Scrambled Goal Heartbreak for Nomads
Alderney 1 Guernsey 2
Muratti Vase Semi-Final – 11th April 2026
All images courtesy of David Nash
ALDERNEY were denied what could have been a place in Island folklore by a scrambled goal that decided a Muratti semi-final at a gale-lashed Mount Hale which could easily have gone either way.
Guernsey’s Will Fazakerley forced the ball into the net at the far post in the 77th minute following a right-wing cross which caused a goalmouth melee.
That settled the tie and Guernsey could easily have added to their score in the closing stages, but for two stupendous saves from goalkeeper Jamie Laband.
But it was close, just as it was last year when the Nomads lost 2-0 to a Jersey side sprinkled with experience campaigners and semi-professions.
Proud Alderney manager Alan Adamson again saw his underdogs rise to the challenge and insisted they could have done even better. “I think we were in the game all of the time and I was very disappointed that we didn’t get a least a draw,” he said “Conditions were horrendous which levelled the game a little bit in our favour, but it was the same for both teams and if last year was close, I think this year was closer.”
He added: “There wasn’t a bad player on the pitch. I was totally proud of all of the team. They did the island proud and the crowd were absolutely amazing again.”
Penalties, mistakes or an untidy goal were always going to decide the issue as a swirling, diagonal wind destroyed pre-arranged tactical plans and blew away any hopes of decent football. Mount Hale may be renowned for its blustery conditions, but this was something else.
The match quickly developed into a mainly defensive ariel battles with long high balls which carried in the wind and wiped out most attempts at creative, midfield build ups.
Sheer effort determination and patience were the order of the day and, apart from some early scrappy play. Alderney had that in abundance and it gradually became apparent that it was a game they could win.
But they suffered a setback in the 37th minute when a reckless tackle by Nomads defender John Adamson on Guernsey’s Ben Solway led to a penalty. Fin du Port gave Jamie Laband no chance from the spot to give his side a slender half-time lead.
There had been little to choose between the two teams in the first half and that pattern continued after the break with the wind the dominating factor.
Then in the 63rd minute hope turned into anticipation when Nomads were awarded a penalty after Jermaine Perry was sent crashing to the ground when in a goalscoring position and the crowd erupted as the ever-busy Josh Concanen equalised from the spot. There was stalemate until Fazakerley netted Guernsey’s winner – and Alderney were again reflecting on might have been! Alderney substitute Billy Le Poullain was sent off in the closing second for raising his hand to a player.
Alderney’s team:
Jamie Laband; Sean Maloy, Andrew Mills, John Adamson, Jason Atkins, Andy Adamson, Andy Lawrence, Josh Concanen, Dante Walker, Jermaine Pasrry, Liam Connor, Subs (all used): Jack Ives, Owen Carre, Olly Taylor, Billy Le Poullain.
