Richard Reynolds in action. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
PICTURE GALLERY
IW II 2, Fleet and Ewshot 1
A DOUBLE strike from James Liddiard and a stunning save at the death from Neil Harris moved the IW IIs off the bottom Hampshire League 5, after this win over Fleet and Ewshot.
Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the pitch at Smallbrook was playable and although the wind made any form of flowing hockey difficult, the two sides did play out a great game.
The IW started well and they dominated the first part of the game, creating numerous chances. However, despite going close on a number of occasions, it was Fleet who took the lead against the run of play.
Undeterred, the home side hit back and were soon level, when a run into the area from Reece Finney found Liddiard, who swept home.
Soon the IW had taken the lead, and in similar circumstances, when Finney and Andy Graham linked up well to feed Liddiard, who shot through the keeper’s legs.
The IW had to battle hard in the second half to remain on course for their first win.
Despite playing head first into gusts of more than 50mph, which at one point blew one of the goals over, the IW created the better chances.
Rob Forrest was inches away from claiming his first senior goal when his shot hit the post, while Simon Butler also came within centimetres of adding to the tally as his first-time snap shot went the wrong side of the post.
Knowing they needed a goal to make the win safe, the Island pressed on but couldn’t get the breakthrough.
They were almost made to pay with only a couple of minutes left when a period of sustained pressure from Fleet nearly resulted in a goal but a diving save from Harris kept Fleet at bay as the IW held on.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the IW IIs host third-placed University of Portsmouth. The match gets under way at Smallbrook Stadium at 2pm.
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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