The Isle of Man women’s side reached their second final of the NatWest Island Games, defeating the Isle of Wight in spectacular fashion 4-2 at Stenkyrka on Thursday.

The Solent Side took the lead in the third minute, but both teams were direct in their approach play before reverting the play on the wide positions.

On the stroke of half-time the Isle of Man levelled matters. Jade Burden was put clean through only to be thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper, but the ball broke to Alex Honour whose shot was deflected wide to Sarah Wignall on the right who drove the ball into a net.

After the break the Manx side took the lead for the first time when a through-ball was deflected off an IoW player and fell perfectly to Eleanor Gawne who broke clear to steer home a right-footed shot.

Although the IoW players protested as their players became static following the through-ball and the flag was raised for offside, the referee overruled her assistant and awarded the goal.

The Isle of Man strengthened their grip on the semi-final soon after. Wignall’s chipped, diagonal pass into the path of Alex Honour on the left saw the Laxey player dink it over the full-back.

The Solent shot-stopper charged off her line and the left midfielder exquisitely lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net to make it 3-1.

Honour netted the Isle of Man’s fourth when the ball was played out to the left and she unleashed a shot that finished in the bottom right to make it 4-1.

The Isle of Wight pulled a goal back when they were awarded a penalty to reduce the arrears. However, once the final whistle had blown, it sparked jubilant scenes amongst the Manx contingent at reaching their second final of the Island Games.

It was a great performance by the Manx even after having a day’s less rest than their opponents. The match was refereed by all female officials.

IoM v Isle of Wight: Kayleigh Greggor, Shannon Groves (Melissa Bell 24m) Sarah O’Reilly Kym Hicklin, Casey Halsall, Anna Dilllon, Eleanor Gawne, Holly Sumner (Becky Corkish 66m), Alex Honour, Sarah Wignall, Jade Burden (Chloe Teare 91m).