JUST TWO MORE WINS NEEDED

Friday, March 14, 2008

The Island’s top scorer, Craig Bruce, got two more goals on Saturday. Picture by JENNIFER BURTON.

Sport/Hockey
IW ll 5, Southampton 4
THE IW are two wins from securing promotion after a nervy win over mid-table Southampton in their final home game of the season.
Forced to field an under-strength side following the previous week’s demolition of leaders Aldershot, the Island were pegged back at first and fell behind when a Southampton forward was picked out in the area and swept home.
The lead did not last long though, as a short-corner routine was put away by Simon Butler. The Island then took the lead for the first time, when Alan Ball scored from another short corner.
However, a single-goal lead was never going to be enough and Southampton equalised near the end of the half. It was the Island though who went into the break in front, Ball grabbing his second before the whistle, again from a short corner.
A quick start was needed after the break and top scorer Craig Bruce provided it when he swept home at the near post to give the Island a 4–2 cushion.
Southampton, though, grew in confidence and began to come back into the game. They were rewarded when they scored following a neat move, and soon after Southampton stunned the Island with an equaliser.
With time running out, the Island were to score a crucial goal. They managed to win a penalty-corner and Ball smashed home his hat-trick goal and the Island’s fifth.
There was a doubt initially as to if the goal would stand but after a short discussion between the umpires the goal was given.
The Island survived a late scare to claim three vital points. This weekend is the final round of league fixtures for the Island. They need to win both to be sure of promotion with Portsmouth University first up on Saturday, before a trip to Southampton University on Sunday.
If the Island were to win both, they will secure promotion to the top Hampshire Open League division. They’ll be hoping Lavant can do them a favour by causing an upset against Aldershot, who are just a point behind the Island.
• More pictures in the Friday, March 14, County Press.

JUST TWO MORE WINS NEEDED

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