At half-time, Wanderers led two goals to nil, but a mentality shift from the “Sea Gals” saw them pull two goals back in the second half to take the clash to extra time.
After 30 more minutes of relentless action, the girls in blue struck the killer blow to seal the title and lift the famous trophy.
Rozel captain Tiffany Sundby said: “It was such a good feeling to firstly secure the comeback, then to go on and win the whole thing.”
Wanderers survived early pressure from the Rovers, with Roisin Flynn hitting the woodwork in the 17th minute after strong build-up play from herself and Holly Muirhead.
End-to-end pressure saw Wanderers’ Sofia Rodrigues’ volley saved by Tayah Vasse just before the half-hour mark.
Nine minutes later, Wanderers successfully broke the deadlock after brilliant footwork from Ella Brennand in front of the dug-out enabled her to play the ball in behind to Rodrigues.
The reigning women’s footballer of the year beat the keeper to the ball and poked it home from seven yards out.
Wanderers doubled their lead just six minutes later after Sam Silva’s free kick found Sam Reis’ head in the box.
The initial header blocked, but she was able to convert the second attempt.
In the second half, both sides started strongly with end-to-end action.
Wanderers were unable to endure the pressure from a rejuvenated Rozel side, as the excellent Emily Le Page halved the deficit in the 56th minute.
Muirhead’s corner was swung into the box, causing a kerfuffle before Le Page managed to add a finishing touch.
Wanderers’ Silva took matters into her own hands, looking to bolster their advantage, running from well within her own half but the Rovers defence stood firm.
With just 15 minutes remaining, Muirhead drove from midfield and played the ball to Flynn, whose stunning strike found the back of the net with a little help from the post to complete the comeback.
Sundby explained how she changed the team’s mentality going into the second half: “First half there were a few players thinking that they weren’t playing well.
“I was just trying to keep everyone as positive as possible. We knew we still had plenty of time to come back and I thought second half we were outstanding.”
After a short break to discuss tactics, the first half of extra time got under way with a bang.
Le Page won the ball back from the Wanderers defence and shot from close range. Ashley Whitfield was able to save, only for the rebound to fall to Flynn, who calmly slotted the ball away, putting the Rovers ahead for the first time in the match.
As the match continued its see-saw, Rovers’ lead was short-lived.
Wanderers’ Silva found space in the penalty area and rifled her shot into the top corner just six minutes later to once again square the match at 3-3.
Rovers refused to let that slow them down, however, and responded incredibly quickly with a goal straight from the kick-off.
The sensational Muirhead found space from 20 yards out and successfully looped the ball over the Wanderers keeper, giving the Sea Gals the lead again, 4-3.
After 100 minutes of crazy football, Rozel finally earned themselves a cushion.
Muirhead again was at the heart of it, finding her shot saved and rebounded to Le Page, who tucked the ball away.
Three minutes later, however, Wanderers got a goal back when Silva lobbed the keeper and, despite an effort from Ana Melim to clear the ball off the line, it made its way into the back of the net.
The second half of extra time started more calmly than the first, with Wanderers trying to force an equaliser.
As the tension inside Springfield closed in on boiling point, Emily Le Page had one final chance round off her hat-trick. However, her effort crashed into the woodwork.
Referee Andy Norman blew the final whistle and Rozel Rovers Women took off celebrating as deserved champions of the JFA Cup Final.
Sundby said: “It was a crazy extra time.
“We knew if we went forward it would leave us open at the back, but we had to find that balance of remaining positive in our play too.
“The more senior players were trying to support with game management for those less experienced players, which showed the quality leadership within our group.
“I thought Emily [Le Page] was amazing too. She deserved her player of the match award.
“She can get past players, she holds up the ball really well and she can make some great finishes too.
“I’m so incredibly proud of all the girls.
“When that final whistle blew, it was such a relief. We really feel like we deserved it and to lift that trophy was such a special feeling.”
Rozel Rovers Women 5
Le Page 56, 100, Flynn 75, 92, Muirhead 99
Jersey Wanderers Women 4
Rodrigues 36, Reis 42, Silva 98, 103
HT: 0-2
Attendance: 128
Player of the match: Emily Le Page
