‘Our best win … ever’

The JFA Combination, representing England at the Uefa Regions? Cup, scored a late winner against Germany?s amateur champions in Rome yesterday afternoon. The victory keeps them within reach of top spot in their group ? and qualification for the finals Picture: LAZIO LND

MARTIN CASSIDY’S praise for his JFA Combination team was unreserved following a historic 2-1 victory over their Bavarian counterparts yesterday.

The victory in Rome means the Island’s top male footballers still have an opportunity to reach the Uefa Regions’ Cup finals in 2023.

They remain third in their four-nation group on three points from two games, but sit just one point behind the leaders, Lazio. Victory over North Macedonia’s top amateurs on Wednesday could be enough to progress, providing there is a favourable result between the Italians and the Germans in their final fixture.

Cassidy had to wait until the death for his men to seal their first win in Italy, but it is a result he is calling the ‘best ever.’

‘I am over the moon,’ he said.

‘This is the best result ever by a Jersey FA side, so if we can bottle that up and take it on to the Macedonia tie, I would be delighted.

‘Although the win feels like ours today, it’s not just us. It’s a win for all the coaches and teams back home who have trained these players up to what they are today. The work they do is exceptional and is the reason why Jersey football is in such a strong place.’

His side endured three goalless halves of football before two stunning finishes from Ruben Mendes and Jay Giles led them to victory.

‘There wasn’t really any panic at half time,’ he said.

‘I told the lads that we need to get in behind more and test the goalkeeper better.

‘It was not worth passing it around for another 45 minutes, as our tournament would be over.

‘I am beyond proud of every single one of them, they are fantastic players and by outperforming this strong Bavarian outfit, they have shown that to everyone.’

Cassidy credited the togetherness of the squad as a big factor behind their success.

He said: ‘They have grown up together and love being around each other. It makes a massive difference when there is harmony in the squad and it bleeds through into the performances on the pitch.’

North Macedonia conceded a late equaliser to Lazio yesterday to all but end their hopes of qualification.

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