JERSEY Scottish retained the Le Riche Cup last night following a hard-fought 2-1 victory after extra-time against St Paul’s at Springfield.

Despite creating fewer goal-scoring opportunities throughout, Scottish profited from two good finishes and they had goalkeeper Craig Fletcher to thank for saving Craig Russell’s penalty kick in the 30th minute.

Just eight minutes of extra time had elapsed when St Paul’s defence left Simon Moiani free on Scottish’s right. Moiani made good ground and pumped the ball into the middle of the penalty where Aitken, who had missed a golden opportunity minutes earlier, lifted the ball up to attempt a volley – only for Ross Crick to get ahead of him to crash the ball home off the inside of a post from six yards.

Scottish’s victory was their sixth Le Riche Cup success in 12 years. Winning manager Pat Brennan said: ‘For some reason we got stronger as the game went on and that was pleasing because I was worried about fitness with St Paul’s young legs. Extra time was a great battle and I think we just shaded it in the end.’

• Picture: Jersey Scottish players celebrate winning the Le Riche Cup at Springfield last night Picture by Tony Pike (00647088)