JERSEY under-15 footballers’ magnificent run in the English Schools Inter-Association National Cup ended against a strong Plymouth outfit in Tavistock last night.
The Island side, who had battled through four earlier rounds - their best ever performance in the competition - exited with their heads held high against a side whose entire starting 11 are on the books of professional clubs.
Russell Le Feuvre, joint manager along with fellow schoolteacher Craig Northedge, speaking just after the final whistle, said: ‘We’re all disappointed, of course, but the boys have been brilliant this season - to have reached this stage is a fantastic achievement.
‘Plymouth were easily the strongest opponents we’ve met this season and they’ve been together as a team for four years now and nine of them are signed with Plymouth Argyle. But our run is over and Craig and I have congratulated them all on their great efforts and emphasised how proud they should be of themselves.’
Plymouth, a direct side with physical presence at the back and up front, led 2-0 after goals in the 20th and 30th minutes amply rewarded them for having the lion’s share of possession early on. But Jersey’s back four, with goalkeeper Daniel Le Couter solid behind them, did well, particularly when the home side were reduced to ten when one of their scorers was dismissed for dissent before the break.
Jersey came far more into the game, without creating many clear-cut chances, once they got used to the fast tempo. But they were caught out on the break after the hour mark, having pushed extra players forward to chase the game.
‘We were caught bombing on in the second-half, trying to force it,’ admitted Le Feuvre. ‘But although the best side won Jersey acquitted themselves well, so it’s now down to preparing for the Star Trophy match against Guernsey next month.’
Jersey, who beat Portsmouth, Poole and East Dorset, Bridgewater and Wellingborough and Rushden, on the way to last night’s quarter-final, play the Sarnians at Springfield on 15 March.
Jake Baker and George Houze were forced to withdraw from last night’s Jersey squad through injury. Plymouth now go on to meet Blackheath in the semi-finals.
The following 16 all played last night:
Jersey squad: Daniel Le Couteur, Curtiss Hinault, Thomas Le Li่vre, Daniel Berry, Ciaran Devereux, Jamie Bowkett, Clayton Romeril (capt), Matthew Rondel, Pakowon Follon, Harrison Jukes, Andrew Gee, Kamen Nafhka, Elijah Hotton, Marco Zocchi, Nick Carpenter and Josh Coudrais.
Article posted on 27th February, 2008 - 12.00am
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