VENTNOR 8, BRADING 8

WITH a scoreline more befitting a rugby match than a football game, Ventnor and Brading knocked in a total of 16 goals at Watcombe Bottom last weekend.

In a game described as ‘memorable and forgettable’, Ventnor had the first chance and took the lead early on.

Brading responded with two quickfire goals from Rob Gee and Jake Keetch.

It was Ventnor’s turn to control the play as the team fired home four times without reply, including a stunning effort from Harry Mullholland.

This left the half-time score at Ventnor 5, Brading 2.

At the start of the second half, Brading won a penalty when Caymen Collins was brought down in the box and striker, Aaron Burford, converted beautifully.

Minutes later, Ventnor extended their lead on a counter-attack.

It was Burford for Brading who evened the score. His quick play earned the team three goals in the space of 15 minutes.

Brading then took the lead for the first time since the start of the game with a strike from Gee.

They were left without any time to feel comfortable however, as Ventnor levelled when Emerson Tattersall fired home a penalty.

The teams were level with just minutes to go.

Matthew Oatley smashed a last minute goal — assumed to be the winner — giving Brading the lead.

But during injury time, Ventnor broke and had the last laugh, ending the match in an 8-8 draw.

Geoff Ruck, chairman of the IWFA , said: “In all my years of being involved in football, I can quite honestly say I’ve seen nothing like it.”

Brading manager, Steve Lawton, said he could only stand and be amazed at what just happened, while Ventnor manager, Mark Mulholland, said the match was crazy and enjoyable at the same time.

Ventnor: Gifford, Franklin, Russell, Tredwell, Jupp, Barrow, Groundsell, Kettell, Mulholland, Tattersall. Subs: Mulholland, Harper, Squires.

Brading: Riley, Bennett, Knowles, Oatley, Younie, Hitchcox, Keetch, Cillins, Vale, Burford, Gee. Subs: Trundle, Bennett.