23rd March 2019
Alderney 0 – 2 Jersey
For the first football Saturday in weeks, there was no gale-force south-westerly blowing across the island—ideal conditions for the biggest match of the season. As the blue-and-white supporters arrived at the Arsenal Ground, news came through that the Jersey team was delayed, pushing kick-off back by 45 minutes. This delay only added to the atmosphere and anticipation, with the crowd hopeful of witnessing a historic football occasion. The Alderney team, buoyed by their fine form in the Priaulx League, was in high spirits. Coach Josh Concanen made strategic changes, moving captain Ross Benfield to a forward position, with Josh McCulloch playing just behind as a number 10. Marian and Joe Blackham started on the bench.
Alderney kicked off attacking the Fort Albert end, but a strong Jersey team quickly put the home side on the back foot, forcing the first corner of the game. Boyle’s delivery was defended well by Benfield, whose header earned applause from the blue-and-white supporters lining the sidelines. In the opening 10 minutes, Jersey looked comfortable in possession, pressing Alderney, who defended stoutly with Con and Jermaine Parry winning key battles. Keeper JT commanded his box with confidence, collecting the ball cleanly. Alderney found some relief when Dante Walker broke down the left, though his cross evaded everyone.
Alderney’s first chance came from a precise free kick by Coach Josh Concanen, tipped over the bar by Jersey’s No. 1, Van Der Vliet. Home pressure built as Ross Benfield’s well-timed shot was blocked. The game remained an even contest early on, with Nafka distributing well, and Parry and McCulloch linking to press Jersey whenever they gained possession. John Adamson won a corner on the right, but Con’s shot went over. At the other end, Campbell’s header was tipped over by JT, and Boyle’s shot went just wide.
A significant delay followed as Parry received treatment for a head injury. When play resumed, Jersey capitalized on a lapse in focus, with Martinovic finding space, beating two players, and rifling a shot past the unsighted JT to make it 0-1. Jersey almost doubled their lead before halftime, with Russell heading just over. The halftime whistle came at the right time for Alderney, who were applauded off the pitch by the home support.
Half-Time: 0-1
Jersey started the second half aggressively, and Adamson conceded a foul just outside Alderney’s 18-yard box. Boyle’s free kick struck Parry’s hand as the wall jumped—penalty awarded and a booking for Parry. Cannon stepped up to convert, making it 0-2.
Alderney responded with a double substitution, bringing on Marian State and Joe Blackham for Dante Walker and Josh McCulloch. State injected energy into the game, winning a corner that narrowly missed J. Concanen’s head—a training ground routine that had produced goals in previous matches. However, this would prove to be Alderney’s closest chance to scoring.
Jersey maintained control of the game, with Boyle and Weir linking well, forcing JT to make another excellent save with his feet. Alderney continued to work hard, with Blackham tirelessly chasing every ball. The final 15 minutes saw Alderney pushing for a goal. Substitute Lee McCormack delivered a superb cross from the byline, falling to Blackham, whose shot went over. It was Alderney’s best chance, leaving both Blackham and the crowd with heads in hands.
As the game drew to a close, Alderney’s man of the match, Josh Concanen, had a final shot sail over the bar. Jersey saw the game out with professionalism. Despite the 0-2 defeat, Alderney could take pride in their effort against a well-drilled and talented Jersey team.
The match was attended by approximately 400 supporters, with all 375 programs sold. Alderney Football Club extends its thanks to the match sponsors and the incredible crowd, many proudly wearing Alderney’s colors. Attention now shifts back to the Priaulx League, where the team will aim to cement their top position.
Team Line-Up:
- Starting XI: James Taylor, Dante Walker, Josh Concanen, John Adamson, Steve Concanen, Richard Moore, Jason Atkins, Ross Benfield (c), Jermaine Parry, Ciaran Stretton, Josh McCulloch
- Substitutes: Marian State, Lee McCormack, Jamie Laband, Joe Blackham
Man of the Match:
Josh Concanen, kindly sponsored by Mick Price and Pete Concanen, with player sponsorship from Rio Bowditch.
