GUERNSEY’S Foote’s Lane hoodoo is alive and well. Three Murattis have been played at the new home of local football and the green-and-whites have yet to lift the cup there after yesterday’s painful goal-less draw and 7-6 defeat on penalties.
Steve Ogier manfully admitted the better side had won.
‘I thought they were the better side. We didn’t do enough to win today,’ said the Guernsey boss.
Dave Kennedy, his opposite number and in charge for the first time in a Muratti, naturally agreed.
‘I think that would be a fair thing to say. I thought we had the better possession in the 90 minutes and extra time,’ said the Scot as he watched his team celebrate in front of a virtually empty Garenne Stand, the hundreds of home fans having seen enough and lacked the stomach to see the Jersey captain step forward to receive the vase from Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon.
Ogier praised his team for effort and pointed at apprehension in their performance.
‘I think we were nervous. But I can’t say anything critical about their work-rate and competiveness.’
North’s Dave Rihoy was awarded the Ossie Eloury Trophy as man of the match but, as so often in the history of the award, the decision did not go down too well, not least with Kennedy.
‘To be fair to your lad, it was the wrong decision. Stewart Andre for us was massive in the back four.’
A crowd estimated at between 2-2,500 was served up with a poor match that matched the goal-less centenary clash of 2005 for mediocrity.
Both sides had their chances to win in normal and extra time, but excitement was at a premium until the deciding shootout where it was 4-4 after the initial five spot kicks per side.
Both tucked away their next two for a 6-6 scoreline, but Guernsey defender Leighton Chainey then hammered the next against the crossbar and Chris Andrews stepped up to score and send Jersey into delirium.
Kevin Graham and Darren Martin both started the game for Guernsey, despite having been rated 50-50 48 hours earlier.
The big centre back lasted 74 minutes before finally hobbling off, while Martin played the entire 120.
To complete a good day for Jersey football, St Brelade won the Portholme under-18 tournament.
Article posted on 7th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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