Ben Gallichan: Worked tirelessly in the Jersey midfield (00728989)

JERSEY’S Footballer of the Year Mark Lucas helped Jersey to a straightforward 1-0 win over Saaremaa in their Island Games opener, but today’s match could be an altogether different story.

Craig Culkin’s men face Rhodes in their bid to reach Thursday’s semi-final, but the squad from the Greek isle beat Isle of Wight 2-0 yesterday and have some good, strong players.

If Jersey play the way they did for the most part of yesterday’s game they should certainly give Rhodes a run for their money – the Island side got off to a great start against Saaremaa, with St Paul’s midfielder Lucas scoring after just ten minutes.

Though clear-cut chances were few and far between, Jersey edged out their opposition with a rigid defence and some nice midfield play – Luke Watson and Ben Gallichan worked tirelessly, but the elusive second goal couldn’t be found. In the latter stages of the match a few sloppy shots threatened Jersey’s flow, and Saaremaa probably could have made more of some defensive mistakes, but the Island side held steady to the the final whistle.

The important focus now is today’s match against Rhodes – if Jersey can overcome their rivals, they will likely qualify for the semis, with high hopes of reaching the final. If they are beaten by Rhodes, they will have to rely on the results of Tuesday’s games, when Rhodes play Saaremaa and Jersey face the Isle of Wight.

Jersey: Andrew Bird, Stuart André, James Quérée, Jack Cannon, Ben Gallichan, Russell Le Feuvre, David Le Roux, Mark Lucas (David Watson 74), Luke Watson, Chris Andrews (Ross Crick 61) Craig Russell (Jean-Paul Martyn 46). Men – Group A: Aland 4, Greenland 2; Menorca 2, Shetland 2. Group B: Gibraltar 0, Guernsey 0; Ynys Mon 3, Froya 0. Group C: Rhodes 2, Isle of Wight 0; Saaremaa 0, Jersey 1. Group D: Western Isles 2, Gotland 1; Falklands 1, Isle of Man 2.