WITH the curtain-raising Charity Cup reaching the semi-final stage, local football fans have received an early taste of this campaign’s probable frontrunners.
There are clear signs that the runaway champions from last year, St Clement, will again be in the conversation, but, following some shrewd acquisitions, it might be Grouville that stamp their authority this season.
Dave Fitton’s men defeated St Clement 5-0 last week and have been buoyed by strong signings in the shape of Harrison Moon and Jack Griffin to name a couple – both part of the mass exodus from St Peter during the summer.
Elsewhere, the ever-exciting youthful group at St Paul’s continue to show that they can hold their own, with two wins and two clean sheets from as many games over St Brelade and Sporting Academics respectively – both Premiership 1 outfits.
With that being said, there was plenty of Charity Cup action for local fans to get stuck into over the weekend and a grand total of 32 goals across the four matches.
No fewer than 13 of those went to Madeira, as the Premiership 1 new boys decimated St Lawrence, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Four goals from Diogo Velosa, three from partner-in-crime Henrique Cristovao and a further three from Michael de Barros, were added to by a late brace from substitute Bilhe Vidinha and Pedro Rosario.
There was a reason that top-flight clubs were wary of Decio Alves’ charges ahead of the new season, and their concerns look valid.
Meanwhile, St Clement took out their frustrations from the defeat at Grouville, trouncing visiting St John 10-2.
Top marksman Karl Hinds grabbed a hat-trick, while Noah Trench scored a brace.
Singles from Owen Anderton, Charlie Batty, Ryan Campos, Corey Romeril, Matthew Rawlings signed off a brilliant effort from the defending top-flight champions, with an impressive seven different scorers on the day.
St John’s goals came via Pat Dixon and Jordi Etchells, but the Premiership 2 club had precious little to cheer about on a tough visit east.
Elsewhere, away side Jersey Wanderers defeated St Ouen 3-0, behind goals from Ryan Le Cornu, Jamie Mourant and substitute Evan Lees.
The side, now under Chris Gill’s guidance are now two wins from two, but are yet to face top-flight opposition.
Lastly came the only tight affair of the slate as St Brelade hosted Sporting Academics.
With former Jersey bulls boss Gary Freeman at the St Brelade’s helm, the sides were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Declan O’Connell and Will Yates were on target for the hosts, while Philip Quinn and Jamie Savory netted for Accies.
The match went straight to penalties and Accies were victors, with a 4-2 victory on spot kicks.
At the conclusion of the group stages, the semi-final clashes are scheduled for tomorrow evening, where Jersey Wanderers face the in-form Madeira and St Paul’s play host to Grouville.
Both matches are set to kick off at 6.15pm.
