JERSEY FA Women returned to winning ways last night with a stunning 3-1 away win over Kent FA in the Southern Counties Cup.
Goals from Aine Ruth, Sam Silva and Tiffany Sundby were enough to sweep aside their Kent counterparts and give the Caesareans their first win of the cup campaign.
After suffering a heavy defeat in their opening fixture against a strong outfit from Middlesex, the result is a massive step in the right direction for Chad Morris’ side.
Jersey captain Holly Muirhead was overflowing with praise for her charges: “This was an amazing result for us.
“I feel like we really put everything we have been working on in training into this match and it really paid off for us.
“The team played with confidence. It was such a fun game to be a part of.”
On a cold evening in Gillingham, it took Jersey just nine minutes to break the deadlock.
Sam Silva saw her initial strike well saved by the Kent goalkeeper, but she was powerless to stop the follow up half-volley from the incoming Ruth.
That early lead was doubled before the break, much to the joy of those in red.
A skilful run from the outstanding debutante Bekah Pierce, who has just recently turned 16, saw her take several Kent players with her as she marauded through their defence, before sending in a brilliant pin-point cross to find Silva – who would not be denied on this occasion.
The half-time whistle blew with the Caesareans in dreamland and two goals to the good.
Skipper Muirhead continued: “Coming in at half-time 2-0 up with goals from Sam and Aine was such a massive confidence boost.
“We struggled a bit with goals last season, so to score three times, especially away from home, is a big step forward for us as a group.”
Just minutes into the restart, Jersey had three. This time it was Leah Morris the provider, swinging in a sumptuous corner for the pouncing Tiffany Sundby to lash into the back of the Kent net, sealing the three points for the visitors.
The Kent faithful managed one solitary cheer for their evening’s work after netting a late consolation goal, but the victory points were already boarding the flight home to Jersey.
“I think we were fully deserving of the three points,” Muirhead concluded.
“We played as a team and with fluidity. This win has put us in a really good position going into the next game against the Army early next year.
“I also thought young Bekah Pierce was absolutely brilliant on her debut. It’s so great to see these young players come into the team and make such an impact straight away, it just shows the depth of talent we have in local women’s football.”
Sundby, who scored the game’s third goal for Jersey, commented: “It was a great game, we felt in control for most of the 90 minutes and had some really nice build-up play to then break their lines and create goalscoring opportunities.
“It’s a great feeling to get the first win. There was really good team cohesion which we’ve been working hard for on and off the pitch, which made it all the more special to get a win.
“Also, it was especially nice to get revenge over Kent for beating us 1-0 last season.
“We’re all looking forward to the next time we get to put the Jersey shirt on and represent our Island.”
Jersey Squad: Holly Muirhead (c), Sara Luce, Aine Ruth, Poppy Benest, Ella Brennand, Bekah Pierce, Hannah Lynam, Sofia Rodrigues, Emily Le Page, Leah Morris, Danny Da Silva, Ella Docherty, Sam Silva, Tiffany Sundby
