ST PETER FC won their first Premiership crown in 17 years after Elliot Powell’s side cruised to a 5-0 home win against St Ouen.
The Crosskeys – who were beaten to the honour by St Clement last term, on the same ground – had been in a race with fellow contenders Grouville, but have looked strong throughout their league campaign and again produced a disciplined display to secure the three points required for a fourth Island title.
It was St Peter who were on top from the start in their penultimate league clash of 2022/23 on Saturday, as Luke Shirley had two early efforts, the first saved by St Ouen keeper Jonny Le Blancq before he had a clean volley blocked.
Jack Hardisty, who Powell signed in the summer, after previously working with the winger at St John, was then played through, but again Le Blancq saved.
The deadlock was broken when, assisted by the strong winds, Elliot Poole’s corner curled straight into Le Blancq’s goal in the tenth minute.
Down at the other end St Ouen could have equalised, but Jay Curtis’ shot from the edge of the box was dragged wide.
The win and the league were secured with two quick goals before the break. Arthur Illingworth started and finished fine play with Hardisty for the second, before lifelong St Peter player Sean Lambert nodded in a corner.
After the break, despite early St Ouen pressure, the hosts killed the contest. Shirley drove forward before sliding Weir in. The winger took a touch and lifted the ball over Le Blancq for the fourth.
Crosskeys captain Mark Logue then provided a brilliant assist, a long-range ball through to substitute Harry Scott, who calmly slotted home to make it a five-star performance for the newly-crowned champions.
‘Last year really hurt us, to lose it on our home ground was hard,’ said St Peter manager Powell. ‘It wasn’t hard to motivate the squad after that. It is a huge relief to get it won, but I am so proud of this squad who have been with us for three years.
‘As a club we shouldn’t have had to wait 17 years to win the Premiership and our job now is to go again with this exciting young squad and create a dynasty.’
