Ken Morris Junior A Cup Final 2022-23 Ventnor FC 5-0 AFC Wootton match report – Tuesday 2 May 2023
We went into tonights Junior A cup final full of confidence after wrapping up the IOW League 2 title the previous week against Osbourne Coburg, although we knew it was going to be a tough game against a very well organised Wootton side, our previous league game finished 3-1 to us but both teams had chances and Dan has got them playing some good football. We started the better tonight with Charlie Urry coming close after 4 mins, We then we took a deserved lead on 10 minutes following an excellent corner from Steve Gee which was met with a powerful header from SIMON CRATES 1-0.
Wootton then had a couple chances to equalise then on 20 minutes and after some good work Martin Barrow’s shot was saved by the Wootton keeper, from the resulting corner MARTIN BARROW shot went sailing directly in 2-0. Wootton finished the half with a couple more good chances but some good goal keeping from Matthew Gifford sent us in at half time 2-0.
Thesecond half and Wootton came out much the stronger scoring on 47minutes, we needed to stay calm and keep our shape as we knew they would throw everything at us but we also knew we get chances with Wootton pressing forward, then on 55 minutes and once again following some good work from Charlie Urry, the ball fell to ADAM CLARK who slotted home 3-1, this spurred on the boys who continued to make chances in a end to end game, on 89 minutes MARTIN BARROW crashed home his second and Ventnor’s 4th goal, then 2 minutes later with the last kick of the game
CHARLIE URRY burst through and slotted away his deserved goal FINAL SCORE 5-1.
Massive thanks to East Cowes Vics for their hospitality tonight, and i would like to congratulate all the officials who managed the game well, and let it flow into a very good contest, and finally IOW FA members who attended and presented the trophy.
I am Proud of all the squad not only tonight but all the lads that have stepped up during the season, although the aim was to get Ventnor Fc back into Division 1, to get to a cup final as well was a massive bonus and boost for the club, following some tough years at the club, where not so long ago things where looking very bleak, with no funding no players and not a lot of support, but with some hard work and dedication from the likes of Chairman George Creighton who stuck by the club at its darkest times things are now looking up, we have recently joined forces with Ventnor Rugby Club and Ventnor Youth Fc, we have a strong committee backing us giving us a fantastic pitch, better facilities and there is a real buzz again around the town.
What summed up the team spirit within the club was although Charlie Urry was given Man of the Match by IOW FA officials, he gave it straight to young 18 Year old Euan Sargent who was tremendous throughout.
I wish Dan and the lads at Wootton good luck for next season.
Match report: Gary Gee
The Ken Morris Junior A Cup sponsored by the Harwoods Saturday League
