DESPITE the weekend’s inclement weather, in the most part local football continued across the Island with several exciting matches.
The standout fixture came in Premiership 1, where St Paul’s triumphed 5-4 over Jersey Wanderers in a thrilling encounter that had the weather-braving fans on the edge of their seats.
The game, played in wet and slippery conditions, was an intense, back-and-forth affair.
Wanderers struck early in the third minute when Josh Coutanche capitalised on a loose ball in the box to fire past St Paul’s keeper and give his side a 1-0 lead.
The early goal injected immediate energy into the match, and both teams quickly found their rhythm.
The Saints responded swiftly, finding an equaliser just minutes later, a quick attack down the right wing ended with a low cross that found Sonny Cassidy, who calmly slotted home to draw level.
With momentum in their favour, St Paul’s started to impose themselves.
In the 20th minute, they grabbed the lead when another fast counter-attack saw the ball find an unmarked Joey O’Toole in the box, who stroked the ball beyond Wanderers’ keeper to make it 2-1.
The youthful exuberance of St Paul’s proved to be their key weapon, as they pressed forward relentlessly, while defending as if their lives depended on it.
A brilliant individual run in the 38th minute from goalscorer Cassidy saw him leave the Wanderers defence trailing, and he finished with finesse to make it 3-1.
Just moments later, St Paul’s added a fourth, as Cassidy claimed a remarkable first-half hat-trick, as the hosts entered the break 4-1 up.
Wanderers needed a fast start to the second-half.
In the 55th minute, they found a glimmer of hope when a free-kick was delivered into the box, and a glancing header from Jack Hardisty found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 4-2.
St Paul’s, however, were quick to respond once again, as they regained their three-goal advantage.
In the 59th minute, Ewan Brodie sent a long chip over the top of the Wanderers goalkeeper, who was caught off his line.
Wanderers continued to battle and, in the 66th minute, they were awarded a penalty, duly converted by Jamie Mourant.
The visitors pushed forward in the dying embers and, in the 82nd minute, Coutanche struck again, pulling one more back for Wanderers and give them hope of a comeback.
However, they would fall short, and St Paul’s claimed a 5-4 win.
Elsewhere, St John secured a 3-2 win over Sports Club of Jersey in Premiership 2.
St John’s Ethan Boudin was the star of the show, scoring twice in the first half (15’ and 33’) to put his side in control.
Sports Club responded with a penalty from Clife Silva in the 40th minute, and Silva added another in the 65th minute to draw level.
However, substitute Scott Simpson’s goal in the 87th minute sealed the win for St John.
Meanwhile, St Ouen’s dominant form continued with a resounding 5-0 victory over First Tower United.
The westerners took an early lead with goals from Simao Oliveira (2’) and Jay Curtis (11’), followed by a third from Calum Huckerby in the 33rd minute.
Oliver Carney (40’) and Elliot Stephens (80’) completed the scoring as St Ouen cruised to victory.
Rozel Rovers’ game against St Lawrence fell victim to Storm Bert.
Championship 2 saw two further postponements between Rozel Rovers Reserves and Trinity, as well as St Paul’s Reserves clash with St John Reserves.
The tie between Sporting Academics Reserves and St Ouen C went ahead however, with the latter cruising to a 5-1 victory.
St Clement Reserves cruised past Dragoes de Jersey in the ‘Le Riche Trophy’ with a 3-0win, courtesy of goals from Matthew Rawlings (26’), Alexander Ross (33’), and Lucas Foreman (42’).
In the Jayson Lee Memorial Trophy, St Lawrence O35s triumphed 3-1 over St Peter O35s in the only match of three to be played. Matthew Godel (30’), Philip Kendall (66’), and Adam Gavin (82’) found the net for St Lawrence, while James Jones (65’) scored for St Peter.
Sunday turned to the Women’s Division and Walking Football, however only the Walking games went ahead.
In the Walking Football Cup, there was plenty of drama as both games were decided by penalties.
St Peter won 2-0 in a penalty shootout against St Paul’s after a 2-2 draw, Mark Oliver and Tim Ward finding the net for the winners in regulation, while Paul Cauvain netted a brace for his side.
Meanwhile, Trinity triumphed 3-2 in the shootout over Madeira FC after a 3-3 draw, as Noel Kermman scored twice and Ste Nield also netting for Trinity.
With chances of more rainfall tonight, Rozel Rovers are in action against St John in The JFA Bowl at Les Quennevais.
Meanwhile, on Thursday St Lawrence O35s are set to play Jersey Wanderers Reserves in the same competition.
