Brown forces himself into Muratti contention

Friday 7th March 2008, 12:00AM GMT.

JERSEY’S Cimandis Muratti squad to face Alderney at Mount Hale tomorrow afternoon contains just four players who were involved in their last 4-1 semi-final win in 2006.

Central defenders Stuart Andre and Scott Devlin remain together with midfielder Chris Andrews and Jack Cannon who was an unused substitute. There are nine in the squad uncapped at Muratti level.

Jersey manager Dave Kennedy has stuck by the squad that have played quality friendlies against Blackburn Rovers and Reading Youth squads bar the addition of former Jersey Scottish’s former professional Mark Brown.

Kennedy said: ‘Mark has impressed in his last few matches for Scottish and his inclusion is because he is looking sharp together with being a talented and experienced player.

‘Mark is an excellent addition to the squad and I’m sure we can benefit from the experience he will give us.

‘I’m in charge for an Alderney fixture for the first time and I’ve every reason to be confident because our league is extremely close this year and the players have been raising their games week in week out and that is a benefit to the squad.

‘Alderney will be respected, it’s not an easy place to go to because it’s usually windy, it’s a tight pitch and no doubt the surface will be uneven in places.

‘I certainly don’t expect it to be a pretty game as they will scrap for everything and we will have to match them.

‘We have played some good football in our friendlies but it will be more about matching Alderney’s enthusiasm than playing good football I’m sure.

‘Our attitude has to be right too; we have some very good players and hopefully they will raise their games again on the day. However if we have to play ugly then I will accept an ugly win.’

Alderney’s squad of 18 includes five uncapped players including two who are just 18 years old.

Alderney veteran Kevin Gentle said: ‘I think we are a bit strong and fitter than last year; we’ve not had a good season playing in Guernsey’s League but there has been an improvement in recent games as the boys get ready for their big game of the year.

‘Steve Concanen ‘who has represented Guernsey at all levels’ has made himself available but he has not been playing a lot so I’m unsure what kind of condition he is in.

‘Everyone is looking forward to the game and I’m sure they will all be giving their best.’

Jersey squad (those without a Muratti cap marked*) – Goalkeepers: Andrew Bird* (St Paul’s), Craig Fletcher* (Jersey Scottish). Defenders: James Scott and Scott Devlin (Jersey Scottish), Stuart Andre (St Paul’s), Jack Cannon (St Peter), James O’Haire* (Rozel Rovers). Midfielders: Mark Brown and Jack Boyle* (Jersey Scottish), Russell Le Feuvre (Grouville), Chris Andrews (Jersey Wanderers), Mark Lucas* (St Paul’s), Steven McCarter* (Trinity). Strikers: Craig Leitch (St Paul’s), Marco Vieira* (St Peter), Barry Beatson* (Trinity) and Paul Aitken* (Jersey Scottish).

Alderney: Matt Aldcroft, Jason Atkins, Simon Benfield, William Benfield, Paul Bromley, David Chadney, Steve Concanen, Liam Davey, Adam Easton, Kevin Gentle, Chris Johns, James King, Jamie Laband, Damien Larkin, Andrew Lawrence, Emile Phelan, James Vizard and Paul Williams (player/manager).

Kick-off is at 1.30 pm.


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