Not that there is any disgrace in going out at the first hurdle – Southampton are usually one of the stronger outfits and the Island side had had little more that two weeks preparation.But Paul Dicker, who runs the Island side along with fellow teacher Brett Graham, is in no doubt that a lot of work is needed before the side is ready for its main test – keeping their grip on the Star Trophy against Guernsey at Springfield next year.’We played some good football at times and there were some plus points to come out of the match, but we looked a poor side when the opposition had the ball.
‘We’ve certainly got a lot to work on before the Guernsey match – Southampton were braver in the tackle, while we lost shape and lacked application at times.’The attitude was good, but unfortunately a lot of basic football requirements were missing.Some of the good points were the front pairing of David Kenyon and Oliver Thompson, a composed display from Casey Laurent in defence, good saves from ‘keeper and captain Greg Forster and impressive work from midfielder Brett Willoughby and substitute Stevie Reid.But several players underachieved and the coach was keen to emphasise that they have six months to look at alternatives with the whole selection process beginning again in January.
Forster had already made a good save on a bone-hard, bumpy pitch in the Royal Victoria Park, before Southampton took an early lead when the Island defence failed to clear an attack.Jersey then settled and the game was fairly even, until another soft goal just after the break gave them a mountain to climb.
Forster then made another good save before striker Thompson went close to reducing the arrears after 50 minutes.
The result, however, was sealed with Southampton’s third a minute later and was soon followed, courtesy of some weak defending, by goals four and five.
To their credit Jersey finished strongly – and the scoreline was not an accurate reflection on the play.Jersey’s reward came on 74 minutes from a short corner.
Stevie Reid crossed for Oliver Thomson to head powerfully goalwards and although the attempt was saved the rebound was tucked away by the alert Kenyon.Jersey pressed at the end but in terms of goals Southampton had the last word with their sixth.They face Bournemouth in the next round.Jersey team (substitutions): Greg Forster (Max Jouan);Pierce Cummins, Casey Laurent, James Querée, William Golder (Stevie Reid); Paul Dingle (James Jones), Brett Willoughby, Olliver Gallacher (Elliott Fernandes), Jamie Cullen; David Kenyon and Oliver Thompson.
