Poppies’ title hopes are back on track after this afternoon’s 1-0 win over a stubborn Island side in bitter but sunny weather at Victoria Park. Chances were far and few between though and the only goal in the game came on 25 minutes when a deflected Blake shot zipped into the bottom corner in a crowded penalty area.
Things started quite well for Poppies though when Sanderson made a long unchallenged run that saw the final drive well held by the experienced custodian McCormack, and on 16 minutes a Crutcher free kick eventually fell nicely for Webb, but he was unable to get any power behind his shot.
Bournemouth had a chance to double the lead on 28 minutes later when a deep cross from Jones was powerfully headed goalwards by Glenister that was well parried by McCormack.
Into the second half with Bournemouth attacking the Boundary Road end, again Bournemouth had most of the play, but were restricted to only a couple of chances. On 56 minutes Cann worked it wide for substitute Bates. He cut inside and fired towards goal from the bye-line, only to see his effort turned round the post by McCormack. On the hour an Arnold cross saw Bates rise above everyone else only to head just over the crossbar.
With little to choose between the two sides the Romans best chance of retrieving anything came on 73 minutes when the lively Sprooles lobbed Harvell , but fortunately for the Poppies, it also went over the bar, as Brading were being given too much space when coming forward.