Early Start, Perfect Result as Nomads March On in Jeremie Cup
Belgrave Wanderers 0 – 2 Alderney
Jeremie Cup First Round – 12th September 2026
An early start, an early goal and a place in the quarter-finals.
Alderney made the 6.30am gathering at Braye Harbour worthwhile as the Nomads produced an excellent away performance to beat Belgrave Wanderers 2-0 at the Track and book their place in the last eight of the Jeremie Cup.
And despite the early morning journey, there certainly weren’t any signs of tired legs when the game got underway.
In fact, Alderney could barely have started any quicker.
Just 12 seconds after kick-off, Jermaine Parry collected a long ball forward from Dean Carre in the inside-left channel before delivering into the box. The cross looked to have escaped everyone, but Owen Carre arrived from the right and rattled a fierce effort against the post.
It was a warning Bels failed to heed.
Barely 90 seconds later, Jamie Blackham found space down the same side, breaking clear of the covering defenders before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Harry Player to give Alderney the perfect start.
1-0 to the Nomads.
Alderney were rampant in the opening stages and went looking for a second.
Parry released Owen Carre, who just managed to beat Player in the race to the loose ball but could only fire over, before Carre again caused problems moments later. This time he worked his way towards the byline and sent the ball across the face of goal, only for Steve Renouf to clear it off the line.
The intensity of Alderney’s opening spell was always going to be difficult to maintain and, as the half progressed, Belgrave began to find their way into the game.
The home side looked particularly dangerous from set pieces and won a succession of corners, but Ronan Gillingham and the Alderney defence stood firm.
Josh Concanen, returning to the side after a year away, produced an excellent performance at the heart of the defence and helped keep Bels at bay as they searched for an equaliser.
When the defence was breached, Gillingham was there.
On 32 minutes he clawed away Nick Trebert’s header following a deep Renouf cross, before producing another important save five minutes later to tip Renouf’s effort over the bar.
Alderney went into the break with their slender advantage intact, but a second goal was needed to give the Nomads some breathing room.
It arrived early in the second half.
Bels goalkeeper Player came out towards the penalty spot to deal with an Alderney corner but was unable to claim it. With the goalkeeper on the ground and bodies everywhere, Liam Connor reacted quickest, firing through the packed penalty area and into the net.
2-0 Alderney.
Belgrave’s best opportunity to find a way back into the match came on the counter after Alderney committed players forward for a corner.
Suddenly the home side found themselves two against one, with Sean Maloy the only Alderney defender between them and goal. But a heavy touch from Brad Foss gave Maloy the opportunity he needed and he managed to clear the danger into touch.
The task then became even harder for Bels.
Captain Lewis Germain had already been booked following a strong challenge which caused plenty of reaction from both sides. Less than five minutes later, Parry powered his way through midfield and Germain pulled him back.
The referee had little choice but to show a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men with around half an hour still to play.
From there Alderney had opportunities to put the tie completely beyond doubt.
Substitute Billy House went close twice, with Player producing an excellent save to deny his second effort, while Josh Patient also had a good opportunity after coming from the bench.
Alderney may have tired as the match entered its closing stages, but Bels were unable to take advantage and the Nomads professionally saw out the remaining minutes to secure the clean sheet and, more importantly, their place in the next round.
Full Time: Belgrave Wanderers 0 – 2 Alderney
Goals from Jamie Blackham and Liam Connor were enough to send Alderney through to the Jeremie Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Jersey side Grouville in what is believed to be only the second time Alderney have faced a Jersey club side.
Another early boat. Another big away performance. And another cup tie to look forward to.
Alderney Team
Ronan Gillingham; Sean Maloy (Lawrence), Josh Concanen, Dean Carre, J Adamson (Ives); A Adamson; Owen Carre (House), Pengelley, Jermaine Parry (Taylor), Liam Connor (Patient); Jamie Blackham.
Goals: Jamie Blackham, Liam Connor
Referee: Steve Hutchison
Competition: Jeremie Cup First Round
Result: Belgrave Wanderers 0 – 2 Alderney
