Jersey’s men finished 3-1 up at Springfield on Saturday thanks to goals from Jake Baker, Jack Boyle [pen] and Michael Weir [pen], but the manager picked out his new central defensive partnership of Harry Curtis and Connor O’Shea for special praise.
The Caesareans meet Upton Park FC on 28 March, before welcoming Essex & Border League in April and either Alderney or Guernsey for the Muratti in May.
‘It was a very mature performance in terms of managing the ball, we created some good chances in the first half and our decision-making throughout was excellent,’ said Cassidy.
‘Our central defenders were excellent; Connor [O’Shea] came in and ticked all the boxes while Harry [Curtis] is a terrific player for such a young lad [19].
‘They were guys that were on the fringe, but I have to say that after today they are Jersey now and other players that have not played are now going to have to work hard to take it off them, because they’ve dealt with everything excellently today against some strong and experienced opponents.’
Later on Saturday, a new-look Jersey Women were beaten 6-2 by the Navy’s ladies. Megan Wood scored from 35 yards for the hosts, adding to an earlier own goal.
Reports and reaction in Monday’s JEP.
