Just ‘a class apart’
AFTER seeing his St Martin’s team eased aside 3-0 in the 100th Upton Park Trophy final at Springfield, Leon Meakin admitted it was one step too far for the group who had won the FNB Priaulx League title for the first time in eight seasons.
‘They were a class apart … they’re an excellent side,’ he said.
‘We didn’t have a lot of the ball but we had a game plan. That goal just before half time killed us and it completely changed the team talk for both sides.
‘For us it was about staying in the game as long as we possibly could, but we ran out of steam in the last 20 minutes and they pulled away.’
Goals by Luke Watson, the seemingly irrepressible Jack Boyle and Adam Trotter ensured the Jersey champions won a sixth straight Upton.
Man of the match Trotter, who is likely to be one of seven or eight St Paul’s players considered for the Jersey Bulls next season when they embark on the same UK route as Guernsey FC did, said: ‘It’s probably our last game as a group who have been together for six years and been so successful. It’s sad but it’s nice to break up on a high. You never know what will happen in the future but it’s a good way to finish for now.
‘We weren’t sure what Guernsey FC players would be playing for them but I don’t think too many were and we were fairly comfortable. Their tall players put us under pressure but they tired before the end, which gave us a bit more time.’
At the Track, Chris Tardif’s Muratti hopefuls eased to a 4-0 win over the Upton Park FC amateurs.
Goals by Charlton Gauvain, Will Fazakerley, Matt Loaring and Liam Mahon ensured a straightforward win.
