Karl Benest’s side had to come from a goal down to win the Kent FA Youth Cup at the home of Chatham Town FC – after conceding a scrappy goal in just the third minute of their final against Bexley FC.
The Saints – featuring a number of ‘senior’ players, who were allowed to return to complete a campaign they began in 2019 – responded well but squandered a chance as Ritzema’s header deflected around the six-yard box but did not end in a goal.
Goalkeeper Pierce Roache put in a fine display in the first half to keep the score at just 1-0, frustrating the Bexley attack on multiple occasions.
It took a determined second half from the Islanders to change the game. Firstly, Tommy Boarer clattered the crossbar after a brilliant team move and minutes later Marcinko produced a stunning turn and finish, into the bottom corner, to level the scores on the hour mark.
Ten minutes later Ritzema picked up the ball just inside Bexley’s half and stormed forward, before composing himself and finishing into the bottom corner, much to the delight of his team-mates, who piled on top of the midfielder in celebration.
Coach Karl Benest was, understandably, delighted with his side’s second-half display.
‘Myself and the assistant coach gave the boys a good talking to at half time to get them going,’ he said. ‘We told them not to be scared. Bexley might have been bigger and stronger but we knew if we played our football we’d get the right result.
‘We came out firing after that and it was amazing to turn it around and become the first junior team in Jersey to win a county cup. We played six rounds, including the final, and to win them all away from home – beating three of the four favourites in the competition – it’s great for the club. I’m extremely happy for the players.’
With former professional Peter Vincenti taking over as head of St Peter’s academy this summer, Benest hopes the club will continue to thrive at junior level.
‘Hopefully we can progress and keep going with the young talent we’ve got coming through,’ he said. ‘We’ve got some good U16s coming through and we want to do it all again.
‘Entering competitions like this is good for Jersey, not just the club. There is so much talent on the Island and it’s important for players to enter more competitions and have these opportunities.’
St Peter U18s: Pierce Roche; Rhys Thomas, Dougie McDermott, Kacper Smilek, Ben Hamilton, Noah Risby: Tommy Boarer, Jan Bentley, Toby Ritzema, Jamie Ritzema, James Carr, Harry Scott, Ryan Marcinko, Luke Lister, Andre Dias, Tom Proffitt. Coaches: Karl Benest, Anthony Lister. Goalkeeper coach and physio: Ciaran Pack.
