First Tower striker Bradley Russell scored the only goal but the day will be remembered for an indifferent performance by referee George Jennings.
The official sent off three players and cautioned six in a game that ignited into life in the second half.Jersey had goalkeeper Frazer Siddall sent off for a handball outside of his penalty area while colleague Luke Watson, who was excellent in the first half, and Guernsey’s Joby Bourgaize were dismissed following an incident on a touch-line.Jersey manager Jon Welsh said: ‘I’m delighted with the win but the game was a big disappointment.
It takes two teams to make a good game of football and unfortunately all Guernsey wanted to do was stop us at all costs.’The referee failed to protect the players, there were several leg-breaking challenges from the Guernsey lads and he failed to deal with them.’My lads were a credit to themselves and Jersey.
They were being intimidated and with 13 new caps and them being a young side they kept their discipline very well.’A superb goal from centre forward Russell, after ten minutes, was enough for Jersey and they had the upper hand in the first half of a typical Muratti battle.After Bourgaize failed to connect to give Guernsey an early lead Jersey’s Ryan Durand then had a goal-bound effort blocked by a Guernsey defender.The 600-plus crowd witnessed the first goal minutes later when Brett Pitman got behind Guernsey’s defence.
Unselfishly he rolled the ball into the path of Russell who duly slammed it past the ‘keeper for the only goal of the game.Jersey captain Peter Vincenti and Pitman were following in their father’s footsteps by gracing the Muratti stage and Pitman gave Guernsey plenty of headaches with some intelligent attacking play.The game was littered with needless petty fouls that were punished quickly by Jennings with yellow cards when perhaps a word in the ear was sufficient.Guernsey’s back four were kept busy and Chris Mauger performed well and it was a ball from him that found Ollie McKenzie who in turn sent a good ball to Marc McGrath who outstripped the Jersey defence but was foiled by a fine save by Siddall.Jersey winger Nathan Maguire put a powerful header wide on the stroke of half-time.The second period got the crowd on their feet when an incident after only six minutes catapulted the game into action.
Ross Allen was sent clear and as he charged on towards goal he was denied the equaliser when Siddall handled the ball outside the area.
Referee Jennings had no choice but to send the young ‘keeper off and he was replaced by Jack Jouanny.
The resulting free kick was well saved by Jouanny.Charles Pinsard, Sam Cochrane, Kyle Stone, Gower, and, McGrath, were all cautioned for fouls along with Jersey’s Southampton trialist Joel Speight.The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for young Ollie Smith who came on in the 65th minute to replace Pinsard after a life saving brain operation in which the youngster has now fully recovered.Jersey were adamant they should have had a penalty when Pitman was upended in the area which incensed coach Jon Welsh.
A bizzare incident involving Bourgaize and Jersey midfielder Luke Watson resulted in both receiving their marching orders.
Watson appeared to head-butt Bourgaize but both were ordered off when there only looked to be one guilty party.
The incident only sparked the players from both sides into persistent infringements.Jouanny also made a tremendous reaction save low to left but in the main Jersey’s back four were solid throughout with Tom Poole having an excellent game.The pitch was bumpy caused by a rugby match being played on it 24 hours earlier which was not the perfect scenario for a game of this importance.Guernsey coach Tony Vance said: ‘There were some strange decisions out there today and the sending off’s spoilt the game.
However the referee was only doing his job.’Jersey defender Tom Poole was awarded the Maurice Le Var tankard at a dinner last night, the award given to Jersey man-of-the-match by Jersey’s management team.Guernsey: Rhys Gower, Charles Pinsard (Ollie Smith, 65) Chris Mauger, Brent Marquand, Joby Bourgaize, Sam Cochrane, Ollie McKenzie, Sam Stables (John Boscher 45) Darren Martin, Ross Allen, Mark McGrath (Kyle Stone, 80).Jersey: Frazer Siddall (Jack Jouanny, 51), Danny Hughes, Joel Speight, Tom Poole, Sam Dewhurst, Ryan Durand (Mark Whitsey, 75), Peter Vincenti, Luke Watson, Nathan Maguire, Brett Pitman, Bradley Russell.Officials: George Jennings (G), A Bradshaw (J), G Ogier (G).
