HOCKEYIW 10, Petersfield 0
IW HIT double figures against another title-challenging side, Petersfield, to maintain their 100 per cent record and continue their relentless charge for promotion.
Although Petersfield were in form and had risen to third, they went three goals down within the opening 15 minutes.
Firstly, Simon Butler set up Stephen Woodford to score, before good build up play saw James Liddiard score just a minute later. Colin Simmonds made it three when he slammed in a rebound.
Rob Forrest continued his run of scoring in every match so far by netting a quick fire double, before Barry Lloyd picked up Butler’s cross and rifled home a great shot from the top of the area.
Petersfield did threaten on occasions and won a couple of penalty corners, but Ollie Jordan cleared the danger, and soon after Woodford hit the post for the Island on a counter-attack.
Keeper Sam Brown also kept out a rare Petersfield shot, with the loose ball then cleared to safety.
With a 7-0 advantage at half time, the game was won and the Island sensed a chance to increase their goal difference.
All three second-half goals were netted by Woodford, to increase his personal tally to five. His first came after a brilliant team counter-attack, then he redirected Forrest’s shot, before sweeping home from a short corner.
IW could have extended their lead, hitting the post twice and having another goal disallowed.
The victory could not have been better preparation ahead of their biggest game of the season this weekend, as they travel to the only other unbeaten side in Hampshire 6, Salisbury.