AFTER more than a year of coronavirus, many sceptics thought the most important match in Island club football would never take place — the Hampshire Intermediate Cup final between Shanklin and Brading Town — but the big day has finally arrived.
It seems an eternity ago when Shanklin dramatically beat Fareham Town Reserves in injury time, Brading beat Moneyfields in their semi-finals, and the Romans’ reserves beat Osborne Coburg in the Hampshire Plate semis — but all these ties were played just before the first lockdown.
Fans looked forward to a glorious day out at Westwood Park on April 25 last year — but it never happened, with many understandably wondering, as the pandemic gathered pace, if the occasion would ever materialise, especially with leagues being cancelled.
But tomorrow (Saturday) will not only see two of the top clubs in Island football battle it out for the prestigious trophy, it will be a proud day for Brading, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Despite Wessex Premier status being in their past, Brading remains a strong club with great tradition, so it is no surprise their reserve side aim to see their name etched on the Hampshire Plate on finals day at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes.
Brading Reserves face the unknown quantity of Testlands, formed in 2016 and who play their football in Southampton Saturday League Senior 1.
Their match kicks off at noon.
Following that, a bumper crowd is expected for the showpiece at 4pm.
Brading go into the final in good form, racking up some big wins since coming out of lockdown and eventually finishing third, despite being crippled by a long injury list.
The Romans have some pedigree in the competition. They won it in 1975 against Horndean and in 1976 when they beat Havant Leigh Park Reserves.
For Shanklin, winning it would arguably be the club’s biggest achievement in its history.
Although Shanklin inflicted two 3-0 wins over the Romans in the league since lockdown was lifted, Shanklin boss Paul Haward believes it will be a completely different Brading they face in the final.
Paul said: “I’m excited that we’re finally getting round to playing it. It should be a good game — with a few there to watch it too.
“Brading will be a lot different to the team we played in the league. It’s a cup final. They’re going to play, for sure.
“It’s hard to say what kind of game it’ll turn out to be. We are two evenly matched teams, so it’ll be a very tight game.
“We go into the final full of confidence having finished second in the league.”
Geoff Ruck, chairman of Brading, said: “This is an enormously proud moment for the club — having two teams in Hampshire cup finals.
“After a very difficult year for us all, the lads have shown tremendous commitment. Being in these finals reflects all the hard work put in by the management, players and volunteers.
“We’ve been heavily hit by injuries since coming out of lockdown, but there is a great atmosphere around the club.”
Ash Oliver, who manages Brading Reserves, was confident going into the Plate final.
“We’re looking strong. We’ve got players back from injury — a full team — so it’s all looking quite positive.
“Going into the final, we’re really up for it.”
Geoff, also chairman of the IW Divisional Football Association, added: “Win or lose, it is a fantastic achievement for Island football.”
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