The Alderney team arrived on the mail boat Reindeer on the back of a fine result beating Guernsey
6-2 to win the Peace Cup earlier in the month in Guernsey the scorers in this game were Longhurst,
Le Burn (2), Baker (3), there was much talk of Alderneys chances winning the Muratti based on this.
Alderneys team included J. Lihou and S. Allen who were due to emigrate to America, they had to be
booked on the mailboat to the England the next morning. It shows their commitment to the
competition and to represent Alderney.
4500 spectators were in the Westmount, Alderneys team were greeted with a tremendous cheer,
led by captain W. McLernon, Alderneys mascot came out with the team, Master Tom Smith, he was
decked out in blue and white as well as black and gold.
Guernsey started the game well and quickly forced two early corners, Alderney hit back on 10 mins
when Aubert saved from Gadie. Alderney’s Baker then missed a glorious opportunity from a yard out
but put his shot wide, the game then became a more even contest. Alderney’s Pike broke into the
Guernsey half and was well stopped by Le Cheminant after 25mins, Pike was taken off injured
leaving Alderney with 10 men in the days of no substitutes! Alderney kept pressing and Baker had a
shot that went just over the bar, Lihou then came close on the half hour mark, his shot hit the side
netting. Guernsey responded as the ball was slipped to Chappell, but it was taken up by Warr
instead, but he put his shot widely past the post. Rich then had a great chance to open the scoring
for Guernsey, but he failed to score with only Jennings to beat. Alderney’s goal came when Lihou got
the ball near the half way line he beat McAvoy then sent in a soft delivery between the full backs
that ended up in the net to put Alderney 1-0 up!
Guernsey started the 2nd half well causing the Alderney defence a few problems, finding space due
to Alderney having only 10 men. Alderney then had a break with Lihou firing a shot that Albert did
well to save. Jennings then brought applause from the large crowd by saving a bouncing delivery
from McAvoy. Guernsey continued to press with some excellent attacking play from Brown, but
Alderney’s defence was holding firm. Alderney continued to break away in an end to end game,
Gadie passed to Baker who sped away, but Guernsey’s keeper Aubert threw himself at his feet and
the attack was averted. Alderney ended the game slightly on top, the math ended with Alderney
winning the Muratti 1-0.
After the final whistle pandemonium broke out with spectators swarmed the pitch and the
enclosure where Lieut-Governor of Jersey who presented the cup and medals. Alderney’s keeper
Jennings was carried shoulder high by his teammates. The win was a very popular one and even the
Guernsey fans were heard to agree. Pike the injured player was assisted to the enclosure by two
men to receive his medal, the match ball was presented to Alderney as an additional trophy!
Alderney: Jennings, W. McLernon, (c), Catts, S. Allen, Oliver, Gadie, Hammond, Baker, J. Lihou,
Attewell, Pike
Goalscorer: Lihou
The Guernsey Evening Press wrote an article on 30th April 1920 heading:
“Well played Alderney”
A quote: Alderney has been a dark horse this season. Her insular play has undoubtedly been on the
upward grade throughout this season, and this improved form found a reflection in the Peace Cup
game. The Channel Islands Football Champions met with a hearty reception on returning to Alderney
with the much-coveted trophy on Friday 30th April, hundreds of people turning out welcome back
their victorious team except for J. Lihou and S. Allen who were on their way to America. The school
children were all given a special day’s holiday.
The Courier, appropriately adorned with bunting in honour of the occasion, arrived in Alderney at
about 12.30pm. After a warm interchange of greetings and congratulations from the crowd a
procession, headed by a voluntary band and the team, in two wagonettes, was formed, and the
beflagged St Anne’s was paraded amid exultant enthusiasm. Before the dispersal of the crowd the
Muratti Vase was filled with lemonade and offered to happy bystanders in celebration of the famous
victory!
Reproduction of this article with the kind permission of Frank Cusack author or Muratti Vase,
Centenary Celebration. ISBN 1-869833-53-8