Women's football: Historic first Isle of Wight derby ends in late goal winner

THERE was a good-sized crowd for the historic first derby between two Island ladies teams, played at the IW Community Club, Cowes, on Sunday.

The match, played by two fully-committed sides, was settled by a single goal in the dying minutes, was an entertaining spectacle in the Hampshire County Women’s Football League.

Cowes Ladies keeper Paula Redden denies East Cowes Vics Ladies a goalscoring chance.

East Cowes began the stronger, creating a number of scoring opportunities — hitting the crossbar and forcing Cowes keeper Paula Redden into making a string of vital saves.

The second half was a feisty affair, with East Cowes again carrying the main goal threat, again striking the bar.

But as it headed for a draw, Cowes midfielder Charlotte Skeggs was put through to slot home.

Action between Cowes Ladies and East Cowes Vics Ladies on Sunday.

After the game, Cowes Ladies manager Laurence Chick said “What a result. I am ecstatic. It was a great game, with both teams playing well.

"It was brilliant to see our side play as a unit. I could not have asked any more of them.”

Action between Cowes Ladies and East Cowes Vics Ladies at the Isle of Wight Community Club on Sunday.  Photo: Simon Dear

Cowes Ladies: Redden, Chisholm, Roberts, Skeggs, Penton, Cave, Tachell, Velthoven, Thornton (capt), Tonks, Russell. Subs: Seager, Reed, Hayles, Morris, Squires.

East Cowes Vics Ladies: Blandford, Owens, Bradshaw, Childs, Atkinson, Leovold, Witty, Turner, Davies, Hayward, Cushen. Subs: Potts, Griffin, Woodward, L.Cope, K.Cope.