HOCKEYIW 5, Havant V 0
IW REACHED the final of the Hampshire League Trophy for the third year running with a comprehensive win over league rivals Havant V.
For almost an hour, there was little between the sides as Havant, who had several players from higher teams in their line-up, were a constant threat before fading towards the end of the game.
Both sides started well, with Havant forging the first real chance. However, Simon Butler managed to prevent a clear strike on goal with an excellent tackle, while Stuart Allen and Lewis Heaven-Gandy also produced numerous brilliant tackles to minimise the danger.
At the other end, Havant’s impressive keeper kept the scores level saving well from Tom Young, Colin Simmons and Richard Reynolds.
Eventually the pressure told, when IW took the lead when Simmonds evaded three challenges and picked out Young, who fired home.
Havant nearly replied almost immediately but Sam Brown saved well as IW held on to their narrow advantage until half-time.
In the second half, IW doubled their lead after 50 minutes when Ollie Jordan diverted home a short-corner but Havant remained dangerous. However, for all their skilful build-up, they lacked a cutting edge and failed to test Brown in goal.
With 15 minutes remaining, the Island got the killer-blow when Young was put through and slotted under the keeper, before Simmonds picked up a deserved goal from an excellent team move to seal the match.
Havant again hit the post late on but Young had the last laugh, sealing his hat-trick near the end after good play from Craig Bruce as Havant’s heads dropped.
IW will meet Fording-bridge in the final at Haslemere on May 7.