Paul Vincent in action. Picture by Peter Boam.
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FOOTBALL
AFC Bournemouth 3, Chelsea 2
ISLAND footballers studying with AFC Bournemouth’s academy programme pulled off a huge shock last week, defeating Chelsea in the BCS National College League Elite Cup.
The team, who study at the IW College and train each day for the Cherries, produced their best performance of the season so far to take a 3-1 first-half lead, and defend it to the end.
Their reward is a home match against Yeovil Town in the third round, to be played next week.
The side had a dream start when, after a lovely cross from Matt Novak, Paul GOULD headed in.
It took until the 39th minute for their to be any more goalmouth action. Unfortunately, it was not Bournemouth celebrating but Chelsea, after one of their players was fouled in the box by Jordan Kent, and they dispatched the resulting penalty.
However, the Islanders fought back strongly, retaking the lead courtesy of Josh PIPER, who slammed home an unstoppable shot from just outside the area and into the right hand top corner.
They then made it 3-1 when NOVAK slotted home.
Although Chelsea did pull a goal back early in the second half, Bournemouth held their composure to take the victory.
Team coach Paul Topping said: "The lads played brilliantly and put so much effort in. We were playing Chelsea at their Cobham training ground not so long ago, and from then to now they’ve made such an improvement. The Chelsea staff were really impressed with what we’ve achieved since we last met."
Squad: Jordan Wicks, Paul Vincent, Aaron Shepherd, Jordan Kent, Tom Riordan, Ryan Phillips, Zack Norton, Harvey Smith, Paul Gould, Declan Leach, Matt Novak, Louis Strickland, Kieran Wye, Macauley Wattison, Josh Piper.
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.