However, it became clear that it was going to be difficult with three key players ill – two recovering from and one about to succumb to the flu bug currently doing the rounds.As a result Jersey had to reshuffle positions at the last minute and simply did not have the energy and movement off the ball that is usually their trademark.Captain and England trialist, Jamey Herbert was one of the players hit and the team missed her energy when defending short corners, and her ability to cover ground from central midfield.
She was redeployed up front.Guernsey, on the other hand, were keen to play well and showed their determination and fighting spirirt from the start.Rochelle Vaudin’s speed caused problems down Jersey’s left side and it was her cross that put Guernsey 1-0 up on nine minutes.Jersey responded well and Lauren Jéhan competed hard.
She helped to win two penalty corners for Jersey but they were not converted.
Eventually, from a really slick move that began with a great cross-field pass, the ball ended up in the Guernsey net after Becky Slater turned it in at the left post, following an initial shot from Hannah Leech.Jersey had a further chance when Slater and Lucy Hillsden combined but there was no Jersey player awake for the rebound opportunity.The first 15 minutes of the second half was closely fought, but Guernsey had more stamina and they started to take control.
Sylvia Spinola in the Jersey goal made some good saves and Guernsey also hit the post.
Jersey, however had their chances on the counter-attack and Herbert hit a superb undercut shot which forced a great save from Sarnian ‘keeper Natalie Grainger.In the closing minutes of the game Katie Howell and Leech combined to see the ball just go wide of the Guernsey goal and a last chance to equalise go begging.On the day Guernsey deserved their win.
Ellen Jones and Fiona Strobridge were strong in midfield for the visitors.
Howell and Stephanie Anderson worked extremely hard for the home team and Jersey, who were never short of spirit, were unlucky not to get awarded several short corners for fouls outside the D in the second half.
They will relish the chance to reverse the result next year when fully fit knowing that only three of this year’s squad move out of the age group.Nine Jersey players have been selected for the CI squad: Emma Anderson, Stephanie Anderson, Jamey Herbert (captain), Katie Howell, Lauren Jéhan, Carla Plater, Hannah Leech, Lucy Hillsden, Becky Slater.
