Even Kees couldn't save Colombians' day

DESPITE the heroics of Kees Jager, Investec Colombians slipped to a 4-1 defeat to Old Victorians in the 'Upton'. The big goalkeeper was outstanding as, after dominating the first 10 minutes, Colombians were put under a barrage of attacks for much of the game.

Peter Carey had neatly put the Guernsey champions into the lead after just two minutes at Les Quennevais, but once the home side had got into their stride they enjoyed most of the possession and were awesome down the middle of the pitch.

Three times in the space of five minutes leading up to the half-hour mark Jager kept his side in the game, with his best save being when he turned away a shot that was four feet off the ground.

However, from an attack immediately afterwards, Matt Smith crossed and Joe Crill turned home to level the scores.

Despite creating fewer chances, Colombians did look dangerous on the break and OVs keeper and captain Garret O'Brien had to make two excellent saves, one in either half.

The crucial point of the match came halfway through the second period.

Following an intense period of pressure, Mark Dicker was released on the right and he hit an unstoppable shot to give OVs the lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, the same player beat two defenders and slotted the ball home firmly to the keeper's left.

Just before the end, Rob Le Quesne put the result beyond doubt.

'We wanted to come out of the box fast to put pressure on them immediately,' said Colombians' captain Phil Radford.

'We didn't make the most of those early opportunities when we had the pressure to make it 2-0.

'Our problem was also that we haven't played as a team for the last 10 weeks, which was bound to affect our play. Having said that, the Jersey side were excellent through the middle.'

O'Brien also paid tribute both to the opposition and to his midfield and attacking players.

'The first 10 minutes were rocky and we could have conceded more. But after that I felt their keeper kept them in the game,' he said.

'We knew, on paper, we've probably got better players than they have, but when they scored we became nervy.

'Even so, it was so early in the game that we knew we could turn it around.'