Guernsey fire blanks
MISSING three of their four shootout spot-kicks, Guernsey suffered a second straight Muratti Vase final loss on Saturday.
After 120 goalless minutes at Footes Lane, Jersey tucked away three of their kicks while only Liam Mahon was able to convert in a shootout show that highlighted the paucity of attacking choices currently blighting Island senior football as they rebuild.
Everything was set up for a home victory – fine pitch, great weather and big support – but until stirring late on they misfired and failed to impress, other than in defence where skipper Jamie Dodd and Thomas Dodds were outstanding.
How cruel then that young Dodds should fire his penalty over the bar, failing to beat Evan van der Vliet, just as Matt Loaring and Tom de la Mare had done.
Jersey survived losing their skipper Jack Boyle to a suspected broken ankle before half time and, deep in extra-time, right-back Harry Curtis, sent off for collecting two yellows.
Chris Tardif said he was gutted for his group.
‘To be honest we were hanging in at the end [of extra-time] as we had four or five struggling with injuries. Jamie Dodd had pulled his hamstring, Glyn [Dyer], Charlton [Gauvain] struggling, Carlos had to go off, so fair play to them, which showed the character of the boys. We could have gone down to six or seven in truth.
‘It was a difficult scenario to deal with but fair play to the boys and fair play to Jersey. They had some great opportunities, we threatened in spells and it was down to the luck of the draw with penalties.’
Jersey coach Martin Cassidy said he should stop talking about us not taking chances because maybe subconsciously he was making it worse for his own goal-shy side.
‘Our football is brilliant, it really really is and the effort the lads put in and the desire not to lose was excellent.
‘I think last Thursday’s game [against the Army FA] set us up nicely today because we went through penalties, we played against an awkward big team and I think Guernsey tried everything but they just could not get at us, even with their changes.
‘They are always a threat, but I thought we played and attacked and our game was excellent.’
For the second Muratti final in a row Jersey defender James Queree was named man of the match.
More in Monday's Guernsey Press.
