CLANFIELD bowed out of the Hampshire Trophy on penalties at the quarter-final stage after a hard-fought game against Shanklin finished 1-1.

Shanklin started the game on the front foot, but Clanfield dealt with the threat well.

The hosts did take the lead, though, when a corner swung into the box went over everyone and a Shanklin player at the edge of the box turned and hit a shot into the far corner.

Clanfield kept their composure and deservedly equalised. Billy Ashmore made a good tackle and played a ball for Phil Chandler to run on to. He drilled a ball across goal and Elliot Sills lost his marker and slotted the ball into the net.

The second half was tough for both teams as the strong wind picked up and the heavy pitch proved tough to play on.

The two teams cancelled each other out and the game went straight to penalties.

Shanklin won 3-2 on penalties and will host Fareham Reserves in the semi-finals.

Clanfield manager Lee Blakely said: “I could not ask any more from my team and it really was a top performance.

“To actually stop Shanklin’s attacking threat the way we did and how we managed the game was excellent, and we scored the best team goal of the season.

“It’s a kick in the teeth losing on penalties but I could not fault anyone’s performance and determination to try to win the game. In the end it just came down to luck to go through. We have a tough run of games now and need, as a minimum, to play to these standards.”