HOCKEYFleet and Ewshot II 2, IW 7
IW STAY top of Hampshire 6 after another emphatic victory, this time at Fleet and Ewshot.
With players unavailable due to half term, Alan Ball filled in at left back with Jack Nicolaou, 16, given his debut up front.
It certainly wasn’t plain sailing as Fleet, who played better than their league position suggested, showed they could move the ball around well but were frustrated by the Island’s defence, again led by the superb Stuart Allen.
The Island got the breakthrough they deserved when the in-form Rob Forrest saw his shot just creep over the line. They then extended their lead with goals from Ball, from a short corner, and Stephen Woodford.
Fleet briefly challenged with a goal of their own, Sam Brown conceding only his third of the season, but IW came back strong and restored the three-goal cushion courtesy of James Liddiard.
After the break, Fleet scored their second but IW were shocked into action and goals from Forrest, and two from Woodford to complete his hat-trick, ensured the victory which maintained their 100 per cent record.
Tomorrow (Saturday), third-placed Fordingbridge visit Smallbrook Stadium for what is sure to be a tough encounter. The match starts at 1pm.