JERSEY Wanderers were crowned Premiership 1 champions in emphatic fashion after sweeping aside St Ouen’s 6-1 to secure the title.
Needing three points with closest challengers St Clement still applying pressure, Wanderers produced a ruthless first-half display to all but seal top-flight honours before the interval.
Goals from Hugo Pereira, Casey Nixon, James Murphy and Harry Scott put the westerners firmly in command, capping a fast and clinical opening 45 minutes with silverware already in sight.
Wanderers maintained their authority after the break and added further gloss to the scoreline through a second for Pereira, before Luke Coutanche rounded off the afternoon late on. Harry Ecobichon grabbed a consolation for St Ouen’s.
The victory confirms Wanderers as league champions after a season-long battle at the summit.
Although St Clement still have the chance to finish level on points, the title would remain with Wanderers thanks to a superior head-to-head record, having won two of the three meetings between the sides this campaign.
Jersey Wanderers chief executive Mark Woodford admitted it had been a long wait for league success, saying: “We’re delighted and incredibly proud to have secured the title outright. It’s been far too long for a club with our history.”
“I’m especially pleased for Chris Gill and Sam Quail. They’ve been outstanding from day one and have helped create a special atmosphere around the club,” Woodford continued.
The Wanderers chief was also quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by nearest rivals St Clement.
“Huge credit to St Clement, who pushed us all the way and made it a proper contest.”
For Woodford, attention has already turned to the next objective.
“Our focus now shifts to representing the island in the Upton this Saturday,” he said.
Jersey Wanderers travel to Guernsey on Saturday to face Guernsey’s league winners, Northerners, with a 1pm kick-off scheduled at Corbet Field.
“It’s a shame we won’t have as many supporters as we’d like due to the travel limitations between the islands. Facing our old friends Northerners will be another great test, and we’re determined to bring the trophy home for the first time since 1989.” said Woodford.
