Marquis hat-trick seals cup

St Martin's 1, Sylvans 5

THERE was a dramatic end to the Women's Cup Final at Blanche Pierre Lane last evening. With the score at 1-1 and five minutes remaining the odds were on extra-time.

Then Sylvans crashed home four goals to settle a game that was in the balance for 85 minutes.

A tremendous hat-trick from Kayleigh Marquis in the closing moments of a game in which both goalkeepers were outstanding was particularly hard on Saints' keeper Helen Count.

In the first five minutes Count had pulled off a great save from Eleanor Holden and she continued to nullify the westerners attack until the last fatal period of the match.

Sylvans took the lead totally against the run of play on 25 minutes when Lisa Corsten, who hails from Wales, fired home. She caused problems all evening with her pace and trickery.

Within 30 seconds St Martin's had equalised with Lucy Sebire's shot taking a wicked deflection to fool keeper Sam Carre.

Saints played the better football in the first half and Annie Machon orchestrated her midfield to great affect. The former island stalwart also went close to scoring herself with two long-range shots.

Holden was a major threat to the Sylvans defence with her exceptional pace and she hit the upright with one superb shot just before half-time. The second half was a tight affair with both teams giving little away and both keepers pulling off a string of fine saves.

As time ticked on Marquis took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored three wonderful goals in a purple patch for her.

A Kerrie Hussey strike sandwiched between made it a great night for the westerners, who only need to beat Rangers tomorrow at St Peter's (2.30 kick-off) to complete a league and cup double.

If they fail to win or draw there will be a play-off with St Martin's to decide this season's championship.