Football: Watson ‘desperate’ to regain the Vase

  • Island captain hoping to lead Jersey to first Muratti win in four years.
  • Five uncapped players named in Jimmy Reilly’s semi-final squad to face Alderney.
  • Who do you think will win this year’s Muratti? Have your say below.

JERSEYMAN Luke Watson is desperate to win back the Insurance Corporation Muratti Vase from Guernsey this year, a challenge which starts with the semi-final in Alderney.

The St Paul’s midfielder, who has been given the captaincy by new manager Jimmy Reilly, says his first focus is to beat Alderney on Saturday and then end the Sarnians’ run of three Vase triumphs.

2014: Jersey 1-4 Guernsey

2013: Guernsey 2-1 Jersey

2012: Jersey 0-2 Guernsey

2011: Guernsey 1-1 Jersey (Jersey won 3-0 on pens)

2010: Jersey 0-1 Guernsey

Watson said: ‘It’s another proud moment in my career and a massive compliment to be chosen as captain considering the amount of experience and number of leaders we have in the squad.

‘After last year’s Muratti defeat to Guernsey the first thing I thought about was looking to win it this year and that is what all the players and I want.

‘I’m majorly desperate to win the Vase back because defeats by Guernsey hurt but we know to have any chance we must beat Alderney first.’

Jersey won 9-2 in Alderney two years ago where the hosts were blown away in the first half when they conceded seven goals.’

Watson said: ‘We’ve got to respect Alderney because the Muratti is their biggest game of the season.

‘This is my third game against Alderney and they are always difficult games because their players are so up for the game. I’ve got fond memories having scored on my debut there and two goals two years ago and hopefully I can score again in a winning team.’

Goalkeeper Euan Van Der Vliet and Jack McKenna, pictured on opposite sides in 2013, are two of the five uncapped Muratti players making the semi-final trip to Alderney

Reilly named five uncapped Muratti players in his squad of 16 on Wednesday and Watson said training his gone well.

Watson added: ‘Our preparation has been good; the new management are keen to get the players together more and it will help us all get a better understanding because that is where Guernsey are ahead of us at the moment because of the number of games they are playing.

‘It’s Alderney first though and we must not get caught cold. We’ll be looking to get off to a good start and then look to improve on it.’

Watson is likely to play alongside Jack Boyle, the latter who is in advanced talks to play for Guernsey FC next season in the English pyramid.

Watson said: ‘It’s a no-brainer what Jack wants to if and I don’t know anyone who is against it and if I was asked I would do the same – 100 per cent.’

Goalkeepers: Craig Fletcher, Euan Van der Vliet.

Defenders: Jack McKenna, James Scott, Luke Campbell, Jack Cannon, Stuart André.

Midfielders: Luke Watson, Cavaghn Miley, Jake Baker, Chris Mourant, Jack Boyle.

Forwards: Daryl Wilson, Craig Russell, Karl Hinds, Rupert Murray.

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