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FOOTBALLOakfield 0, West Wight 5
DESPITE having tired legs from a long and busy end to the season, West Wight won their fourth title of the season by beating Oakfield to lift the IW Memorial Cup, at the Peter Henry Ground, Brading, on Saturday.
The scoreline does not entirely reflect the game itself, as Oakfield had several chances to get into the game. However, West Wight were just that bit better on the day, making their chances count when it mattered.
The match was physical throughout, Oakfield trying to put their stamp on a team which has already claimed several higher-league scalps this season. However, they walked a fine line as a result and, in the end, their tactic to physically intimidate their opponents backfired when Dani Hooker was sent off early in the second half for a two-footed lunge on Harry Dye.
With West Wight 2-0 up at the time, the writing was on the wall for Oakfield and it seemed inevitable that the Division 1 champions would cruise to victory.
They opened the scoring after 30 minutes, a free kick from just outside the box brilliantly deflected onto the post by Oakfield keeper Chris Page. However, he was helpless when DYE tapped in the rebound.
Six minutes later they doubled their lead, Adam MILLAR making a determined run and holding off two defenders to slot home.
Oakfield had the perfect opportunity to narrow the gap with five minutes remaining of the half when they were awarded a penalty. But West Wight goalie Chris Norris showed his scintillating form once more to save it low on the right.
After Hooker was dismissed early in the second half, West Wight upped the pressure, although Oakfield were still giving as good as they got, despite being a man down.
However, when a West Wight player was felled in the box, referee Dave Brunt had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot again and this time, Casey TYRELL made no mistake.
By now, poor Page in the Oakfield net was being bombarded, however, he was doing a brilliant job in keeping West Wight at bay, pulling off some outstanding saves. But there was nothing he could do when, with around seven minutes left, substitute Chris GRIFFITHS volleyed in. And three minutes later, the win was sealed when fellow sub, Mitch HERBERT, scored from close range.
Oakfield: Page, Humber, Tapp, Saunders, Younie, Milligan, Hewitt, Kirby, Rust, Levrier, Hooker. Subs: Dallimer, Barton, Burton.
West Wight: Norris, Alan Tyrell, A. Perry, Antony Tyrell, D. Tyrell, Rann, Dye, Millar, Bridges, Holmes, C. Tyrell.
Subs: Griffiths, M. Perry, Herbert.
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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