- Jersey manager ‘disappointed’ following heavy defeat to French visitors.
- Individual errors cost Island Games gold medallists in final scheduled friendly of the year.
ROLES were reversed for Jersey’s women at Springfield on Sunday as the Island’s representative side were outclassed by US St Malo.
Like their male colleagues had done on their visit in January, the French side dominated proceedings from start to finish in their 9-0 success – giving Simon Petulla’s side a rare glimpse of life on the wrong side of defeat.
Jersey, who beat Godalming FC 10-1 just nine days earlier, held their own in the opening stages, but the floodgates opened before the break and the hosts found themselves five down at the changeover. And a further four followed.
Cool, calm and collected were the French as they used the passing-friendly 3G turf to their advantage, and it was their ability to keep the ball that made the difference.
Jersey manager Simon Petulla: “I was disappointed with our performance because I know that we can play a lot better than we did.”
The Islanders did not help themselves at times, though, and as the ‘misplaced pass’ tally racked up the Brittany-based semi-professionals struck from near and far.
However, determination to finish with the heads held high was indeed noticeable, with the likes of Libby Barnett, Eve Watson and Sophie Botterill again justifying their selection with solid displays, and second-half substitute Catarina Andrade was a thorn in the side of the St Malo defence with her pace and trickery. She was too good for them, but there was still no way through.
Disappointing and somewhat deflating? Yes. But for Petulla the defeat will act as a valuable lesson.
‘St Malo were a quality team, and they played some great football,’ said the manager. ‘They were quick, strong and clever and exploited our weaknesses.
‘I thought Sophie Botterill was excellent for us throughout, but I was disappointed with our overall performance because I know that we can play a lot better than we did. But we will learn from this and hopefully this will make us stronger in the future. Let’s not forget what a great summer it has been and what these women have achieved is unbelievable.
‘The girls will have a break from Island football now and go back to their clubs. We will pick a squad in a couple of months and the door is open to everyone again.’
Jersey: Sara Luce (Chantelle Audrain, 45), Michelle Bichard (Holly Muirhead 45), Lauren Quemard, Candice Parsons, Sophie Botterill, Jess Vieira (Lara Couvert 35, Vieira 78), Eve Watson, Rosie Corbett (Catarina Andrade 45), Marta Ascencao, Jodie Botterill (Irina Jaworski 69), Libby Barnett.
St Malo: Megane Guezille, Justine La Pauvre, Melanie Anger, Audrey Fevrier, Melanie Daunas, Mathilde Le Meur, Beatrice Kabore, Joanna Beroudiaux, Justine Gouvril, Michele Abad, Lea Le Garrec. Subs: Manon Le Dins, Leslie Sychareunh, Maristella Dos Santo.
