JAMIE Blackham wrote his name into the Island’s sporting history books with a goal that gave Alderney a faint glimmer of hope in their Muratti Vase semi-final against Jersey. Only a few Alderney players have managed to get their name on the score-sheet since the competition, named after a once popular brand of cigarettes, was formed in 1905. Following a first half dominated by Jersey, his well taken effort reduced the visitors’ lead to 3-1 minutes after the interval and the Arsenal ground erupted, in joy. It was the first goal an Alderney player had scored in the Muratti for six years.
But their jubilation was short-lived as Francis Lekimimati hammered in a free kick to make it 4-1 to put paid to any ideas Alderney had of staging a dramatic revival.
By that time, a composed and confident Jersey side had stamped their authority on the tie and they went on to win in style and with ease.
After a minutes’ silence for Nomads’ Chairman Reg Atkins, whose memory was honoured in the commemorative programme, Jersey, with the blustery, swirling wind so prevalent at the ground, in their favour, stamped their authority on the tie.
Nomads have managed to close the gap on their illustrious opponents in the Muratti in recent years, often losing by the odd goal.
But for much of the first half it was one-way traffic with Alderney struggling to cope with threat of Jersey’s tall, but quick front man, Harrison Moon. Unsurprisingly, he scored twice and a third for Jersey came when a right wing cross evaded most of the red-shirted Jersey attackers, but appeared to go in off an Alderney defender before nestling in the net. The interval gave Nomads some respite and they made a determined start to the second half with Blackham’s memorable goal.
Lekimimati then took the momentum out of what might have been a revival before Karl Hinds headed in the fifth goal for the reigning champions and then Jack Cannon, who equalled the appearance record for Jersey in the competition, completed the rout from the penalty spot after Nomads’ goalkeeper Dean Carre had made a brave, but futile attempt to prevent a goal.
In the end, the tie went the way most people would have predicted. Alderney did not let the Island down, but Jersey was far too strong and chalked up their 76th straight win in the competition they have dominated and now meet Guernsey in another final in May.
Alderney: Dean Carre, Josh McCulloch, John Adamson, Josh Concanen, Andy Adamson, Jason Atkins, Richard Moore, Jermaine Perry, Jamie Blackham, Joe Blackham, Liam Connor. Subs: Owen Carre, Dillian Dupont, Matt Aldcroft, Florin Lungo.
Alderney’s Man-of-the-Match, sponsored by The Campania Inn was Jermaine Perry.
