Guernsey U21 2 (Tyrese Kelly 22′, Fin Du Port 34′)
Jersey U21 5 (Seaney McColgan 32′, 50′; Stan Dunne 38′, 55′; Will Yates 75′)
Player of the Match: Stan Dunne
JERSEY’S U21 side put together a strong performance to rally back from falling behind twice in the first half, scoring a whopping three goals in the second half to come out on top over Guernsey 5-2 and win the U21 Ambassadeur Bowl.
Originally scheduled to be contested on Sunday 16 November, the unfortunate collapse of Blue Islands lay waste to their plans. As the Jersey FA were unable to secure a refund from the company, the fixture was in doubt until travel sponsors were found.
After a somewhat cagey opening ten minutes of play saw neither side settle into the occasion, the Sarnians were first up to get a grasp of the game, with their first chance at goal taking place in the 12th minute. Skipper Fin Du Port carried the ball well from midfield to slot through George Goubert nicely, but Jersey’s Harry Gladdish made a comfortable save to keep it level.
The Caesareans responded just three minutes later with a chance of their own, as Seaney McColgan looked through on goal. However, he was foiled by Max Wall’s strong dive at his feet.
Spectators had to wait just 22 minutes for a goal, as the hosts got off to a dream start on home turf, as number nine Tyrese Kelly found the back of the net.
Guernsey seemed to get into their flow, as another chance appeared at the half-hour mark for Fin Patterson – but it couldn’t be converted.
Although Guernsey looked strong, the Jerseymen were more than ready to ruin the party. Just two minutes after Patterson’s weak shot at goal, McColgan came back to go one step further than his prior attempt, rifling it home to level the score.
Just when fortunes were turning Jersey’s away, the boys in green immediately hit back to pull ahead once again in style. At the 34th minute, Du Port took an exceptional free kick, curling it over the wall to find the top corner and make it 2-1.
This really was an action-packed segment of the game, as Jersey then went on to equalise again in the 38th minute, as Stan Dunne got on the end of a pinpoint ball over the top, allowing him to finish it off after Guernsey’s defence were completely caught out.
Now, the reds were starting to hit their stride, as an opportunity presented itself to go ahead just before the break as McColgan shot on goal – but it just hit the woodwork, meaning it was all square at 2-2 at half-time.
Plenty of half chances were had in the opening minutes of the second half, but Jersey were the first ones to strike and edge ahead, putting themselves in the lead for the first time in the fixture as an excellent through ball found McColgan once again, setting him up for the finish in the 50th minute.
Just five minutes after, Dunne sealed his brace with a highlight-reel finish, putting away a 22-yard bullet to make it 4-2.
Even though the hosts became noticeably deflated, Jersey weren’t out of the woods just yet, as Guernsey had an opportunity in the 72nd minute. After their own Max Johnson made a great drive from the back to then make a deft flick, setting up Goubert – but his shot dragged wide.
That must have kicked Jersey back into gear, as captain Will Yates added a goal of his own to put the game truly out of reach, with nothing short of a miracle required for Guernsey to even have a chance of getting a result.
Unfortunately, tempers boiled and frustrations were shown by the Guernsey side, as Tom Solway was sent off after stamping on a Jersey player in the 81st minute.
Following that unsavoury moment, the Caesareans rode it out to convincingly retain the Ambassadeur Bowl.
Make sure to check out Monday’s JEP for a full reaction
Jersey U21: Harry Gladdish, Ewan Brodie, Damon Huckerby, Tomas Goncalves, Alfie Queree, Stan Dunne, Will Yates (C), Seaney McColgan, Casey Nixon, Joey O’Toole, Harry Scott. Substitutes: Afonso Freitas, Fergus Boyle, Connor Lloyd, Callum Gilroy, Leighton Gilroy, Riley Brennan, Harry Mackenzie.
Guernsey U21: Max Wall, Jacques Cauvin, Max Johnson, Gil Hunter, Owen Wallbridge, Tom Solway, Fin Patterson, Fin Du Port (C), Tyrese Kelly, Zach Gilman, George Goubert. Substitutes: Regan Penney, Mason Prigent, George Montgomery, Riley Tyrell, Mason Jones, Charlie Robilliard, Zac Batiste.
