After Friday’s match against Reading under-11s was cancelled due to flight delays, the group took part in training matches with Reading’s FC development squad on their three-quarter sized 3G pitch in the training dome next to the Championship club’s Madejski Stadium.
Fulham U10s 2-3 Jersey U11s (Mvalo, Rothwell, own goal)
Gillingham 4-4 Jersey U11s (Trench 3, de la Haye)
Brighton U11s 5-2 Jersey U11s (Camacho, Trench)
Jersey’s U11s then defeated Fulham U10s 3-2 at Fulham’s training ground at Motspur Park on Saturday and on Sunday they drew 4-4 against a Gillingham FC development squad. They were defeated on Monday, though, finishing 5-2 in arrears against a strong U11 Brighton FC Academy.
Jersey coach Rob Cameron, who was assisted by Mark Oliver, said: ‘The tour was a great success. The boys were able to experience the fantastic indoor professional club facilities at Reading, Fulham and Brighton, as well as gaining a valuable insight into the life of a professional footballer when they met former Jersey player Marlon Fossey after watching him play for Fulham against Chelsea U16s.
‘We had some stand-out performances from Sean de la Haye, Jamie Ritzema and Noah Trench which meant the team had great success against Reading and Fulham.
‘We deserved to beat Gillingham, having led three times, and we were unlucky to concede in the final minute to draw.
‘These results and performances give the coaches an insight into the real potential these young Island players have. We are beginning to produce some excellent young players, and in great numbers, which allows us to compete at such a high level given the lack of local competition available in Jersey for the Island primary side.
‘I’m sure that we would produce a number of Academy players if we were in the UK and trips like this are a glimpse into the world of professional football that few young footballers in Jersey ever get to see.’
Jay Laverick (Janvrin), Jack Lumsden (St Clement), Noah Trench (St Lawrence), Scott Hartas (Janvrin), Sean de la Haye (Samarès), JJ Lloyd (First Tower), Darryl Mvalo (d’Auvergne), Ollie Rothwell (VCP), Jamie Ritzema (Mont Nicolle), Patrick O’Toole (St Clement), Fraser Crow (VCP), Isaac Camacho (FCJ).
Darryl Mvalo poked the ball home from close range to give Jersey the lead against Fulham before good pressure forced the hosts in to scoring an own goal. Fulham pulled a goal back before Ollie Rothwell made it 3-1 with a well-taken strike from ten yards and Jersey held on to secure a well-deserved victory, despite Fulham netting a second from 18 yards.
Noah Trench scored a hat-trick and a fine solo effort from Sean de la Haye, who defied three players on the edge of the penalty area before beating the ‘keeper, put Jersey 4-3 up against Gillingham, only for them to the concede in the final minute.
Trench intercepted the ball before calmly slotting home his first and his second was a header from a cross. He completed his hat-trick with another calm finish from close range after racing clear.
Jersey created many chances due to Jamie Ritzema’s hard work and good distribution and Patrick O’Toole caused Gillingham problems down the wing, while Darryl Mvalo was a constant threat at centre forward.
The Islanders struggled to match Brighton’s tempo, though, and they fell 3-0 behind following two 25 yard strikes.
Jersey goalkeeper Jay Laverick made several fine saves and Isaac Camacho slid in to reduce the deficit after being put clear by Ollie Rothwell.
Four games in four days took its toll on Jersey, with Mvalo and JJ Lloyd both coming off injured, but despite the effects of fatigue the team carried on and Trench netted Jersey’s second in their 5-2 defeat.
The youngsters were also shown around Fulham’s Education Centre and Gym, Reading’s Madejski Stadium and they watched Saturday’s Championship match at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Ipswich Town.
