Saturday 8th November 2008 – Shanklin v Northwood – IW Cup

On a wet and cold afternoon that saw Shanklin dominate this match, the final score didn’t really reflect the game, however, that said Northwood did manage to make 2 goals out of nothing in a lackluster last 20 minutes by the men from the County Ground.

Shanklin started the more dominant which saw some good aggressive attacking play in the early stages. After 10 minutes Shanklin were awarded a penalty after Nick Jewell was brought down in the box. Up stepped the re-called Luke Hatch who side stepped the ball into the keepers diving  hands.

Shanklin continued to attack the Northwood goal and with their backs to the wall the cowes team conceded a free kick 20 yards out. Up stepped the re-called Luke Hatch, the one that cant score from 12 yards, and slotted the ball into the bottom left hand side of the net. A cracking free kick, 1-0 after 14 minutes.

With Northwood defending bravely, and Shanklin having most of the play, another free kick was awarded to Shanklin, this time 25 yards out. Up stepped the re-called Luke Hatch, the one who cant score from 12 yards but can from 20, and slotted the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. Another cracking free kick, 2-0 after 20 minutes.

By this stage Shanklin were having all of the play, and the few times that Northwood did look like breaking, the back three of White, Mikolajec and Chard were too good for them.

In the 38th minutes Trevor Jacques picked the ball up on the half way line and went on a rare run towards the opponents goal. All the crowd expected Jacques to stop, hold the ball up and let the defence get back (like he normally does) but no, he kept running, and running and running, until shock hit him and he realised that not only was he now 8 yards from goal, but he only had the keeper to beat. However, like a scene out of the start of saving private Ryan, a snipper must have been in the trees behind the Cemetry Road end, because as he shot he fell to the ground, skying the ball past the post.

Half time 2 – 0.

The second half started much like the first ended, all Shanklin. Some really good attacking football, some excellent team work saw Stuart Breignan shoot just over the crossbar on 49 minutes. 3 minutes later, a great move between Grant and Jacques saw the latter cross a great ball from the left, only to see Jewell blast high over the bar from 7 yards.

On 55 minutes saw the best move of the match, and probably the best of the season. Jewell picked the ball up on the right hand side on the halfway line and went on a run. 20 yards out he cut in and passed the ball to Doble on the edge of the 18 yard box, a great ball by Sam to Hatch and a through ball splitting the defence by Hatch to Jacques saw Trevor slot the ball past the keeper. A great team goal.

On 55 minutes Hatch was substituted for Alec Breignan. Within 2 minutes of the substitution Northwood had pulled a goal back after an awful free kick somehow made its way through the crowded box and past Lewis.

Almost immediately Shanklin got back on top and with Jewell on the attack the Northwood No.4 had no option to foul him and pick up a caution for his efforts. Nothing came of the resulting free kick ans Shanklin continued to dominate.

On 67 minutes Bartley came on for a tired looking Doble, and within minutes Barltey was shooting at the Northwood goal on the right hand side.

On 70 minutes Jewell made way for Bradings new signing (ex Shanklin of 2 weeks) Dan Hawkins.

Shanklin now seemed to take their foot off the pedal, and gradually Northwood started to pile a little pressure on. Several mistakes saw Lewis get into the game a little bit more, and it wasnt long (81) before Northwood made it 3-2 with a move down the left, cross and shot into the top right corner of the net.

The last 10 minutes saw Shanklin starting to get tired and frustrated and Connor and Jacques were booked.

The final whistle couldn’t come quick enough for the wet supporters and the final score was 3-2.

A mention to young Rob Chard, who just having turned 16, and having been given a chance in the first team has turned out to be a good prospect for the future.

Team: T Lewis, R Chard, D White, D Mikolajec, A Connor, S Breignan, L Hatch, N Jewell, S Grant, S Doble, T Jacques

Subs: D Hawkins, W Bartley, D Hawkins

Referee: Mr J Hopkinson

Sat 1st November 2008 – Shanklin v Denmead & Purbrook  Hampshire Cup

Shanklin (0) v Denmead & Purbrook (4) – Hants Cup

On a day which resembled a tropical storm on the other side of the world, Shanklin never looked like winning this match.

Although starting the stronger of the two sides, Shanklin failed to capitalise on the few chances they had, and there didn’t seem to be any passion within the team in the wild and wet weather.

With Sam Doble being substituted early on in the match due to injury Shanklin lacked fire power up front. Louis Browne who had been injured all week played but looked off the pace.

Will Barltey did his best up front, but for the first time this season he looked out of his depth against the mainland side.

As the pressure continued by the overners Tony lewis was kept busy, and with several good saves it took a while for Denmead to score. Once they did, the flood gates (no pun intended) opened and the mainlanders ran out 4 – 0 winners.

Although there were several first team regular players missing, the starting 11 should really have given the opposition a run for their money.

On a positive note Stuart Breignan and Rob Chard looked sharpe and both had good games as did Lewis.

Another lesson learned and another year over in the Hampshire Cup.

Team:

Lewis, Browne, Mikolajec, White, Farrell, A Breignan, Grant, S Breignan, Doble, Bartley, Jacques

Subs: L Sherry, R Chard, I Bennett

Referee – Mr A Sheath