*The views expressed in match reports are those of the author and not the IW Hockey Club


March 16th 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 - PROMOTION WON!

Southampton University 4th XI    0 -   1   Isle of Wight 2nd XI


To read the match report CLICK HERE

March 1st 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Aldershot & Farnham 3rd XI   0 -   4   Isle of Wight 2nd XI


To read the match report CLICK HERE

February 23rd 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   1   -   1   Andover


To read the match report CLICK HERE

February 16th 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Fordingbridge 2nd XI    4   -   7   Isle of Wight 2nd XI*

*Game awarded 5 - 0 to IW after rule breach by Fordingbridge

To read the match report CLICK HERE

February 2nd 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Bournemouth 4th XI   2   -   0   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

January 26th 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   4   -   1   US Portsmouth 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

January 12th 2008 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Lavant   0   -   0   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

December 1st 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   4   -   1   Portsmouth University 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

November 24th 2007 - Hampshire Open League division 4

Southampton 4th XI   2  -   2    Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

November 17th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1

Salisbury   3   -   3   Isle of Wight

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   2   -   2   Aldershot & Farnham 3rd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

November 10th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1

Isle of Wight   3   -   3   Haslemere

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4

Andover 3rd XI   1   -   2   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE
 

November 3rd 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1

Portsmouth University   4   -   15   Isle of Wight

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   12   -   0   Fordingbridge

To read the match report CLICK HERE

October 27th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1@Amery Hill

Isle of Wight   4   -   4   Weymouth

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4@Smallbrook Stadium

Gosport 1898   1   -   5   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

October 20th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1@Amery Hill

Alton   8   -   1   Isle of Wight

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4@Smallbrook Stadium

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   4   -   1   Bournemouth 4th XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

October 13th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1@Smallbrook

Isle of Wight   6   -   1   Aldershot & Farnham

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Burnaby Road

US Portsmouth 2nd XI   0   -   4   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

To read the match report CLICK HERE

Hampshire Open League Division 7 @Smallbrook

Isle of Wight 3rd XI   8   -   4   Fleet & Ewshot 4th XI

to read the match report CLICK HERE

October 6th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Hamble School

Hamble   11   -   2   Isle of Wight

During the season various players have a "bad" game, some have one others have a few, but rarely do these bad games occur for every player on the same day, but against Hamble this was the case.

The Island started poorly and soon conceded from a well worked short corner, from that moment the visitors were pinned in their own half for the large majority of the first half conceding another 4 goals in the process. The second half started with more promise for the Island when their first "good" passage of hockey resulted in T.HOWSAM converting a Horwell cross.

Not wanting to give the Island anymore hope the home side stepped back on the gas and soon had stretched their lead even further. P.BUTT added a late consolation creeping in unmarked at the far post to slot home. Although a poor performance all round by the Island credit must go to the home side who's organised and well drilled side produced some of the best hockey the IW has come up against resulting in the heaviest league defeat for the Island's premier side.

The team will be looking to put this game behind them and resume normal service by bouncing back against Aldershot & Farnham this weekend push back is 1pm at Smallbrook Stadium.

October 6th 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @A very very posh school

Petersfield Panthers   0   -   3   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

CLICK HERE to read the match report   

September 29th 2007 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Smallbrook

Isle of Wight 1st XI   1   -   3   Basingstoke

After sailing through their pre-season friendlies the Island were brought back to reality in their first league encounter of the season. The clear step up in pace and quality compared to the warm-up games took the home side by surprise and by the time they had re-adjusted to league hockey they found themselves 2-0 down , with Basingstoke's 1st coming from a lucky short corner which deflected off the post, sailed inches past three Island defenders, and landed at the feet of the only Basingstoke forward nearby. The 2nd was also a lucky goal when a cross-come-shot found it way past Clarke.

The Island regrouped and found the gears at which they should be playing, creating a passage of attacking play but were just lacking the final ball. With both teams cancelling each other out the remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair with the Island having the best of the chances forcing the away keeper to make a number of top draw saves.

The second half was much more open with both sides creating chances and both keepers pulling off numerous saves , to the frustration of Island striker Horwell who just couldn't seem to get the beating of an away keeper 'on a mission'. It was Basingstoke though who again slotted home with a effort from an acute angle creaping through the legs of a wrong footed Clarke. With the IW starting to think it just wasn't going to be their day a short corner routine from Johnston and B.HORWELL resulted in the latter finally slotting past a seemingly unbeatable keeper. The Island's renewed belief saw them surge forward and mount a prolonged attack on the Basingstoke defence and when a cross from Horwell was deflected goalwards by a diving Heaven-Gandy the home side's players and supporters celebrated, but to the amazement of all watching the heroics of the away keeper were there to be seen once again as even though already diving the wrong way he managed to deflect the effort around the post. 

With time running out the Island continued to press but to no avail leaving Basingstoke to take the spoils in a game which on another day could have easily been 3-1 to the Island.

September 29th 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Smallbrook

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   6   -   0   Lavant

CLICK HERE to read the match report


September 22nd 2007 - Pres-season friendly @Smallbrook

Isle of Wight   4  -  1   Southampton 3rd XI

Although the Island did not produce their most impressive pre-season display, a solid performance made sure a victory was never in doubt. Scoring 20 goals in the last two games many thought the Island would continue their form in front of goal but it wasn't to be with many early chances being wasted by the recently prolific attack.

The Island finally took the lead thanks to right half C.SIMMONDS who crept in at the far post to convert a Horwell cross. The game itself was much more open than the home side had expected with Southampton looking threatening on the counter attack searching for the equalizer. It was the Island though who found the target again with C.WILKES finishing a clever short corner routine between Heaven-Gandy and Young. It was then HEAVEN-GANDY's turn to add his name to the score sheet when Woodford blocked an attempted clearance and slotted it through for the midfielder to round the keeper and slot home his 6th goal in 3 games.

With the Island finally looking like they had found the form shown in the last 2 weeks the half time whistle couldn't have come soon enough for Southampton leaving the score 3-1 at the half time break. The second half started much like the first with both sides enjoying chances as the game's high pace started to create large spaces in midfield for both teams to exploit.

The Island slowly began to find their feet again creating only half chances before a short corner from Horwell was deflected in off the crossbar by Heaven-Gandy only to be ruled out for an earlier offence. This seemed to wake the island up and it wasn't long before C.SIMMONDS crept in at the far post to rifle home and end any Southampton chance of a late come-back.

The Island entertain Basingstoke this weekend in their first league game of the season and will need to continue their pre-season form to ensure the best possible start. The fixture is at smallbrooke stadium, push back 1.15pm

September 22nd 2007 - Pre-season friendly @Eastleigh

Eastleigh 2nd XI   2   -   4   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

The IW 2nd XI put in a solid – if unspectacular – performance to dispatch a rough Eastleigh side in their final friendly of the pre-season. Again the result was not as important as the performance, but the Island will feel confident of a good performance going into this weekend’s opening league clash against Lavant at Smallbrook.

Eastleigh started off confidently but posed little threat up front as the Island’s defence dealt with any attacked they faced. Meanwhile up the other end the Island ’s forwards and midfielders were creating chances but none were converted. Skipper Ball was the first to test the home team’s resolve as his drive cannoned off the post, and IW forward Bruce inadvertently turned defender when his knee was unfortunate to get in the way of a shot that was destined for the corner. Yes, it hurt - cue JP's classic quote of 'where did it hit you' despite a huge imprint of a ball on Brucey's knee cap. 'There' he said. 

The pressure finally told as from a short corner routine, a rebound fell to Arnold and the midfielder prodded home. 1- 0 at half time. Although playing well, the Island were keen to get a quick goal at the start of the second half but it was the home side who struck first from a short-corner routine after just a few minutes. Undeterred, the Island soon restored their lead through a brilliant team goal. The Stubbings brothers combined to see Ollie lay on a defence-splitting pass to his brother Felix who made no mistake and slotted home.

Again though Eastleigh came back and managed to scored a debatable second. The ball was deflected to a forward who swept home, although it clearly hit an Eastleigh foot in the build-up. This particularly annoyed the Island, as the visitors had owned up and played fair should decisions be missed, such as a ball going out or a foot foul. However, although some Eastleigh players clearly felt the goal should not have stood, the player who scored (more about him later) told the umpire it was 'all about winning' and demanded the goal be allowed - which it was, and to be fair to the umpire he could not really disallow it as he had not seen the foul despite telling the player if there was an infringement, in the interests of fairness he should own up. After play was held up for a few minutes while players from both sides remonstrated, play restarted and again the Island restored their lead, this time through a powerful drive from McKnight, to give Eastleigh a message that the visitors were non-too happy at their tactics of not playing fair.  

Bruce was to give the Island a cushion, scoring five minutes from the end with a well placed shot. There was still time for a hot-headed Eastleigh player (yes, the guy from earlier), who seemed to think this game was a cup final, and he got himself sent off after he shoved Arnold in the back after a truly shocking series of stick tackles on the Island midfielder. He was lucky that his continued expletives towards the umpire were not heard, as it could easily have been a red card. 4 -2 was how it finished. Game won, and a seven year voodoo broken of the Island finally winning a game in their away strip. Last four away games in the away strip for any side, 5-0, 11-0, 9-0, 7-0 losses, as you can see, we are glad to get that one out the way.

Overall a satisfactory result and a solid performance for the Island who will hope to get their league campaign off to a good start against Lavant this Saturday.

September 15th 2007 - Pre-season friendlies @Priestlands

New Milton 1st XI   1  -  11   Isle of Wight 1st XI

CLICK HERE to read the match report

New Milton 2nd XI   2  -  2   Isle of Wight 2nd XI

CLICK HERE to read the match report

September 8th 2007 - Pre-season friendly @Smallbrook Stadium

Isle of Wight   9  -  4   Leatherhead

The Isle of Wight 1st XI played their first pre-season friendly of the season and after some nervy moments blew away the challange of Surrey outfit Leatherhead. With a new coaching set-up and fitness regime in the club this year, it was good to see how the players would cope after three months off and playing in very warm conditions.  

The Island could have scored after 20 seconds but it did not take too long for the home side to open the scoring with Horwell blasting home after two minutes. However Leatherhead put together a neat passing move on the counter-attack and levelled soon after. Horwell scored again as two goals were exchanged and the forward completed his hattrick twenty minutes into the half before Heaven-Gandy got his first. Leatherhead then scored again before the break to leave the score 4-3 at the interval.

With the heat and fitness levels beginning to affect the visitors, the Island side stepped up a gear in the second half and produced some impressive flowing hockey. Horwell scored his fourth of the game while Heaven-Gandy chipped in with two more to complete his hat-trick. Captain Johnston got on the scored sheet before Butler rounded off the scoring near the end. Leatherhead were not to be outdone as they grabbed a second-half consolation to leave the final score at 9-4. Despite the scoreline, there were areas highlighted that need work on if the Island are to challenge for the top spots in the Hampshire League 1st XI Division.
    Horwell scored four

There are two more scheduled friendly games this weekend as both the Isle of Wight 1st and 2nd XI teams take on their New Milton counterparts in a double header in Lymington. The first game starts at 12pm with the second at 1'30pm.

March 17th 2007 - HOL Division 4 @Smallbrook Stadium

Sledge that!

Isle of Wight II   3   -   2   Andover III

The Isle of Wight 2nd XI popped the Champagne corks on Saturday after securing third spot in the Hampshire Open League Division 4. The finish represents a great turn around for the side, who last season were alomst relegated from the division - which despite its name is actualy the second-highest division in the Open League. And the club has also been told the team may still win promotion depending on how the leagues above the side are restructed over the next few weeks.  

Needing a win against Andover to secure 3rd, the game exploded into life in the first few moments. The Isle of Wight won a penalty corner on their first attack, and Ball drag-flicked home the opener after just 30 seconds to score the quickest goal of the season. But less than a minute later, Andover were level when they went up the other end and scored. Things got even more bizarre soon after, when Andover broke away and scored again, meaning that in the first 3 minutes of the game, the Island had gone from leading 1 - 0 to losing 2 - 1.


Andover were also using the tactic of 'sledging' to good effect throught the game. This is where opposition players constantly taunt and insult the home side, but all out of ear shot of the umpire. This only served to inspire the Island to make their visitors shut-up, and they were rewarded when a shot from Butler was deliberatley kicked off the line. A penalty flick was awarded and Ball duly dispatched the equaliser, with the Andover defender lucky to stay on the pitch.

2 -2 at half time, but in the second half the Island began dominating. Andover rarely threatened after the break, and any attacks were stopped by the home defence. The pace of Dixon was causing problems for Andover, and his run into the area led to a chance, but he shot wide. The impressive Andy Graham went close, as did Scott Edgington, but after sixty minutes the Island got the winner. A defensive error saw the ball deflect into the area, and Butler ran in and hit an insinctive first time reverse stick shot. It bounced off the keeper and went in to score what was probably one of the most satisfying goals for the team this season.  

No further chances came, and the Island held on to secure third in the league. The sledging from Andover continued up too and after the final whistle, but the points were won. This weekend in what is the final league match, the Island take on University of Portsmouth.

March 10th 2007 - HOL Division 4 @The Arena

Island claim first win at Lavant since 2003

Lavant    0   -   1   Isle of Wight II

A win against Andover this Saturday will secure a third place finish for the 2nd XI as they got back to winning ways at Chichester-based Lavant. The home side are struggling in the league, but why they are so low is a mystery, as on their day they can beat anyone. Lavant have not been thrashed in any of their games this season despite being in the bottom three, and they showed why in the sunshine.  

In truth, the Isle of Wight played one of their better games this season, and needed to get back to winning ways after three successuve league and cup defeats. They certainly started on the front foot, forcing the home keeper into an early save. The Island's defence were dealing with any attackes, although the Lavant winger was showing why he was by far the team's best player with several penentrating runs.  

The Isle of Wight thought they had taken the lead when Ball scored his trademark drag-flick from a short corner, and cerainly the Lavant players thought it had counted as no one protested, but the goal was ruled out by the home umpire after it was awarded, who claimed the ball was not inside the area when it was flicked.  

Undeterred, the next best chance fell to the Island midway through the half when Borrett was sent one-on-one with the keeper, but he failed to take advantage and the home keeper cleared. However, the visitors pressure soon paid off when Stubbings played a neat 1 - 2 with Butler, and flicked the ball over the advancing keeper into the goal.  

The second half was much like the first - Lavant were always dangerous but lacked the killer punch, while the Island created the better chances. Dixon came agonisingly close when his shot hit the post, Austin came within a whisker of connecting with a cross, and a rising shot from Butler smacked the keeper square in the chest, but the ball simply would not go in. Despite a few nervy moments in the closing stages, the Island held on for a deserved win.  

This weekend Andover visit for the final home match of the season, where three points would guarantee 3rd spot in the league for the Island side.

February 10th 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Whale Island

Island complete double over Portsmouth

City of Portsmouth   1   -   2   Isle of Wight II

The Island made the short trip across the Solent and came away with three hard earned points against the bottom placed team. But how this COP side is bottom is a mystery, as they were more than a match for an Island side that is now lying second in the Hampshire Open League. CoP had won thier last match, and were much stronger than the side that were so heavily beaten by the Island in November. The first half belonged to the visitors, who carved open the opposition defence on a number of occasions, but lacked the killer punch at first.
Andy Graham scored

The break through was to come about fifteen minutes into the first half. A team move saw Ball sent free and he in turn set up Scott Edgington - who smashed home.

More Island attacks followed, and youngster Andy Graham was soon to benefit as he met the end of the cross and the ball looped in. Ball had another good opportunity when through on goal, but his flick went narrowly wide. 2-0 was how the sides went in.

The second half was a different story, as CoP more than matched the Island. The visitors nearly went three up, but Austin prodded wide from another cross, and Ball again went close. The home side got a break through ten minutes in when they scored from a short-corner routine. They could've been awarded a penalty soon after, when the ball was cleared off the line, but it appeared to hit a shin - meaning a flick could have been awarded. But strong defending from the Island meant CoP were not to threaten again, and the Island held on for a win.  

This weekend is a promotion six pointer - as fifth place Haslemere visit Smallbrook Stadium. A win for the Island would mean they'll almost be guaranteed a top four finish, and with three teams due to go up, promotion remains a real possibility for the side that avoided relegation on the last day of last season. 

February 3rd 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Smallbrook Stadium

Revenge for Island

Isle of Wight   2   -   0   Petersfield Panthers

How is lightning actually formed? why does the quack of a duck not echo? why is Leonardo Di Caprio playing a South African diamond runner in his latest film?. All these things happen but not one scientist knows why. The same theory applies to the Isle of Wight’s latest game – in which they somehow managed to beat a side despite playing terrible for about 60 of the 70 minutes. If this was a boxing match, the Island wouldn’t have got past round 3.

The Island simply had to win this one to maintain their unexpected push for promotion. Petersfield are very similar to the Isle of Wight with the right balance of youth and experience at the back – this promised to be a cracker. Sadly for the home side, the only cracking they were doing was banging their heads against a wall, as they struggled to even get out of their own area – let alone half - in the first ten minutes. But the day would belong to the Island’s defence, which at times was simply unbelievable. Pearson, Curtis, and the very impressive Butt – who normally plays up front but put at left back due to injuries – formed a concrete barrier tougher than the one surrounding Parliament.

Wave after wave of Petersfield attacks came, and time after time, the ball was deflected away, and gradually the Island managed to find their feet, forging some attacks. Edgington again performed brilliantly in goal, as Petersfield began to get the impression this was not to be their day. Butler tested the keeper with a rising effort, Ball went close while the Stubbings brothers also saw efforts saved, but Petersfield were always dangerous.

As half time approached, the Island got a breakthrough they barely deserved. An attack down the right saw the ball crossed, only to deflect off a Petersfield foot and into the air towards the back line. The visitors stopped, expecting the foul to be given, but Borrett popped up at the back post and hit the ball in. The goal was awarded despite Petersfield’s protests – but the umpire played a very good advantage and the goal correctly stood.

1-0 at half time, but Captain Ball was rightly far from happy, and told his players. This seemed to spark the Island in the second half, who began looking more like the side that is sitting pretty in joint second in the league table.  They created more chances, but Petersfield were still out shooting them two to one.

The Island were dealt a blow when Pearson went off with an injury, and McKnight pulled a muscle, meaning the team were effectively playing with only nine fit outfield players. But any attacks were again gobbled up by the outstanding Island defence. Petersfield missed a golden opportunity when a forward shot across the goal, and they had a goal correctly disallowed from a penalty corner.

The injured Pearson came on up front to create space as Petersfield left gaps at the back  as they pushed forward. This was to prove their downfall, as a long ball found Pearson via the stick then foot of Butler. No foul was called, and Pearson slipped the ball back to Butler, who breezed past a defender to go one on one with the keeper. The forward made no mistake, smashing a rocket into the corner of the net that left the keeper with no chance.

2-0 the final score, but the Island in no way deserved this. They can count themselves very lucky, and will need to build on the win to keep up their hopes of promotion. Special mention goes to the Island’s defence, which had its best game of the season. Curtis, Ball, Austin, Pearson, McKnight and in particular Butt were all brilliant at the back, while keeper Edgington was outstanding again. Young Ollie Stubbings also played very well against defenders more than twice his height and age.

This weekend is a trip to basement club City of Portsmouth – but the Island will be wary as COP won their first match against a side who held the Isle of Wight to a draw. It’s an early start as well, with a 10’30 push back.

January 13th - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Smallbook Stadium

Island start 2007 with win

Isle of Wight   2   -   1   Portsmouth & Southsea

The Island started the second half of the season with an excellent all round display to gain victory over an inform Portsmouth side who were unbeaten since early November. The game started slowly with both sides struggling to find any real hold on the game after the festive break, but after 10 minutes the excess turkey and Christmas pudding had been burned off and both sides started to play some fast flowing attractive hockey. This lead to many chances being created and both keepers being called into action on numerous occasions. It was the Island who took the advantage when a through ball found its way to Horwell who played in S.JOHNSTON to drill home low and hard into the bottom corner. The half continued to be fast, end to end hockey with both sides battling hard to try and gain every advantage possible, but with both defences playing superbly the impressive looking attacks from both sides came to nothing leaving the half time score 1-0.

The second half continued much as the first had ended with both defences acting like prison walls in front of their goalkeepers who also were playing outstandingly themselves to keep the scores down. With the Island starting to come under more and more pressure Portsmouth started to create clearer chances with Simmonds heroically clearing off the line on numerous occasions, but despite the Islands efforts an equaliser came when an unlucky rebound fell to a Portsmouth striker who tapped into an open net. This prompted some of the most nail biting, frantic, and exciting hockey this season with a mix of hard tackles, pieces of individual brilliance and top quality saves filling the remainder of the game. With the Island eager for victory the last 10 minutes became almost attack versus defence with the Island throwing all they had at an impressive Portsmouth defence,which, to the Islands frustration held strong, until a short corner found its way to T.YOUNG who brilliantly flicked the ball across the face of the goal into the corner of the net.

MOM Tom Young

This weekend the Island travel to Weymouth this weekend hoping to go one better than the 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

January 13th 2007 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Kings College

Island overpower Camberley

Camberley & Farnborough   0   -   5   Isle of Wight II

The Isle of Wight 2nd XI began the second part of the season in rampant fashion as they overpowered C & F in Surrey. The team were forced to reshuffle their line-up as four regular players were all missing from the side that has remained unbeaten since October. Pete McKnight was called up in defence while young Andy Graham again made the trip. The visitors were in control almost from the start as they pressurised their opponents, looking to use their superior pace down the flanks and through the middle. The home keeper was having a good game, but it was only a matter of time before the Island scored - and after ten minutes they did, although it was a touch fortunate. A shot was saved and found its way back to Butler at the top left of the area. The forward then hit a reverse-stick cross back into the centre, but the keeper attempted to block it, only to fumble the ball into his own goal. This was the cue for the Island to push on, and they continued to attack in a relentless fashion. Butt, Butler, Austin and Ward all went close, while Ball was a constant threat.
    Patrick Butt

It took another ten minutes before the Island went two goals up - and satisfyingly it was from a short-corner, which have been so good for the team this year. A pre-set routine saw the ball passed to Ball, who swept home. Camberley went close up the other end which served as a warning, but the Island went into the break 2-0 up.

The second half was much the same as the first, although Camberley themselves seemed to find a new gear. The Island soon went three up when the impressive Butt shot across the goal, and Butler was in the right place to poke the ball home. This became 4-0 soon after the Ball broke through and smashed home from the edge of the area. Camberley though were beginning to have a say in the match, and were all of a sudden posing a threat to the Island's defence. The outstanding Pete McKnight was preventing almost everything getting past him, while the ever-reliable Pearson, Curtis and Baldwin were again proving to be rocks at the back. The Island had to endure a nervy five minutes when Camberley were camped in the Island's area, only to be met with the brick wall that was keeper Luke Edgington who produced two stunning saves, including a diving effort that any international keeper would've been proud of.

Having survived a mini-onslaught, the Island then showed Camberley how it should be done as a sequence of passes saw the ball passed onto the stick of Butt, who swept home. More chances were created but were missed, while the Island repelled any attacks on its defence. The game did have one final moment to remember, when Butt scored with an excellent shot, but literally as the ball crossed the line, the final whistle went, meaning the goal was disallowed.

This weekend sees the Island face what is their biggest game of the season as HOL4 leaders Michlemersh & Timsbury visit Smallbrook Stadium in a first vs second clash. Start time is 12pm.

December 9th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Smallbrook

Island denied win against leaders

Isle of Wight   2   -   2   Andover

The Island we left kicking themselves after only taking one point from this fixture against unbeaten league leaders Andover. The game started very evenly with both sides enjoying plenty of possession and creating numerous early chances. Despite many fearing a heavy defeat it was the Island who started to take control and were soon rewarded for some clever hockey when B.HORWELL scored a breathtaking individual goal beating 4 defenders before smashing home. The Island continued to control the game and added another before half time when a short corner routine between Gordon, Heaven-Gandy, and HORWELL was perfectly executed with the later netting his 10th of the season. The Island went into the halftime break 2-0 up and full of confidence after a convincing and impressive first half performance.

The second half continued as the first half had started with the Island in control, although both sides created many half chances. With the away side trailing and starting to panic they started to up the pace and create more and more chances, this prompted the Island to employ a tactic they rarely use sitting back and soaking up the pressure. The Island coped well with the onslaught and were looking good for the win when disaster stuck. Heaven-Gandy was controversially sin-binned and Gordon was carried off injured which disrupted the Island’s formation. H-Gandy returned with the Island still 2-0 to the good and defending strongly with Simmonds in total control of a defensive unit which was holding firm. With only 2 mins to go a neat move from the away side eventually broke the Island defense and the Andover forward make no mistake. With the defense having played a near perfect game it was ironic that the equalizer would happen to be from a defensive howler, when the restart was played back to the Island defense and a mix up led to the ball being presented to the Andover attack with a clear run at goal and they made no mistake leaving the home side frustrated.

Although the Island were disappointed with the final result they were still extremely pleased with the performance and would have been delighted with a draw before the game. Pictures are courtesy of Island Lifestyles 2020.

December 9th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Smallbrook

Island overcome students

Isle of Wight II   3   -   2   University of Portsmouth

The Island goes into the four week Christmas break sitting in 2nd in the Hampshire Open League after a tense 3-2 win over the students of Portsmouth. Until recently, UoP had been on a very impressive run, scoring over 30 goals in just four games, but had lost their last two, while the Island were on a four game winning streak. It was the visitors who started very well, hardly letting the Island touch the ball in the first ten minutes, and a win seemed on the cards for the Mainlanders. But the students were too often guilty of over-playing and trying audacious passes when a shot or simple pass would've been better.

After getting back into the game, the Island made them pay when they scored at the second time of asking. Having won a penalty corner, the Island scored from a rebound, only for the visiting umpire to rule out the goal, claiming he had blown a whistle which no one else appeared to hear. But this setback did not matter, as from the very next move, the Island scored through Borrett, who was again in the right place to follow up on a rebound. Having found their flow, the Island continued to pressure their opponents, and soon doubled their lead through leading scorer Ball, who powered home from another penalty corner. Portsmouth did score just before the break, but the goal was correctly ruled out as it was kicked in after a very honest visiting player admitted the foul. It stayed 2-0 at the break, but the students were not out of the game.

The Island started the second half on fire, and were all over the Mainland side from the restart. The home team won another short corner, and from a well-rehearsed routine, Austin poked home at the far post. But the Island were to be frustrated again, as this goal was ruled out for the ball touching the back of the stick. About half way into the second half, Portsmouth got a break-through when they scored – again from a penalty corner routine. It was the first goal the Island's defence had conceded in more than 200 minutes of play. Slightly rattled, the Island had another goal disallowed, before youngster Andy Graham scored his first senior goal. The 14 year old, who only recently began playing the sport, pushed the ball home from the top of the area, again following a penalty corner routine.

This was the gap the Island needed, although two controversial moments were to follow in the final few minutes. Portsmouth University won a penalty corner, and a shot appeared to be brilliantly cleared off the line by Ball. However, the visiting umpire immediately gave the 'goal' despite being stood behind three players and not in line with the goal-line. A furious Edgington was booked for protesting, and several Island players were warned as they did a Chelsea and surrounded the umpire., but the protests fell on deaf ears. With the final whistle approaching, the Island deployed a keep-ball tactic and kept the ball in the far corner, but then came the next controversial moment.

The rules say the ball must always be moving, which Skipper Alan Ball was doing perfectly legally while shielding the ball. But the visiting umpire decided he did not want this, and blew the whistle for a foul. When asked what it was for, he replied 'I am not having time wasting tactics in this match', despite there being no rules to say back this up. But it was not to matter in the end, as the Island held on for a deserved win.

The team enters the Christmas break in 2nd in the HOL4 and a gap is beginning to open between the top three and the rest of the pack, especially after Petersfield had three points deducted. The next league action is on January 13th away at Camberley & Farnborough.

A special thanks is going out to Martyn Simmonds, who stepped in to umpire and did a sterling job, and also to Jeff Butt, who helped take the students back to Ryde Pier at short notice.

December 2nd 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Smallbrook

Island stunned by Basingstoke late show

Isle of Wight I   2   -   7   Basingstoke

The Island went into this game expecting a tough game and that is exactly what they got. Within the first ten minutes the away side found themselves a goal up. Basingstoke continued to press but the Island equalised just before half time after a good move starting from defence. The ball was shipped to Heaven-Gandy who broke through the centre of the park and found Stubbings in the opposition D, who neatly finished bottom left. With both sides playing open, free flowing hockey, the teams went into the break at one each.

The second half began in the same vein of form but the loss of the Islands mid-field engine, with an injury to Heaven- Gandy, saw the visitors go ahead once more after an exceptional goal-line clearance from Simmonds and some outstanding saves from goal keeper Clarke. Some neat work at the other end from the forward line resulted in a short corner, which the ever-clinical Horwell duly struck into the back of the goal. With the score at two each, something had to give and unfortunately it was the home side. A flurry of moves, including a penalty stroke Clarke would sooner forget, saw the Island concede five late goals.
LHG went off injured

This was especially hard for the home side to stomach after an hour of competing and playing some attractive hockey. The Island will need all their battling qualities right until the final whistle goes on Saturday, as they entertain league leaders Andover at Smallbrook Stadium 2pm.

December 2nd 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @John Hanson School

Island gain revenge at Andover

Andover   0   -   1   Isle of Wight II

The Island returned across the Solent with another three points in the bag and maintained their 2nd spot in the Hampshire Open League Division 4 as they gained revenge against Andover. Last season Andover won this game 6-3 but it was the aftermath that upset the Island players, of which the details shall remain within the club. Going into this game on the back of three wins in a row, the visitors knew Andover would be very strong given their home record this season. As expected, the home side created the better opening exchanges, although the Island did go close through a penalty corner routine and a shot that went close past the post. The home side were always dangerous, and their playmaker in midfield was causing problems for the defence, but any attacks were repelled. Andover had the best chance of the half though, when a forward thought he had scored, only for defender Tiller to produce a brilliant block on the line. An even first half ended with the sides at 0-0.

Andover had obviously done their homework, and were man marking forward Butler as well as wingers Austin and Butt, making the Island's preferred tactic of wing based attacks difficult. But this would eventually play into the Island's hands later on as it forced the Island to attack through the middle. The visitors were playing the better after the break and were creating the better chances. Butler went close, Butt was an inch away from connecting with a pin-point cross, and a shot from Borrett clipped the outside of the post as the Island looked for the illusive goal. Andover thought they had taken the lead, when the ball crossed the line from a short-corner routine. However, the ball was lifted into defender Curtis and was correctly disallowed. Despite Andover's protests, the whistle was clearly blown before the ball went in.
Borrett scored a late winner

With time running out, the Island knew they had to get past the tough home team's defence. A long ball past the defence and towards the wing was chased down by Butler who forced the defender into a mistake, stealing the ball. The forward managed to get to the area and shot a rising effort that was heading in, but the Andover keeper produced a brilliant diving save. But just when the side thought is was not going to be their day, the Island produced a winner in the last minute. A penalty corner was won, and a pre-rehearsed routine was again to prove the Island's success. The ball was played to the edge of the area, before being sent back to Borrett past the defence. His pass then found Butler whose shot was deflected onto a post, only for Borrett to follow up and sweep the ball home. The Island celebrated as if they had won the league, while several Andover players sunk to the ground. Shortly after the restart, the whistle went to complete a memorable and thoroughly deserved victory – the team's fourth in a row.

This weekend sees University of Portsmouth visit Smallbrook Stadium, a team currently in the top four of the table.

November 25th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1

Island repeat friendly win with victory over Fleet

Fleet   1   -  2   Isle of Wight

CLICK HERE for the IW 1st XI v Fleet match report

November 25th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Smallbrook Stadium

Island stumble to third straight win

Isle of Wight   2   -   0   Lavant

CLICK HERE for the IW 2nd XI v Lavant match report

November 18th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 @Smallbrook Stadium

Island wave goodbye to Wayfarers

Isle of Wight   2   -   1   Wimbourne Wayfarers

CLICK HERE for the IW 1st XI v Wimbourne match report

November 18th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @Wide Lane

Impressive Island beat students

Southampton University IV   1   -   3   Isle of Wight II

The Isle of Wight 2nd’s played what was probably their best game for a number of years as they came away from Wide Lane in Southampton with all three points, and continued their impressive early season form. The students are always a very strong team and would’ve fancied their chances against an Island side who despite their 2nd place in the league, hadn’t claimed a win on the road this season. The visitors kept joint top scorer Butler on the bench alongside playmaker Dixon for the first ten minutes to try and catch the students out and give them a false sense of the Island’s tactics and make-up, and this worked in the long run.

The home side started brightly, but the well-drilled Isle of Wight defence held firm and repelled the early attacks. Edgington produced a good save, while the very impressive trio of Pearson, Curtis and Baldwin all made very good tackles to prevent shots on goal. It was the Island though who struck first. A short corner was sent out to Ball who shot – it was cleared back to him and he smashed an unstoppable shot that hit a Southampton defender on the wrist, and bounced up over the keeper into the net. Southampton claimed the goal should not have stood as the ball was lifted, but as it was the second shot on goal during a penalty corner, it can be lifted towards the target and the goal correctly stood. In what was a very open and end to end game, both sides exchanged chances but it was the students who probably should’ve equalised. They broke past what had been the solid Island defence and crossed where a forward completely missed the ball at the far post. The sides went in at half time with the game by no means won.

It was the second half where the Island began to dominate play with their well-drilled tactics and wing play often catching the students out. Butt went close, Stubbings – who was again outstanding – was a constant threat, an Austin and Butler both posed dangerous options for the students to deal with. Around half way into the second period, the Island got the goal that was to prove crucial. A run by Meggeson saw the ball passed to Stubbings who then released Butler at the top of the area – edged it past a defender and hit a shot across the keeper that hit the far post and nestled satisfyingly in the corner. With some breathing space now created, the Island grew in confidence while also dealing with any attacks, although Southampton were always dangerous going forward.

The Island went 3-0 up with ten minutes to go through a very well worked team goal. A short corner was cheekily played back to Ball using a clever reverse stick pass that completely foxed the students, the ball was hit past the keeper and Austin was in the right place to prod home. After this, the Island played keepball by using the corners of the pitch to good effect, and could’ve kept a clean sheet but Southampton were rewarded for their efforts with a consolation two minutes from time.

Special mention should go to the umpires who were both outstanding and it shows just how good and enjoyable a game can be when it is played in the right manner and the right spirit. The students should also be thanked for their excellent hospitality at their outstanding facilities, who were gracious in defeat.

November 11th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Amery Hill

Island push leaders all the way

Alton   5   -   2   Isle of Wight

The Island suffered defeat against fellow league newcomers Alton in a very close encounter. Unlike the home side the Island started badly and quickly found themselves behind after a well work move caught the Island by surprise. This bad start quickly got worse as Alton continued to press and before the visitors had begun to find their feet they had increased their lead adding 2 more without reply.

With 20 minutes until half time the Island finally started to play the hockey Alton had expected of them stepping up the tempo and taking control of the game. This quickly lead to the Island pulling one back with an inch perfect, powerful effort from T.YOUNG after good work from Simmonds on the right. The Island continued to pile on the pressure in the dying stages of the half and were rewarded when HEAVEN-GANDY deflected Horwell's short corner effort into the roof of the net.

With confidence high the Island went into the break the much better side with Alton glad the half time whistle had stopped the onslaught but this was short lived as again the Island started slowly and were quickly punished. With defeat drawing closer the Island had to start taking chances, this left them exposed in defence and vulnerable to the fast counter attacking hockey that Alton employ very effectively. With the visitors pressing for goals Alton grabbed another with a precise counter attack leaving the Island a near impossible task with only minutes to go. This weekend the team entertain Wimbourne Wayfarers at Smallbrook Stadium.

November 11th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Smallbrook Stadium

Island take first big scalp as Trojans beaten in stormy encounter

Isle of Wight II   2   -   1   Trojans IV

Great goals, injuries, counter-attacks, controversy, and last minute drama. This match had all of that in abundance during a stormy encounter at Smallbrook Stadium on Saturday as the Isle of Wight 2nd XI claimed their first major scalp of the season, and with it 2nd spot in the Hampshire Open League Division 4. Trojans are a very good team and were lying in 2nd ahead of the weekend having won all but one of their games this season. Last season the Island would’ve lost this one, but such has been the side’s transformation under Skipper Alan Ball that the team were confident of causing an upset.

It was the Island who started well and created the first few chances which went begging with the visiting keeper pulling off a great save from a penalty corner and also preventing Butt from close range. Trojans though were always dangerous and but for some brilliant goalkeeping from Edgington – who had his best game of the season – the visitors could’ve been in the lead. But it was the Island who broke through first when Ball finished off a mazy run by slipping the ball past the keeper at his near post to give the home side a deserved lead. A shocked Trojans then began to show why they’re in the position they are with some very good attacking moves, but again the Island’s defence held firm.

Simon Butler scored a last minute winner

Then came the first controversial moment of the match. The Island attacked and during a goal-mouth scramble, Austin poked the ball which appeared to cross the line before it was cleared. The visiting umpire immediately blew the whistle and signaled for a goal, but then changed his mind and disallowed the ‘goal’ after talking to Trojans players. Somewhat rattled and perhaps a touch unhappy, the Island went in at the break a goal up, but knew the result was not safe.

The second half probably belonged to Trojans overall, who launched a number of attacks on the Island’s defence while the home side looked to break-away on the counter-attack. The Island held firm for twenty minutes of the second period, but then came another controversial moment. The visiting umpire gave Trojans a penalty-corner after seeing a foul that not many other people seemed to see, and it was from this they equalised. The ball was initially cleared but fell to the winger who hit the ball back into the area – it hit a post and fell to a Trojans forward who had a simple task of prodding into an empty net.

This could’ve easily have disrupted the Isle of Wight and they had keeper Edgington to thank for keeping the scores level as he produced a brilliant save to divert a shot onto a post. But with time ticking away, the Island began forcing a number of attacks and were finishing the stronger against Trojans who began to tire. And drama was to come in the last minute as the Island forced a penalty corner. The ball was sent out to Butler who took one touch before shooting goalwards – it hit the keeper’s stick and deflected into the roof of the net to give the Island a 2-1 lead with seconds to play. Straight from the restart the Island intercepted the ball and soon after the final whistle was blown to end a very stormy but entertaining game.

The result sees the Island move to second spot in the Hampshire Open League who after seven games now need only three more points to equal the total they amassed all last season. This weekend is a trip to Southampton University.

November 4th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Woolmer Hill

Brilliant spectacle as Island claim impressive draw

Haslemere IV 3   -   3   Isle of Wight II

The Isle of Wight II’s are beginning to live up to their potential after twice coming from behind to claim a well-deserved point at Haslemere. Going into the match on the back of a 6-0 win over Portsmouth, the visitors knew it would tough against a side who are always very strong at their own ground, but were confident of pushing their opponents all the way. It was the Island who started well and created chances up front but could not get the break-through against a well-drilled home side. Chances were exchanged, but it was the home side who went in front when a forward sneaked in at the far post to sweep home from a cross. Butler wasted a good chance to equalise and Stubbings, Butt and Dixon also tested the home defence as the Island grew in confidence. But the Island were to fall further behind when Haslemere doubled their lead prior to half time from well worked move.

A team-talk seemed to pep up the Island during the break, and they came out a completely different team, although their plans were disrupted just a minute into the second half. Defender Curtis bravely blocked a shot, but the ball rebounded off the forward’s stick and hit him on the head which resulted in him having to leave the field for most of the remainder of the game for treatment. But while Haslemere hoped the enforced change would disrupt the Island, the opposite happened as the Island began dictating play. They got a vital break-through five minutes into the second half when K.Arnold hit a well placed pass to Butler who turned a defender and shot first time into the net through the keeper’s legs. And things got better when two minutes later the Island forced a short corner which kindly fell to Austin from a rebound and he poked home the equaliser.

Sensing a shock on the cards, the home side regrouped and re-took the lead soon after. But within a minute, the scores were level when Stubbings, who is getting a reputation for scoring solo wonder-goals, beat at least five players before placing the ball past the keeper into the net. A great spectacle then followed with counter-attacking hockey of the highest quality on show as the ball was literally pinged from one area to the other in a frantic spell which kept the sizable crowd watching on tenterhooks. The Island were lucky not to go behind from a goal-mouth scramble that must have lasted at least a minute with every defender at one point blocking a goal bound shot.

Felix Stubbings scored the 3rd

Keeper Edgington also produced two top-drawer saves to deny Haslemere but it was the Island who nearly claimed a win when Butler shot from the edge of the area only to see the keeper somehow keep out the ball at his far post.

Overall a draw was probably the right result, although the nature of the performance and the spirit in which it was played made this draw feel as good as a win for the Island, who lie third in the table after six games. At this point last season they were second bottom. This weekend Trojans visit Smallbrook Stadium, a side currently second in the table and looking like favorites to be promoted come March.

October 28th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Wide Lane

Students stun Island

Southampton University   5   -   3   Isle of Wight

The Island slumped to their 2nd defeat of the season after never really recovering from a slow first 20 minutes that left them trailing 2-0. The game started with the Island on the back foot with the university side starting very quickly and positively, causing the visitors defence a few problems which they managed to deal with comfortably. The Southampton onslaught continued however and it was only a matter of time before they broke through scoring two in quick succession. This seemed to awake the quiet Island side and they began to start playing some of the hockey that has become expected of them over the last few weeks, resulting in a shot from Horwell being saved only to find T.YOUNG at the top of the area who first time hit an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net. The game then became open with both sides creating chances, Southampton slotting in their 3rd and S.JOHNSTON precisely converting a well worked Island short corner to take the Island into half time trailing 3-2.

The second half started with the visitors being the better side and they had soon pulled themselves level with T.YOUNG expertly finishing off a great move involving Horwell and fellow midfielders Gordon and Heaven-Gandy. This raised the IW's confidence and frustrated the Uni side who started to lose their discipline resulting to several cards being issued. However after a period of panic in the Southampton side they regained their shape and ended the game as they had started it and scored their 4th. With the Island pressing for the winner they were caught on the break by the Uni side who then added a 5th again on the break with the Island side flooding forward in search of an equaliser. Man of the Match was jointly T.Gordon and C.Arnold.


October 28th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Smallbrook Stadium

Island 'COP' the lot

Isle of Wight II   6   -   0   City of Portsmouth

A hat-trick from skipper Alan Ball helped the Island cruise to a comfortable win against their near opponents in the Hampshire Open League. The Island started as they meant to go on, forcing a penalty corner in the first minute which was missed. But the home side never looked back, and soon began dominating play all over the park. The Island took the lead after ten minutes through Stubbings who beat four players before calmly slotting home. This became two soon after when Dixon was first to react to a drilled free hit to deflect the ball home in a move off the training ground. Ball then got his first of the match as he smashed home from the top of the area and he was to add his second before half time with a tap-in.

Sensing a big score, the Island continued to play well after the break, creating numerous chances, and but for some good goalkeeping and missed shots, the Island could've had a cricket score. Bruce scored his first goal for the club since joining from Woking in the summer as he was first to a saved shot to flick over the stranded keeper, and Ball completed his hat-trick with a drag-flick from a penalty corner routine. On the rare occasions COP did threaten the Island, the defence comfortably dealt with any attacks. Despite continuing to pressure their opponents the Island couldn't add to the scoreline.

Such was the home team's domination of this game, Portsmouth did not have a single shot on goal in the entire match. The closest they came was hitting the side-netting from their only penalty corner which was rather amusingly given as a goal at first but after the umpire realised the stunned silence around Smallbrook from both sides and specators, was correctly changed to a 16 yard hit!. It means after five games, the Island already has more points this year than they managed in ten matches last season. This weekend though will be a different story as Haslemere host the Island, a team that are renowned for being very strong at their own ground. Pictures of the CoP match can be found in the 'Photos' section.

October 21st 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Smallbrook Stadium

Island ease past Salisbury

Isle of Wight   1   -   0   Salisbury

The Island's 1st XI got back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Salisbury at Smallbrook although the score line would suggest a tight match, the home side were in control for virtually the whole game and could have been looking towards double figures had seemingly easy chances been taken. The game started positively for the Island as they soon established themselves as an outfit that just wasn't going to be beaten keeping possession patiently and confidently.

This soon led to chances being created with Horwell going closest to giving the home side the lead. With the Island flying, a nice team move resulted in a free hit being awarded just outside the Salisbury area, which Gordon fired in for the slippery B.HORWELL, whose run had totally outfoxed a static Salisbury defence, to deflect home in a set piece straight from the training ground. The Island continued to press for the remainder of the first half but were just unable to find the net shooting wide or straight at the opposition keeper on numerous occasions.

October 21st 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Bohunt School

Defensive errors cost Island

Petersfield Panthers   3   -   1   Isle of Wight II

Despite having high hopes of winning this one, the Island slipped to their second defeat of the season although quite how they lost is leaving Captain Alan Ball with a headache. Again defensive lapses and poor possession was to cost the Island dearly. Despite dominating the opening ten minutes, the Island found the impressive Petersfield keeper impossible to get past, and the hosts soon when in front when a poor pass across the area was intercepted by a Panthers forward who had a free shot at goal and he made no mistake.

The visitors – who again fielded numerous youngsters including two 14 year olds – equalised when Butler scored a reverse stick goal from a penalty corner that flew in off the keeper. But as the Island were still celebrating, Petersfield went up the other end from the restart and scored. They made it 3-1 soon after when a forward was left unmarked to sweep home.

October 14th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Smallbrook Stadium

First defeat since February for the Island

Isle of Wight   2   -   4   Yateley

Yateley traveled to the Island expecting to win comfortably, but instead they met a competitive island side who really should have taken more from the game. The game started badly for the Island, although not playing badly, they were unable to stop the Yately attacks and soon found themselves 1-0 down. This is how it stayed for most of the first half with both teams enjoying periods of possession without much success until a fast counter attack gave Yately a 2-0 lead which they held until half time. A stern halftime team talk saw the Island come out for the second half all guns blazing and knowing this team could be beaten. It wasn't long before the Island pulled one back when a good move from Young and Johnston resulted in the deadly B.HORWELL calmly lobbing the keeper.

The Island, spurred on by this, stepped up the pace and started to enjoy large periods of possession which eventually lead to the equaliser when HEAVEN-GANDY slotted home from a short corner. With Yateley worried and shocked the Island sensed victory but it just wasn't to be when the home side's midfield was shattered, firstly Heaven-Gandy was told to leave the pitch for treatment on numerous wounds and with him still off Gordon was sin-binned for persistent fouling, and finally to end the disastrous 10 minute spell a defensive mix up gifted Yateley a goal. With time running out the Island desperately tried to find another equaliser but instead they were caught on the break taking all hope of a shock result away. Man of the match was jointly M.Simmonds and B.Horwell. The Island host Salisbury 1st XI this weekend (Saturday) looking to bounce back strongly and get back to winning ways. Pushback is midday. 

October 14th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Smallbrook Stadium

Island scrape past Gosport

Isle of Wight II    5   -   3   Gosport 1898

The Island moved up to joint first in Hampshire Open League Division Four, but only after seeing off a determined and physical Gosport side who refused to lie down at Smallbrook Stadium. The home side got off to the best possible start with a goal inside the first two minutes as Ward met a pin-point cross to sweep home to score his first for the club. But the Island were pegged back soon after when Gosport scored on a counter-attack. The home side pushed to regain the lead and did so when Stubbings – making his first start of the season – fired home from the top of the area. Again though Gosport quickly responded through a good team move that left Edgington with no chance in the Island’s goal. 2-2 was how the sides went in at half time.

October 7th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Smallbrook Stadium

Island hold league favourites

Isle of Wight   3   -   3   Weymouth

Don't you just love technical problems!. Whatever we try, the 1st XI report cannot be pasted here as our software keeps rejecting it. Insetad, if you want to read the match report, please CLICK HERE to download it and it will be revealed!. It's worth waiting for.!

October 7th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division Four @Romsey School

Island beaten by league favourites

Michelmersh & Timsbury   5   -   0   Isle of Wight II

A week after thrashing Camberley & Farnborough, the Isle of Wight II were brought back to Earth with a rather large bump in Romsey. Fielding all but two of the same team that scored six times the previous week, hopes were high of upsetting the league favourites. And it all started so well, with the Island on the attack for the first fifteen minutes. In that period, they had the ball in the net but the goal was ruled out after protests from the home side. The home keeper also saved well from Butt and a penalty corner went agonisingly wide. However, M & T soon found their feet and showed why they are expected to win the league with two quick goals before half time. Any hopes of a quick response were dashed after the break when M & T scored again, and they were to score two more before the final whistle. Although the win was deserved, M & T were perhaps a little flattered by the scoreline and this young Isle of Wight team is certainly capable of a high placed league finish. This weekend (Saturday), Gosport 1898 visit Smallbrook Stadium with an early start time of 11am.

Check out a photo of the team in the club's new away strip in the Photos section

September 30th 2006 - Hampshire 1st XI League Division One @Admiral Lord Nelson

Summer of training pays off

Portsmouth & Southsea 1st XI   2   -   6   Isle of Wight 1st XI

Making their debut in one of the highest leagues the Island has ever played in the, first team opened up their league season with an impressive victory. Both sides started this encounter positively looking to take an early advantage and it was the Island who found the breakthrough with HEAVEN-GANDY netting from a short corner. Both sides continued to play positive fast flowing hockey and Southsea soon equalised with a lucky goal from a short corner when a big deflection took the ball high and wide of a wrong footed Clark in the Island goal. Then came the Island's onslaught with the remaining 30 minutes of the half being mostly controlled by the Island resulting in B.HORWELL finding the bottom corner from a rebound after his first effort was well saved by the Southsea keeper. Despite the Island pressure Southsea held strong and managed to prevent the Island stretching their lead before halftime leaving the score 2-1 to the Island.

The second half started much like the first and Southsea soon equalised with a fine goal catching the Island on the break. This was followed by Southsea's best play of the game winning a string of short corners which the Island defended brilliantly. Soon after the Island had the game back under control and their superior fitness, strength and pace was evident as once again they enjoyed the majority of the final 30 minutes of the half. The Island regained the lead with a wonderful drag flick into the top corner from a short corner by B.HORWELL and soon after this was followed by an equally impressive individual goal from T.YOUNG with an inch perfect finish from an acute angle. With 10 minutes to go GORDON was forced to go off injured being replaced with Borrat, and the fresh legs showed with the youngster netting two opportunist goals at the far post. Man of the match with a dominant performance in the centre of midfield was L.HEAVEN-GANDY. The Island host Weymouth this weekend who finished 2nd in the league last year.

September 30th 2006 - Hampshire Open League Division 4 @ Smallbrook Stadium

Two's off to best possible start

Isle of Wight 2nd XI   6   -   1   Camberley & Farnborough

What a difference a year makes. After losing their first three league games last season, and only winning one from their first nine, the Island's second team looked a completley different side on Saturday. Although traditionally they do well against their opponents, the performance did much to give the Island hope they can look for a high finish in the table this year. To C & F's credit, the visitors started like a house on fire, and were camped in the Island's half for the first ten minutes. After absorbing the pressure, the Island began to find their feet, and forced a few attacks, and after a goalmouth scramble, last season's top scorer BUTLER put the Island ahead. However, the forward then blotted his copybook after he reacted to an awful challenge by shoving the offender over. Both men were sin-binned for fifteen minutes, with Butler perhaps lucky the card was not a red one. With both sides down to ten men, the game opened up and new skipper BALL soon put daylight between the sides when he capped a fine solo run by flicking home. Butler then returned to the field and on the stroke of half time, he powered home a short corner to give the Island a 3-0 lead.

Two goals for Patrick Butt

It was the second half though that gave the Island the most encouragement which would see three more goals scored, all via team moves. The first came soon after the whistle when BUTT was put through and swept past the on-rushing keeper. Five minutes later came the goal of the game when the ball was moved from defence to attack with quick passes, and BUTT fed a defence splitting pass behind C & F's backline, for AUSTIN to get a touch and divert it into the net. The 6th goal followed ten minutes from time, when BUTT stroked home from a pin-point cross which left the defence foxed. Camberley though never gave up and they were rewarded five minutes from time when a shot from a short corner found the goal. That was also the cue for the comedy moment of the weekend when as they scored the goal, a Camberley player shouted 'Come on lads, only two more to get' - which would've made the score 6-3 to the Island. Never mind...

No player can be faulted for the Island with everyone playing brilliantly. Camberley were dominated in this game and the performance will give the club hope that last season's lowly finish will soon be a distant memory. This weekend will be much tougher as the Island go to Michlemersh & Timsbury, a side that finished third last year.