The Island’s women were pegged back to draw 1-1 at JTC Park before their male colleagues – who were reduced to 10 men – played what turned out to be a rather disappointing stalemate later in the day.
In a game of few chances, due to solid defending, Jersey’s men squandered a couple of good first-half opportunities but they could have crossed over trailing had Ben Chambers’ shot not cannoned back into play off the crossbar.
It was a competitive affair and Jersey were reduced to ten midway through the second half when substitute Max Thompson was sent off for serious foul play.
The midfielder was red-carded by referee Andy Norman following a two-footed tackle on Matt Blood who was able to continue after treatment.
| Jersey | Navy | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Shots | 4 |
| 3 | On target | 2 |
| 1 | Corners | 6 |
| 11 | Fouls | 13 |
| 1 | Reds | 0 |
Despite Jersey going down to ten they dug in well and although the Navy pressed forward more they were unable to prise open Jersey’s defence excellently marshalled by Luke Campbell with newcomer Nathan Strzelecki comfortable alongside.
Substitute Jersey goalkeeper Euan Van der Vliet, who played the second half, did not have a save to make although he did have Campbell and Sam Luce to thank for denying opponents by diving full-stretch to nod away two decent deliveries into the heart of Jersey’s penalty area.
Luke Watson, who wore the captain’s armband, was excellent throughout and although the hosts put together several short spells of good passing there were times when they squandered possession too easily.
Karl Hines, following a good run and pass by Craig Russell, had a powerful shot blocked by a defender while Craig Leitch was just off target in delicately lifting the ball over a crossbar.
Russell created space well for himself only to hit the side-netting while the Navy’s best chances were nodded over by Rob Lakin and Tom Ardley,
In the main the teams cancelled each other out and while Jersey worked hard their strikers were kept at bay by some tight marking.
Jersey manager Jimmy Reilly said: ‘It was a tough game, especially going down to ten and while that made it difficult for us the lads can be proud of themselves for the performance they all put in then.
‘We had two great chances in the first half but we did not take them. We’ve played 4-4-2 today to try and give us a bit more room up front and look to play off them but it wasn’t to be.
‘It was a lot better second half but Max’s sending off meant we had to change our shape again and the guys then showed a lot character and determination to see it through.
‘When you’re down to ten it’s hard and the man up front, in this case Rupert Murray, it was difficult for him.
‘It was a blow to lose Max because he had come on and was doing so well and overall I think a draw was a fair result.
Jersey: Craig Fletcher (Euan Van der Vliet, 46); Steve Wilkinson (Jack Griffin, 77), Nathan Strzelecki, Luke Campbell, Sam Luce; Craig Leitch, Chris Mourant (Max Thompson, 46, Red), Luke Watson, Jack Cannon; Karl Hines (Jamie Mourant, 70), Craig Russell (Rupert Murray, 60).
Royal Navy: Roy Emmerson; Ads Fowler, Rob Lakin (Hugh Howlett, 55), Tom Ardley, Lee Foxhall (Mike Cushion, 69); Ross McEvoy, Danny Kerr; Matt Blood, Mike Turnbull (Jake Burns, 59), Ben Chambers (Danny Brookwell, 52); Andy Todd.
Officials: Andy Norman, Gareth Bayley, Paulo Martins, Dougie Orr.
Earlier, at the home of Jersey Wanderers, Welsh international and former Aland United professional Jodie Botterill fired Jersey’s women ahead with a good individual effort only for the visitors, who finished strongly, to draw level with a fine headed goal from defender Nat Collier.
| Jersey | Navy | |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Shots | 8 |
| 6 | On target | 4 |
| 2 | Corners | 7 |
| 4 | Fouls | 9 |
It was tough on the Jersey girls as they had given an excellent account of themselves playing under the management of Simon Petulla for the first time and they created the better of the opportunities but they were unable to capitalise upon them.
Botterill, who was excellent wide on Jersey’s right, was the hosts best player and on another day she may well have scored a hat-trick.
The former Jersey player of the year had one effect blocked, another just off target following a great turn before then eventually hitting the target shortly before the hour.
Put through by Eve Watson, Botterill showed her strength of running with the ball to side-step two challenges before rounding the goalkeeper to score into a bottom right-hand corner.
Jess Vieira then spurned a great opportunity to make it 2-0 from Botterill’s cross and then the visitors pushed on to test Jersey’s defence which performed well as a unit.
Collier had a headed effort disallowed for offside in the 76th minute but much to her delight she nodded home a corner kick six minutes later to level the scores.
The Navy, who have an inter-services match against the RAF at Shrewsbury on Wednesday, looked the more likely to score in the closing period and well-timed tackles from Michelle Bichard and substitute Fiona Mackinnon kept them at bay.
Collectively Jersey worked well with Watson and Libby Barnett busy in midfield while Vieira and Rosie Corbett were threatening at times with their pace.
Petulla said: ‘The Navy were better than I expected and they gave us a very good game. We were happy to let them have possession while we looked to hit them on the break.
‘We did well considering it was our first game and there were a lot of positives, although using five substitutes did disrupt us a little.’
Petulla praised the performances of Jodie Botterill and goalkeeper Stephanie Henwood-Darts, the latter whose ball handling was impressive.
Jersey: Stephanie Henwood-Darts (Sara Luce, 81); Kelly Hughes (Holly Muirhead, 61), Candice Parsons (Sylvie Spinola, 68), Michelle Bichard, Sophie Botterill; Libby Barnett (Fiona Mackinnon, 61), Marta Ascençao, Eve Watson, Jess Vieira; Jodie Botterill, Rosie Corbett (Lara Couvert, 68).
Royal Navy: Louise Lee (Louise Worsfold, 46); Taylor McGladhan, Thea Haynes-Wright (Sophie Davis, 71), Nathalie Collier, Jenny Dick, Hannah Canning, Helen Kingscott, Nathalie Bavister, Holly Cole, Anthea Kapton, Sue Badger.
Officials: Dougie Orr, Paulo Franco, Jose Restolho, Paul Martins.
