Grouville win sets up all-Jersey final

After dismantling Priaulx League leaders Northerners 5-2 in the quarter finals before thumping St Martin’s 8-2 in the Wheway Cup, Grouville were the obvious favourites going into this rematch and they lived up to the billing to book their place in an all-Jersey final with a 3-1 win.

Coming off the back of a midweek league loss, Saints must have thought their luck had changed when Nigel Hutton’s dipping long-range attempt rifled into the top corner in the opening exchanges.

However, they could not build on that momentum and 'the Groove' quickly found their groove.

A smooth build-up of slick passes gave in-form visiting striker Karl Hinds an opportunity outside the box and, in reply to Hutton’s long-range attempt, he curled it into the bottom corner, quickly levelling up the score.

Rapid one-twos, triangles and accurate long balls saw Grouville keep most of the possession for the rest of the half, but defensively Saints were solid, allowing few attempts on goal keeping the score at 1-1 going into the second half.

Grouville manager David Fitton’s half-time talk must have revitalised his team because as soon as the second half started it was clear to see they were hungrier for the win.

Not even five minutes into the half Jake Mulholland’s strike saved by Jason Martin was better than virtually any attempt seen in the first half.

Numerous attacks built from the back were being launched Saints’ way and it was a matter of when, rather than if, Grouville would take the lead.

A first-time volley onto the bar nearly put Mulholland onto the score-sheet, but it was a nicely-executed Max Rivers finish that put the visitors ahead.

From there it looked inevitable that the Jersey side would be advancing to the final, even with just one goal in it.

Saints started becoming sloppy with most counter-attacks seeing possession conceded to a blue shirt, while Grouville stayed organised and rarely misplaced a pass.

With time ticking on and still only the narrowest of margins between the sides, Hinds took matters into his own hands with about 10 minutes to go.

From about 40 yards out he saw Martin off his line and lofted the ball over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net.

And that was the final nail in the St Martin’s coffin.