The 4-0 defeat is bad news for the 2001 and 2002 Combination Division I champions who lost their manager Steve Coutanche following the 5-1 thumping by St Paul’s on Saturday.
They Tim Houghton, who with Ricky Muddyman guided the parish club to that second title two seasons ago, stepped into the breach last night but could not inspire a revival.Portuguese Club scored twice in each half and the three points lifts them up to fourth place in the table.Player/manager José-Manuel Vieira opened the scoring inside five minutes with a header before Victor Santos doubled the lead with a lob from distance.St Peter had half chances to get back into the game but Portuguese wrapped up the victory with another Santos strike – after good work by Vieira in the box – and Artur Calaca, with the goal of the game.Houghton, who now returns to his role as assistant to Island manager Dave Matthews, was disappointed with the defeat but remained positive that St Peter can reverse their fortunes.’It was one of those games when things weren’t going for us.
I couldn’t fault the team for effort – they put in 100 per cent.
They took their chances and we didn’t.’I’m pretty disappointed but I was very pleased with the effort.’If they continue to do that I think they’ll turn it round.’Portuguese Club: Ricardo Sousa, Helio Freitas, Joao Gouveia, Artur Calaca, Antonio Costa, Marco Varela, Carlos Corolo (Ricardo 80), Pedro Lopes, Nelson Mwakaze, José-Manuel Vieira, Victor Santos (Pedro Maia 75).St Peter: Gareth Bayley, Paul Brannan, Paul Dicker, Dean Godwin (Richard Houguet 55), Scott Kelly, Steve Coutanche, Alan Jones (Rolly McMichael 75), Martin Cassidy, Andy Coleman, Darren Freeman, Russell Osmand.
St Lawrence progressed through to the second round of the JFA’s Willis Cup last night after a 4-3 victory over Beeches at Les Quennevais.
John Deacy, Dean Elder and Ian Doyle (two) scored for the parish side.
Jersey U18s beat a St Ouen senior XI 3-0 last night in a warm-up game for Saturday’s FA County Youth Cup match against Dorset.
Brett Pitman (2) and Ryan Durand scored.
