THERE will be no Muratti final in May if Jersey lose to Alderney this afternoon.
That is the mantra Jersey manager Dave Matthews has been repeating to his players this week as he prepared for his first trip to the northern-isle since keeping a clean sheet there as Jersey’s goalkeeper in an 8-0 success back in 1979.
Matthews said: ‘It’s a tricky game for us and I’ve been telling the players all week that unless they win then there will be no big game against Guernsey in May.’It’s a fact I know - and I don’t want it to be me or my players who are remembered for being the first Jersey team to lose a match against Alderney.’Matthews was delighted with the Island’s showing in the South West Counties Championship this season but ‘that’s history now’ and Jersey are back on the domestic trail with their target being to retain the Muratti Vase.’Alderney have had some excellent results in recent years and they will certainly not be underestimated by us,’ said the manager.’I've no doubt we will win but I don’t think it will be a pushover.
We’ve had some excellent training sessions this week and the players know they will have to match Alderney’s commitment because they will be playing their biggest game of the season and they will be well up for the challenge.’Alderney’s form in Guernsey’s Railway League this season has not been good with just three wins in 12 games.Matthews named his side last night and goalkeeper Casey Hickling will be the custodian as regular Jimmy Styles, who would have won his first Muratti cap, has failed to overcome a knee injury picked up in training on Thursday.Hickling made his first full Island appearance in Jersey’s 3-0 South West Counties Championship defeat against the Army in Aldershot in December when he was blameless for the goals he conceded while also pulling off several fine saves.Ryan Lumsden will pull on a Jersey shirt for the first time this season, to partner Lee Bradshaw in the heart of Jersey’s defence, while James Hayward will play at right back and John Beatson at left back.Chris Andrews captains Jersey from right midfield with Chris McNabb and Dave Brodie holding down the central positions while former professional Chris Hamon slots in on the left.Ross Crick, with 38 club goals for Scottish, will be hoping to get off the mark for Jersey this season as he partners Dave Le Roux in attack.
The pair have only had 25 minutes together this season so this is a great opportunity to forge a partnership.Substitutes: Sean McDonald, Ged McConnell, Chris Carter, Gary Freeman, Jimmy Reilly, Luc Le Mière and Craig Ferey.Only Hayward and Crick played two years ago while Styles/Hickling, Bradshaw, Beatson and McNabb win their first Muratti caps today.Alderney: Nick Carré, Paul Williams, Emile Cosheril, Jason Atkins, Simon Benfield, Robert Bohan, James Maxwell, William Benfield, Michael Bohan, Mathew Aldcroft, James Vizard, Martin Sebire, James McFarlane, Kevin Gentle, Andrew Lawrence, James Walker, Liam Davey and Richard Moore.
Jersey line: Andy Cox.
Article posted on 6th March, 2004 - 12.00am
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