'Extremely talented' U21s out to win back Muratti at Springfield

Jersey came out on top in last year’s game at the Track as Miguel Carvalho struck the winner in stoppage time, but the Sarnians have been victorious in five of the last six editions of the competitions.

Guernsey also have a better overall Ambassadeur Bowl record since its creation in 1988, with 18 wins compared to Jersey’s 14.

‘I am feeling very excited, there is nothing like a Muratti at Springfield and everyone is very eager to get on with it,’ said De Garis.

‘Digger’ returned to the role of U21 head coach a few months back after managing the side from 2008-2010, where he both won and lost an Ambassadeur Bowl.

‘It has been challenging being back as the U21s manager but I am very happy I took the role – it is not everyday you get to represent your island as a coach so I am excited for the game,’ he said.

‘The amount of first-team football going on as well as a number of injuries has made it more difficult for us to get together as a group and the lack of time available along with the lack of friendlies for the group has also made it tough, but I believe we are well prepared.

‘We did manage to get the lads in properly this week and everybody has been notified of the squad and should be ready.

‘It would be amazing to win on Sunday. I have experienced both sides of Muratti results and winning is just an unbelievable feeling – it is out of this world.’

The Guernsey squad features seven St Martin’s players, five Northerners, two Rovers, two Sylvans and one from Rangers, and includes GFC regulars Brandon Wallace and Keene Domaille.

Owen Wallbridge, Oliver Harrison, George McNeela and Finley Du Port, who all took part in last month's U18 Muratti win, are all named in De Garis’ match-day squad.

‘The squad we have named is extremely talented, and now it is my job to get everyone to perform on the day,’ said De Garis.

‘We have been training for over three months to get prepared for this fixture, but it is a one-off game and you never know what can happen.

‘It is the first time we will see them play together in a competitive game and I imagine it will be the same for Jersey too.

‘It will be a difficult afternoon for us with it being at Springfield in front of a Jersey crowd, and it is such a big occasion.

‘At the end of the day, though, it is a game of football and we’re good enough to get the job done so we have to go in with the right attitude and from there we will see what happens.’

Guernsey U21 squad:

Archie Drillot, Ben Solway, Brad O’Regan, Brandon Wallace, Callum Le Lacheur, Charlie Platt, Fin Du Port, George McNeela, Jake Lowe, Keene Domaille, Niall Hainsworth, Oliver Harrison, Owen Wallbridge, Seb Vance, Seb Sheppard, Simon Arnold, Frazer Maginnis, Oscar Leadbeater.