Alderney’s Magnificent Underdogs Bite Back…….
Alderney 0 Jersey 2
(Muratti Vase Semi-Final)
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ANOTHER Muratti, another defeat….and Alderney are still seeking their second win in the Channel Islands Championship for what has now been 105 years.
But this was so very different. Ask anyone who was privileged to be there to watch the Nomads make their Island proud.
For 94 minutes a semi-final that was supposed to be completely one-sided hung in the balance due to an outstanding performance by arguably the biggest underdogs in any soccer pyramid.
Jersey (population 105,00) were pushed to the limit by a team from a hamlet of barely 2,000 souls with the catchment area of a UK pub team.
Nomads’ manager Alan Adamson said it all: “I think we were brilliant,” he declared. “This was one of the most even games we have seen for 30-odd years. To a man, we were outstanding.
“We hit the post in the first half and could have been one-nil up at half-time. They knew they were in a game today. It was not a usual Alderney performance when we just sit back and absorb pressure and we were still going at the end.
“For the first time in a very long time I thought we could actually win the game. It was a fantastic effort and I was so proud of them.”
As the game settled after a scrappy start, a youthful Jersey side complemented with players from their team which is chasing promotion in the Combined Counties League, set up a series of attacks.
But then, in the 15th minute, Dante Walker curled a shot that hit the woodwork the with the Jersey goalkeeper beaten. Inches lower and it could have made all of the difference, but it set the tone for the remainder of the tie as hope replaced expectation and Alderney grew in confidence.
They fell behind just before half-time when Jay dos Santos put Jersey ahead with a spectacular free kick, he lifted over the Alderney wall and into the far corner of the net.
By that time, however, Alderney had realised they could match their opponents with the growing belief of a determined and well-organised side to which everyone contributed 100% – and more.
As the minutes ebbed away, it become increasingly clear they might still pull off something special. They brought on fresh legs, re-shuffled the side and gambled. Then, in the fourth minute of injury time, an untidy goal from winger Seany Byrne made it 2-0 to Jersey.
But Alderney left the field with their held high to the cheers and richly earned acclaim of a crowd of upwards of 350 for which they have given their all …a fitting tribute to a team of fighters who dared to dream.
Alderney: James Taylor; Sean Maloy, John Adamson, Ross Benfield, Jason Atkins, Andy Adamson (Capt.), Josh McCulloch, Josh Concanen, Dante Walker, Jermaine Parry, Jamie Blackham. Subs: Andy Lawrence, Liam Connor, Dean Carre & Marian State
Manager: Alan Adamson, Coach: Rob Kirkland.
Alderney’s Man of the Match & Match Ball Sponsor selected by Bell & Co was awarded to Josh Concanen. Player sponsor Rachal Bowditch. Man of the Match bubbly supplied bythe Georgian
