JERSEY FA Women’s manager Chad Morris hailed “another top performance”, as Jodie Botterill’s double gave them a superb 2-1 victory against Essex in the Southern Counties Women’s Cup.
Coming into this game on the back of a strong draw against Middlesex FA, the Jersey side would have been confident they could put up a strong showing. However, the Essex side was made up of players from clubs such as Billericay Town and Hashtag United, who play at a high standard in women’s club football.
Morris’ side rose to the occasion though. A goal in each half from boots of forward Jodie Botterill, cancelled out Essex’s equaliser and sealed a famous win for the Islanders.
Morris said: “I’m just delighted, this is yet another top performance from the whole squad.
“From our organisation out of possession, to our attacking creativity, every player was exceptional.”
It took just under half an hour for Jersey to break the deadlock. Hannah Lynam produced a wicked cross and Jodie Botterill was on the end of it to volley over the keeper, and the Islanders walked in 1-0 up at half time.
However, the strong Essex side flexed their muscles immediately after the restart and levelled the score in the 47th minute through Ellie Nichols’ low drive.
Morris continued: “Conceding so early into the second half is never ideal, but the girls kept their composure superbly and deserved the second goal.”
The Islanders rallied and regained the lead in the 63rd minute. Teenager Lynam again providing the assist to Botterill, who jinked her way through the Essex defence to slot the winner into the bottom corner.
Jersey star Holly Muirhead added: “It was quite a physical game but I think we were the stronger team all round.
“We started the match so much better than last game, and I think we deserved our lead at half-time.
“They had a couple of good spells and grabbed that goal early in the second half, but we controlled the game really well.
“It was such an amazing feeling after. All the team can take so much confidence from this win. We know we can play good football and beat these top teams and we just proved it.”
Jersey have now moved up to second in the league with one win and one draw from their opening two games.
Muirhead continued: “This win puts us in a brilliant position for the next few fixtures.
“We have our last game of the season at Springfield, which the girls are really excited for.
“We have new players coming into the side all the time, including Emily Le Page (16), who made her debut tonight.
“The chances we’re currently getting are so exciting and we hope it’s inspiring the next wave of female footballers on the Island to want to be a part of the journey.
“If we keep producing results like this, we could end up in a position to win the cup at Springfield on the last day of the season, which would just be amazing.”
Manager Chad Morris was full of praise for his side’s efforts, saying: “The passion the girls have when they pull on the Jersey shirt, that’s what stands out most for me.
“Whether it’s the Muratti, Island Games, Southern Counties Cup or even a kickabout on the beach, when they wear that shirt, they give 100% and nothing less.
“That’s how much representing Jersey means to them.”
Jersey’s next fixture will take place on 24 January, as they travel to take on Kent FA.
Jersey: Sara Luce, Tiff Sundby, Sofia Rodrigues, Holly Muirhead, Libby Barnett (c), Danni da Silva, Emily Le Page, Ella Docherty, Jodie Botterill, Leah Morris, Hannah Lynam. Substitutes: Ana Malta, Poppy Benest, Rachel McCarten, Ciara Giles.
Southern Counties Women’s Cup
P W D L F A Diff Pts
Middlesex FA 3 2 1 0 6 1 5 7
Jersey FA 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
Army FA 2 1 0 1 8 6 2 3
Essex FA 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Kent FA 2 0 0 2 4 11 -7 0
