SHOLING continued their perfect start to the Sydenhams Premier campaign with a 2-1 victory over Cowes Sports on Tuesday.

One man, or boy, who impressed was 16-year-old Owen Royl.

The youngster went on as a half-time substitute, exemplifying the confidence the club has in youth, writes REECE PEACHAM.

Sholing stalwart Barry Mason put the Boatmen in front minutes into the second half. Cowes equalised through Jared Wetherick despite seeing Nathan Lewis sent off, before Owen Roundell netted a late winner.

Royl couldn’t have been happier with the opening to the season.

“It’s a great start,” he smiled. “We could’ve played a little better, but it's wins that matter at the end of the day and that’s given us the perfect start.”

The teenager remained grounded after the game, admitting he - and the team - still have room for improvement.

“We could have done better because they went down to ten, but it was a good game overall.

“I did alright, personally I could’ve done more, I made a few mistakes - but, then again, everyone does.”

Royl came on for fellow youngster Kieran Winman at half-time and slotted in at left-back before filling in at right-back for the final few minutes.

“I’d like to think I can play anywhere and adapt to any position,” he said. “Overall it was a good performance.”

Referee Krasi Petrov made a big decision sending off Lewis, and Royl admitted it added an extra edge to the game.

“Yeah, the sending off fired them up, gave them a bit of momentum and they wanted it more. They had to work harder, but luckily we saw it through.”

Sholing looked to be in control following Mason’s 52nd-minute opener before Wetherick scored an impressive equaliser in the 75th minute, just moments after Lewis had seen red.

A Pete Castle flick-on then found its way to Roundell, who scored to send the 78 Sholing fans home happy and maintain the club’s 100% record.

With the team setting their sights on promotion and a cup run, Royl is looking to get involved in the next game.

“I always want to get more involved and get as many minutes as I can. Hopefully I can end up as a first-team regular,” he said.

Sholing, who head to Fawley AFC tomorrow night (Friday) for their next league game, are currently third on goal difference behind Blackfield & Langley and Bashley.

Bashley won 3-1 at Fawley on Wednesday with goals by Hugh Dathan, Harry Morgan and sub Shane Sheridan. Matt Vining bagged the Oilers' reply.