HOCKEYGillingham 6, IW II 2
THE IW gave runaway promotion contenders Gillingham an almighty scare before eventually running out of steam in this pulsating clash in Dorset.
With Gillingham averaging six goals a game and only losing once in Hampshire League 5 so far, and with the Island struggling this season, the home side expected this to be a stroll.
However, the IW tried a new formation and put several players in different positions in an effort to frustrate their opponents and succeeded for long periods.
Sam Brown, usually a defender, donned the pads and played in goal for the first time due to the second team’s usual goalkeepers all being unavailable.
He put in a confident performance, producing a number of great saves.
Gillingham quickly established a 3-0 lead and it seemed business as usual for the Dorset side but the Island then dominated a period of play in the first half.
They constantly frustrated their opponents and defended bravely, including diverting an effort off the line that was at head height with a stick. The Island got one back through James Liddiard before Simon Butler reduced the deficit further — both strikes coming from short-corners.
The sides went in at half-time with the score at 3-2 and Gillingham were clearly rattled and began arguing among themselves.
In the second period, the IW again held firm and were restricting Gillingham to very few shots, with the home side often only testing Brown and the defence from short corners.
The Island’s valiant resolve was eventually broken when a flick found its way into the net, and Gillingham added two more near the end, to give them a 6-2 win.
However, Gillingham’s coach afterwards praised the battling effort and commitment of the Island.
The second half of the season starts tomorrow (Saturday), when Gillingham visit the Island for the return league clash at 1pm.