Jodie Botterill: Scored the goal of the game (00728948)

CAPTAIN Jodie Botterill scored the best goal of the game, but Jersey’s women were beaten 5-1 by Gotland in their opening Group B match at Finström yesterday.

Botterill crashed home a dipping long-range effort for Jersey’s deserved consolation after they played well for 35 minutes of the second half having trailed 2-0 at the break.

Jersey Football Association president Ricky Weir said: ‘Manager Tony Hoyland says that although Gotland were the better side the final score will have flattered them.
‘But going into today’s match he has the big positive of a very good second half performance yesterday; especially after the introduction of Laura Robertson at half-time, because her pace was instrumental in a lot of Jersey’s play.

Jersey went behind when goalkeeper Helen Lagadu had the ball knocked out of her grasp but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

A cross-cum-shot resulted in a second goal ten minutes before the interval.
Jersey worked hard after the break and took the game to their opponents for long periods and after having a goal chalked off, Gotland hit them hard with goals in the 80th and 86th minutes.

Botterill reduced the deficit only for Gotland to add a fifth in time added-on for stoppages.

In the other Group A match yesterday, Greenland defeated Saaremaa 6-2. Jersey play Greenland today.

Jersey players who started yesterday were: Helen Lagadu, Libby Barnett, Leanne bell, Michelle Bichard, Jodie Botterill, Karen Caygill, Lara Couvent, Rebecca Darts, Lisa McLaughlin, Kerry Sauvage and Louise Van der Vliet. Subs used: Pauline Smart, Laura Robertson and Emily Farley.

Women – Group A: Gotland 5, Jersey 1; Greenland 6, Saaremaa 2. Group B: Isle of Man 4, Isle of Wight 0; Hitra 1, Guernsey 0.