, Ji Nash (1), Matt Jackson .