24th March 2018
Alderney 0 – 2 Guernsey
The Muratti semi-final came around again, with a good crowd assembling at the Arsenal Ground, most supporting Alderney and anticipating this could be the year the young team makes the Final.
Guernsey kicked off, attacking towards the Fort Albert end, and soon put the Alderney defense under pressure with some long throws by Dodd, causing early problems. Guernsey’s first corner was well claimed by Jamie Laband, offering a hopeful boost to his confidence. The first exchanges were fiercely contested. Alderney had their first chance at six minutes—a free kick taken by Josh Concanen, with the delivery narrowly missed by Steve Concanen. Shortly after, a good break down the right by Josh McCulloch found Joe Blackham, who shot just wide.
Guernsey came close to scoring the first goal on 12 minutes when a long throw found the back head of Steve Concanen, nearly resulting in an own goal, but it forced a good save by Laband. Guernsey continued pressing with their long throws causing problems. Despite strong defending and Alderney’s midfield working tirelessly, Guernsey scored on 17 minutes from a corner taken by Hall, with Strawbridge heading strongly to make it 0-1.
Alderney immediately tried to bounce back, with Jermaine Parry taking a shot that was saved. The game remained competitive, with Alderney creating moments of pressure through some excellent play by Kai Bower and Joe Blackham. However, Guernsey made it 0-2 after a seemingly innocuous Alderney throw-in close to their corner flag fell to Sam Hall, whose curled left-foot shot from outside the box shaved the inside of the post and went in. Guernsey’s pressure continued, but Alderney defended valiantly, and the half ended with the home crowd hopeful for a second-half turnaround.
Second Half
Alderney attacked towards the Fort Albert end and started brightly. Jermaine Parry won a free kick early, and Alderney’s first corner was punched away by the Guernsey keeper. The team began applying pressure with swift interchanges between Parry, J. Concanen, and Blackham. On 52 minutes, Kai Bower won a free kick that eventually fell to Ross Benfield, whose shot narrowly missed the post.
On 57 minutes, Alderney’s best move of the match involved Blackham, Larkin, and Adamson. A long throw was flicked on by Steve Concanen, just wide. Blackham continued to trouble Guernsey’s defense, winning several free kicks, while McCulloch tirelessly worked up front. Alderney dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Alderney came agonisingly close to scoring when Benfield’s header hit the post following a corner. The crowd rallied behind their team, appreciating the sustained pressure and effort. Another free kick on 84 minutes was parried away, with Benfield’s header from the resulting corner hitting the post yet again. Despite Alderney’s dominance in the second half, they couldn’t find the goal they deserved.
Guernsey won a corner on 88 minutes and nearly scored, hitting the bar, but Laband made a great save shortly after. The final whistle blew at 0-2, with warm applause from the crowd appreciating the team’s valiant effort.
Post-Match Highlights
Alderney’s joint Man of the Match awards went to Joe Blackham and Josh McCulloch for their outstanding performances. New caps were presented to Kai Bower, along with Joe and Jamie Blackham for previous appearances. These caps were awarded by Alderney Muratti legend Billy Bohan, with the Muratti caps kindly sponsored by Sam Chadwick’s meat draw.
Though the result was disappointing, the home crowd left proud of the team’s effort and resilience.
