“THE fact that it’s against Guernsey and the word Muratti is in the equation, that’s enough to get the blood pumping.”
If ever there was a manager’s quote to emphasise what this game means to the red and green islands in the Channel, Chad Morris covered it.
The Caesareans have enjoyed a period of sustained domination in the fixture, to drastically understate it.
Jersey have not tasted Women’s Muratti defeat to the Sarnians in 15 years and Morris’s charges are determined to extend that run another year tomorrow.
Granted, those 15 years included a six-year hiatus due to a combination of the pandemic and player shortage on the Guernsey side.
“A lot is made about years gone by and our record in this fixture,” said Morris.
“But from myself and the team’s point of view, every year is a standalone fixture.
“We prepare as such and we will never take Guernsey lightly.
“They are continuing to make strides in the right direction, so we are prepared for a strong challenge.”
Morris was alluding to a change in tack by the Sarnians in an attempt to gain much-needed experience offshore.
The newly formed Guernsey FC women’s team – the Green Lionesses – competed in both the Isthmian League Cup and Combined Counties Cup.
They have also lifted silverware at Springfield once already in 2024, with a 3-0 victory over St Peter to claim the Colin Welsh trophy.
“There’s no doubt that Guernsey are doing everything they can to strengthen and we are aware of that.
“But we have done our homework.
“We have seen them play four times, as well as analysed footage and spoken to the Crawley Women’s manager, who knocked them out of the Combined Counties Cup.
“We have given them the respect we should and the respect they deserve.
“However, we have not stood still.
“We ourselves have been away and played in the Southern Counties Cup.
“We owe a big debt of gratitude to Ingram Advocates for their sponsorship in enabling us to compete on the mainland.
“Our girls loved the challenge and have risen to the occasion.
“We are a far better team for it and I feel from the Island Games last year, we are a lot more resolute and mentally tough.
“That’s the key difference. They have the talent in abundance, but they now possess a winning attitude and a knack of refusing to lie down when the chips are stacked against them.”
The occasion brings a new feeling to Springfield for the 2024 instalment of the Muratti ties – a double header, to showcase both the best of the men’s and women’s games on the same day, on the same stage.
The initiative was brought in for the 2023 fixtures in Guernsey, and Morris said that his team really enjoyed the idea.
“The girls love the fact it’s on the same day.
“Even the 10.30am kick-off is something they are really happy with.
“They play at that time all season long for their local clubs.
“At the end of the day, we want it to be something that excites the players.
“For fans of football in Jersey and Guernsey, it doesn’t get bigger than this.
“We hope that holding both games on the same day will create even more buzz and bring even more fans down to Springfield to cheer us on.”
Tomorrow marks a special occasion for a stalwart of Jersey football, women’s captain Libby Barnett.
The Jersey Wanderers player has announced that this year will be her last, as if the fledgling talents coming through to fill her shoes needed any more incentive.
Goalkeeper Sarah Luce also provides another experienced head in the squad.
The Islander has been a regular feature for fourth-tier side Southampton Women’s FC.
Youngster Ella Docherty, who scored in last year’s 4-1 victory away from home, is also named, alongside 2022/23 JFA Women’s player of the season, Sofia Rodrigues.
Action from Springfield tomorrow is set to get underway at 10.30am.
Women’s Muratti results (since 2009)
2009: Jersey 1–0
2010: Jersey 8–0
2011: Jersey 6–2
2012: Jersey 1–0
2013: Jersey 3–0
2014: Jersey 5–1
2015: Jersey 7–0
2016: Jersey 9–0
2017–2021: No fixture
2022: Jersey 5–0
2023: Jersey 4–1
Jersey FA Women: Libby Barnett, Sophie Botterill, Jodie Botterill, Poppy Benest, Hannah Campbell, Daniella Da Silva, Ella Docherty, Sara Luce, Emily Le Page, Ana Malta, Holly Muirhead, Leah Morris, Sofia Rodrigues, Tiff Sundby, Sam Silva, Macey Wyse
