Striker Ross Allen hit both Guernsey goals in a 2-1 win, and that after Jersey had taken the lead on the half-hour through Jamie Allan.
It was a disappointing end to Jersey manager Jon Welsh’s six-year managerial career; he suffered only his second defeat in the period but in truth Guernsey deserved their success.
The Sarnians kept a fine shape and although they bypassed their midfield repeatedly they were well-served by strikers Allen and Ollie Smith, the latter who has recovered fully since collapsing with a serious head injury while on trial at Southampton two years ago.
Welsh said: ‘We didn’t play anywhere as well as I had hoped throughout the 90 minutes.
It was good in parts but in truth our passing and movement overall was nothing like it should have been.
‘We had an off day and full credit to Guernsey they had a match-winner in Ross Allen.
His pace and strength are something our defenders are not used to and his physical strength won Guernsey the game.
‘He was the difference between the teams; he certainly hurt us today.’ First-time Guernsey manager Paul Ockleford said: ‘I’m delighted for our players, our shape was good, we worked hard and our back line was excellent.
‘We didn’t get forward from midfield as much as I’d liked but we kept plugging away.
‘Our central defenders were outstanding and yes we did use the long ball; it was one of our strengths and we’ve won the game because of it.
‘We had a bit of luck as well and overall I thought we deserved to win.’ Jack Jouanny’s save on the stroke of half time apart, neither goalkeeper was stretched in the opening half.
The game was just three minutes old when Jamie Allan was cautioned for a challenge on Anthony O’Regan, the latter taking no further part in the game.
Overall it was probably the right result.
Guernsey had a better shape; Arrian Green and Jacques Isabelle dominated in defence and Allen and Smith caused problems aplenty for Jersey’s defence.
Kyle Stone supported Guernsey’s front two well by breaking on the left and his performance won him the man-of-the-match award – presented by Olive Orengo, in memory of her late husband Nino, a Magpies FC stalwart.
Both sides had three half-chances in the opening 30 minutes before Allan fired Jersey ahead with a fine strike from 25 yards.
Danny Hughes then went close to doubling Jersey’s lead with a good effort from 20 yards.
But with Jersey down to ten – defender Sam Dewhurst was off attending a nose bleed – Guernsey equalised.
Allen chased a long punt upfield and out-muscling Hughes he drove home a shot low into a corner from outside the penalty area.
It was a blow for Jersey and although they responded immediately Sean Doran shot wide when a pass inside may have been more productive.
A minute later Allen should have added a Guernsey second but, clean through from Alex Le Prevost’s pass, he was denied by a great blocking save from Jouanny.
Dewhurst, Jersey’s best player, shot wide just after the interval and after Jersey replaced Joel Speight – still not at his strongest following illness – Allen scored Guernsey’s second.
Chasing his goalkeeper’s clearance he showed great composure in lifting the ball over Tom Poole and Jouanny before tapping into an unattended net.
Jersey switched to three at the back and Hughes worked tirelessly up their right but Guernsey continued to tackle well and block Jersey’s shots.
Allen broke again and with a hat-trick beckoning Jouanny denied denied him with fine reflex save.
Jersey finished strongly but Guernsey held firm to record their first win in three seasons.
Jersey: Jack Jouanny; Danny Hughes, Joel Speight (Neal Crowell, 55), Tom Poole, Sam Dewhurst; Sean Doran (David Syvret, 71), Luke Watson, Jamie Allan, Tony Maguire; Craig Russell, Daniel Parry (Karl Stoodley, 85).
Cautioned: Allan, Dewhurst, Russell.
Guernsey: Tom Le Tissier; Sam Matthews, Arrian Green, Jacques Isabelle, Ollie Dowding; Anthony O’Regan, Alex Le Prevost, Piers Ockleford, Kyle Stone (Jason Boscher, 85); Craig Young, Ross Allen.
Cautioned: Stone, Young.
Officials: Nick Richardson, Ted Teed (Gsy), Russell Barry.
Fourth: Peter Smith.
