Binstead defeated Pan 3-2 at the Molehill on Wednesday, August 17 thanks to a game-winning effort by goalkeeper and Isle of Wight manager Tom McInnes.
Ross Lacey had a golden opportunity to put Pan up early on, but he headed wide. Binstead, however, seized the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute when Ash Smith, after receiving a long ball that caught the Pan defence off guard, blasted the ball into the top corner of the Pan goal, making the score 1-0.
Pan fought valiantly to get an equaliser, but Binstead’s custodian McInnes made a spectacular double save from Rob Shepherd and Ash Gulliver in the 32nd minute. A few minutes later, Pan were unlucky as Ash Gulliver’s poorly struck shot slid harmlessly past the Binstead post.
Binstead & COB 1, Pan Community 0 at the break.
In the 63rd minute, Pan were once again unlucky when a Ross Lacey header bounced over the crossbar for Binstead. Tom McInnes made two incredible saves, this time from Josh Piper and Robbie Shepherd, a few minutes later. Ash Gulliver was sent off for dissent, and later Pan had a ‘goal’ disallowed due to offside.
Binstead’s Corbyn Ricketts, the team’s centre forward, scored the game-winning goal from a tight angle in the 82nd minute after stealing the ball from the Pan defence and beating him to the ball. Then, Pan captain Bast had a chance to score a consolation goal for the visitors, but McInnes blocked his attempt.
Final score: Pan Community 1, Binstead & COB 0.
McInnes, Grandvionet, Brooks, Powell (c), Alex Smith, Oatley, Morgan, Morley, Ricketts, McGee, Ash Smith for Binstead & COB. Replacements: O’Rourke, Austin, and Dunnet
Bast (c), Piper, J.Gwilliam, Case, R. Shepherd, Gulliver, Lacey; Pan Community: J.Williams, S. Shepherd, Thorne, S. Williams;Substitutes: S.Hatton, A.Hatton, and S.Gwilliam
James Connor, manager of Binstead, made the following statement after the game:
My squad battled through difficult conditions to come out on top. Tom’s performance in rejecting Pan was remarkable.
Director of Pan Steve Case said:
Tom McInnes was able to withstand all of our attacks. In a different game, we might have scored six times. But Binstead scored twice on two opportunities.
On Saturday, Pan will travel to take on Shanklin, the reigning champions of the Isle of Wight, at the County Ground. Steve assured the crowd that his team was “not frightened” to face the current leaders of Division 1. At Cowes Community College, the undefeated Binstead will face the winning Vectis team.
The Games Continue…
Champions After two games in Division 1, Shanklin sits atop the standings thanks to a 14-0 thrashing of Ryde Saints at the County Ground. Kyle Drew tallied four goals, Nick Vyse three, Dan Field two, George Carter-Knight one, Cory Sanderson two, Jordy Cook one, Macca Watterson one, and an own goal rounded out the scoring for Shanklin.
Whitecroft & Barton Sports, who finished second last season, are currently second in Division 1 after beating East Cowes Sports 1-4 at the GKN Sports Ground with goals from Josh Appell (2), Jay White, and Freddie Knowles.
After beating Sandown & Lake 2-0 on Slade Road, Oakfield is now in third place and has not lost a game this season. Two Oakers, Luke Hitchcox and Harrison Taylor, scored.
Binstead & COB 2-0 Pan Community, Isle of Wight Division 1, August 17
Four goals for Brading Town, three for Bembridge Cowes Sports Reserves, and one for Vectis East Cowes Sports. Oakfield, Whitecroft, & Barton Score: Sandown & Lake Shanklin 2, Ryde Saints West Wight 14, Northwood St. Johns 2, Northwood.
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