Muratti win 'would mean everything' as Guernsey's U21s prepare to host Jersey
Guernsey's new U21 manager Jordan Kelly says it would ‘mean everything’ to his players to regain the Ambassadeur Bowl as they prepare to welcome Jersey to Footes Lane on Sunday.
The Sarnians won the trophy five times in a row prior to Covid but have been beaten in the last two editions, most recently at Springfield in April in a 4-2 defeat.
‘We have the belief that we can get the win – it would be pointless playing the game if we did not,’ said Kelly, who was head coach of the Island U18s for their dramatic penalty shoot-out Junior Muratti win earlier this year.
‘We have a very good group for the game and a really nice blend of players.
‘There are a lot of battlers, players with real desire to win, and the technical level is very high.
Listen to a full interview with Jordan Kelly on this week's Guernsey Press Football Podcast
‘I have played in four or five of these games before, it’s always a really technical game, but it is always very feisty.
‘A Muratti is on the line, it is always dog eat dog.’
The Guernsey U21 squad is boosted by the inclusion of a number of Guernsey FC regulars, including forwards Owen Wallbridge, Keene Domaille, Brandon Wallace and Jack Griffin, as well as midfielder Seb Vance.
‘Some of our players have played in a number of Murattis before at youth level and have never tasted victory, so to beat Jersey would be a massive achievement.
‘I am really looking forward to the game, the build-up is extremely exciting – we have a great squad, and so do Jersey.
‘From my perspective as well, it is a great achievement to be the head coach of this team and I am very proud to be in the role.’
Kelly will be assisted in the dugout by Charlie Le Prevost, Jason Leaman and Jason Tardif.
Kick-off at Footes Lane is 1pm.
