A SOLID, no-nonsense performance at Sandy Lane against ECS saw Whitecroft and Barton Sports claim their fifth Harwoods Isle of Wight Division 1 title on the trot last night (Monday).

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B striker Josh Appell wins a penalty in the first half and scores it. Photo:Barbara CloseW&B striker Josh Appell wins a penalty in the first half and scores it. Photo:Barbara Close

The 4-0 result and the league title was no more than W&B deserved after going through this campaign unbeaten in league and four cup competitions.

Brading Town, the only team which could have caught W&B in the league are now a point behind, with the champions having the luxury of three league games left to blood fringe and reserve players while they fight for more trophies on four fronts.

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B forward Freddy Knowles, on the ball, scored in the first half.W&B forward Freddy Knowles, on the ball, scored in the first half.

On Thursday evening, W&B face fellow Division 1 side Cowes Sports Reserves in the final of the Isle of Wight County Press Challenge Cup at Newport's St George's Park on Thursday.  

Delighted W&B boss, Steve Rayner, said: "To get five in a row is a great achievement for the lads. I'm very proud of them.

"It's been a long season and they've worked hard for this title.

"I'm looking forward to the Challenge Cup final. It should be a good game."

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B substitute John Bilton in the thick of the action. Photo: Barbara CloseW&B substitute John Bilton in the thick of the action. Photo: Barbara Close

W&B had the match done and dusted by half-time against an outclassed ECS side, who have picked up their form in the second half of the season in the league and in cup competitions.

The champions took the lead from the penalty spot on 18 minutes through their prolific top scorer, Josh Appell — his 27th of the season — after he had been foiled by the post and crossbar early on.

W&B doubled their lead with a Charlie Shaw header — Appell the provider with a lovely cross — on 25 minutes.

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B substitute Sam Yelland watches a shot fly just wide in the second half against ECS. Photo: Barabara CloseW&B substitute Sam Yelland watches a shot fly just wide in the second half against ECS. Photo: Barabara Close

Their skipper, Harry Ovnik, added the third with a powerful header direct from an Aiden Sainsbury corner on the half-hour mark.

ECS came out for the second half determined to make it more of a contest, but in doing so, risked being picked off at the back.

W&B missed a hatful of chances, coupled with two superb saves by ECS stopper Jobe Colebrook and a disallowed Appell goal, before Freddy Knowles coolly flicked the ball in over the advancing keeper to score on 81 minutes, to complete the rout.

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B striker Josh Appell goes close as his poked shot is tipped just wide by ECS stopper Jobe Colebrook. Photo: Barbara CloseW&B striker Josh Appell goes close as his poked shot is tipped just wide by ECS stopper Jobe Colebrook. Photo: Barbara Close

ECS forward Dan Skinner did produce a good save out of Gareth True two minutes later — a rare effort at goal on the night.

There were wild celebrations, with champagne flowing, at the final whistle.

Afterwards, Appell said: "To win five in a row is brilliant. We put in a lot of hard work and effort to achieve this and we had to dig in at times.

Isle of Wight County Press: W&B substitute Jack East on the attack against ECS last night (Monday). Photo: Barbara Close W&B substitute Jack East on the attack against ECS last night (Monday). Photo: Barbara Close

"This is my best goalscoring season as well, with my previous best being 24, so I'm well pleased with my contribution."

W&B: True, Adams, Sainsbury, Shaw, Ovnik (capt), Sainsbury, Wright, Rayner, Appell, Evans, Knowles. Subs: Yelland, East, Bilton, Bennett.

ECS: Colebrook, Hopcroft, F.Jones, A.Jones (capt), Butt, McDowall, Stacey, Skinner, Porter, Day, Gulliver. Suns: Ebbs, Fox.