HOCKEYIW 7, Eastleigh 3
THE IW’s top team, starting a new life in Hampshire 6, enjoyed a good opening win against Eastleigh on Saturday.
The side are now playing in the league the second string played in last year, following the club’s restructure over the summer. IW seconds will now play in Hampshire 10.
And if this opening performance is anything to go by, there could be much to celebrate.
IW were always in control of the game, which would be one to remember for midfielder Rob Forrest.
The young playmaker grabbed his first goal after around ten minutes, lashing home after good build up play, and scored his second soon after.
Eastleigh were dangerous on the counter attack though, and they capitalised on a breakaway to slot past Neil Harris in goal to reduce the deficit.
However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished, when Alan Ball slammed home ahead of the break.
An Eastleigh breakaway goal was sandwiched between two IW efforts, Forrest completing his hat-trick and Simon Butler slotting home.
Forrest was not finished though, scoring the IW’s sixth and seventh goals, and while good chances fell to James Liddiard, Stephen Woodford and Colin Simmonds, the score remained 7-3.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the IW travel to Lavant.