COMBINATION new boys Jersey Nomads captured their first silverware at Springfield last night.

Two goals from Ged O’Donoghue helped them to a 4-2 victory over St John as they claimed the PW Touzel Memorial Trophy.

Afterwards a jubilant Peter Herridge, the manager of a club which was formed just two years ago, said: ‘We’re hoping it’s the first of many trophies.

It was great – everybody played exceptionally well and it’s no more than we deserve.’ But it left St John manager Tony Hoyland rueing a gamble which failed after Carl Eubank, who has missed the last four league games, suffered a recurrence of a thigh strain and had to come off after just 19 minutes leaving his side short on aerial power at the back, particularly with veteran Derek Johnston also missing.

They also lost Stuart Daynes with a cut just before half time.

St John started with purpose and could have taken the lead but for a super save from Conrad Murphy who tipped a Richard Raulson half-volley over the bar in the tenth minute.

But then Nomads found some composure and Herridge’s son Mark put them ahead after 15 minutes with a glancing header from a Jason Pierre cross.

In the 35th minute it was 2-0 as a Herridge free kick from the right brought a powerful header from Ged O’Donoghue.

But two minutes before half time the Saints pulled one back when, following a move down the left winger Stuart Daynes cut inside to slide the ball beneath Murphy – and had to go to hospital for stitches to his leg after colliding with the ‘keeper.

After the break Nomads came out with real intent and dominated for the first 25 minutes.

It was a spell which yielded two goals.

In the 52nd minute Carl Winn got the final touch into the net following a goalmouth scramble.

And eight minutes later it was 4-1 as O’Donoghue snatched his second and the best goal of the game.

After a move down the right Paul O’Hara produced a pinpoint cross into the area and O’Donoghue’s head did the rest.

St John responded well and created the chance for Colin Dumond pull one back in the 70th minute as he slid in to meet a low cross.

Now Nomads are hoping to cap their season with victory at St Clement in their last game, which could give them a third-place finish in the league.

Added Herridge: ‘Last night was nothing more than we deserve.

All the team and the subs played exceptionally well – our football’s been getting better and better over the last few weeks.’ Said St John manager Hoyland; ‘Naturally we’re very disappointed, but losing Carl was a big, big blow for us.

It was a gamble and it didn’t come off.

The defence wasn’t the same after he left and Nomads played to their strengths – they’re very good in the air and that’s where we missed Carl.

‘But I’ve got to give credit to Nomads: they were stronger overall and deserved to win.’ Hoyland is heading off to St Paul’s next year and the St John side is facing a big challenge with Andy Norman calling it a day to concentrate on refereeing and big Derek Johnston retiring.

There will also be a couple of players moving to St Paul’s with Hoyland.

Jersey Nomads: Conrad Murphy, Steve Carr, Jason Pierre, Paul O’Hara, Jamie Racjan, Adam Budworth, Mark Herridge, Paul Lees, Ged O’Donoghue, Paul Starkey, Carl Winn.

Subs: Paul Wilson (60 min for Carr); Lee Jeunne (60 min for Racjan); Chris Gallacher (75 min for Pierre).

St John: Luke Bechelet, Paul Cotillard, Andy Norman, Carl Eubank, Colin Dumond, Justin Cottilard, Graeme Prescott, Richard Raulson, Tom Wherry, Stuart Daynes, Tony Riley.

Subs: Paul Roche (19 min for Eubank), Gregor Wake (45 min for Daynes); Richard Trott (75 min for J Cotillard).