23rd April 2022
Alderney 0 – 2 Guernsey
Alderney returned to the Muratti Vase Semi-Final for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Mount Hale. After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic—which also postponed the 100th Anniversary of Alderney’s historic 1920 victory—this eagerly anticipated tie drew a bumper crowd on a sunny but windy day.
Alderney fielded a full-strength side, with debuts handed to Owen Carre and Jack Williams. Led by Captain Ross Benfield and player-coach Josh Concanen, the team welcomed back regulars Joe Blackham, Josh McCulloch, and Jason Atkins to reinforce their Priaulx League squad.
First Half
Playing towards the Braye Beach end and aided slightly by the wind, Alderney started strongly. Dante Walker repeatedly found space down the left-hand side, while Guernsey was restricted to set pieces, including long throws from Guernsey captain Jamie Dodd.
Alderney created several chances during the first half with the score still at 0-0. Benfield volleyed over from a Concanen free-kick, and a Blackham cross-turned-shot hit a Guernsey arm in the box, though referee Paolo Franco waved away penalty appeals. Atkins followed with a left-footed effort from the edge of the box, which was blocked, and Walker forced Guernsey keeper Martin into action with a driven shot that bounced awkwardly in front of him.
Guernsey broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Dave Rihoy’s wide free-kick wasn’t cleared properly, allowing Charlton Gauvain—formerly of Bristol City’s academy—to volley home from close range, leaving Carre no chance in goal.
The visitors doubled their lead just before halftime. Danny Hale’s wide free-kick was expertly controlled on the chest by Gauvain, who executed a spectacular overhead kick into the top corner.
Half-Time: Alderney 0-2 Guernsey
Second Half
Facing the wind in the second half, Alderney knew they were in for a challenge but opted to press Guernsey rather than sit back. This tireless effort saw Alderney create a few opportunities that, on another day, might have resulted in a different outcome.
John Adamson came close but didn’t connect cleanly, sending his shot wide. Player-coach Concanen reshuffled the front three, bringing on Williams, Carre, and Cork to replace Blackham, State, and McCulloch.
Key moments included another strong penalty appeal when Benfield headed the ball back across goal, which clearly struck a raised Guernsey arm. However, referee Franco dismissed the claims. Shortly after, Guernsey had their own penalty shout waved away as Carre came out bravely at the feet of Hale.
Despite Alderney’s changes and relentless effort, clear-cut chances remained scarce for both sides. Ultimately, the game ended 2-0 in favor of Guernsey.
Post-Match Reflection
Although the result was disappointing, Alderney can take pride in their performance. The team’s resilience and organization kept them competitive against a strong Guernsey side. The day was also a success off the pitch, with significant fundraising efforts and an inspiring display for the next generation of Alderney footballers.
Team Line-Ups
Alderney: Dean Carre, John Adamson, Dante Walker, Josh Concanen, Ross Benfield (c), Jason Atkins, Richard Moore, Jermaine Parry, Josh McCulloch (Owen Carre), Marian State (Ciaran Stretton), Joe Blackham (Jack Williams).
Unused Subs: Andrew Adamson, Tom Cosheril
Guernsey: Jason Martin, Dave Rihoy, Jacob Fallaize, Jamie Dodd, Jake Lowe, Kieran Mahon, Charlton Gauvain, Dom Heaume, Ross Allen, Sam Murray, Danny Hale.
Subs: George Mason, River Marsh, Keene Domaille, Joe Alvarez, Josh Addison
Man of the Match
Dean Carre, as selected by the Campania Inn.
