MURATTI VASE man of the match Joe Kilshaw was quick to praise his side’s ‘collective effort’ following Jersey’s third straight victory over Guernsey.
The central midfielder was presented with the Ossie Eloury Trophy following an efficient display in the heart of the Caesarean side at Springfield on Saturday, although he insists ‘four or five’ of his team-mates were equally deserving of the honour.
Kilshaw combined well with midfield partner Adam Trotter to make life difficult for the Sarnian skill players between the boxes, while freeing up Jersey’s own dangermen while the hosts had possession.
The Jersey Bulls under-23 captain said: ‘Murattis are always a cagey affair.Perhaps this one more so, as it’s been three years since the last one.
‘We said at half time that we knew it was going to be cagey and we just had to maintain our focus.
‘Princey [Jake Prince] was introduced and along with a change in formation – that was the turning point. He managed to get in behind, and perhaps Guernsey had some tired legs.
‘We managed to stretch the defence more with the change of shape and Jake’s pace, which created far more opportunities.’
The occasion was not lost on any of the squad, which was highlighted by the emotion displayed at full time.
‘We haven’t had a Muratti in ages,’ Kilshaw added.
‘It’s a fixture on the calendar that everyone puts a circle around and when you have a break for that long it adds an extra bit of importance and pressure on the tie. It certainly makes the occasion extra special.’
Kilshaw followed in the footsteps of his captain, James Quérée, in claiming the top individual playing award, after the latter was named man of the match in 2018 and 2019. The winner is traditionally chosen by an Islander with connections to Magpies FC, in recognition of former Muratti cap and club president Eloury.
‘I’m ecstatic to be named man of the match, but truth be told, there was a handful of players out there that all deserved it,’ Kilshaw said.
‘We needed a collective effort to win today and we did exactly that.
‘It was a gritty performance and everyone can be proud of what we have achieved.’
Muratti Vase man of the match award winners
(since 2005)
2022: Joe Kilshaw
2019: James Quérée
2018: James Quérée
2017: Keanu Marsh
2016: Luke Watson
2015: Luke Watson
2014: Ross Allen
2013: Ross Allen
2012: Ryan-Zico Black
2011: Ross Allen
2010: Dom Heaume
2009: Stuart André
2008: Jack Boyle
2007: Dave Rihoy
2006: Dave Brodie
2005 replay: Dom Heaume
2005: Trevor Le Maistre
