JERSEY COMB. 5
CHESHIRE LGE 1
JERSEY Combination celebrated the island's Liberation Day with an emphatic win over the West Cheshire League in the
rescheduled 2020 final of the FA Inter-League Cup, held at The FA's St George's Park, in Burton.
The Channel Islanders' side, featuring several of the unbeaten Jersey Bulls side from the Combined Counties League, strode home to lift the trophy for Step 7 representative sides with the winner flying the flag for England in the UEFA Regions Cup.
“It's a result of two years' hard work from the Jersey Combination's clubs,” said proud boss Martin Cassidy. “Our game management after leading 3-0 in the first half was first class and it's a fitting way to celebrate Jersey's Liberation Day.”
Jersey, however, had to recover from an early scare when West Cheshire's Alex Woodcock's effort rebounded off the post.
But Cassidy's men kept their heads and stamped their authority with three goals inside 15 minutes. A tap-in by Ruben Pestana put them in front before the advntage was doubled by Luke Campbell from the penalty spot.
And when Sol Soloman finished off Jake Prince's cross for 3-0 the game was all but over.
Pressure
Jersey continued to dominate with their back four in control and their midfield using slick passing and long balls to continually stretch the West Cheshire defence.
West Cheshire, however, started the second half the brighter although everything they threw at the the Jersey defence was comfortably dealt with, while the Channel Islanders continued to pose a threat on the counter attack. Indeed, success on the break soon led to a fourth goal – Soloman latching on to a long ball over the top and finishing in style.
Credit to West Cheshire, however, who kept battling away and they were good value for a goal back through Louis Gorman following a sustained period of pressure, only for Luca Margaroli to rub salt into their wounds two minutes from time with an unopposed header from a corner.
West Cheshire League boss Tony Nelson said: “While we are disappointed to have been beaten by such a margin there is no disgrace in losing to a side of such status.
“I am very proud of my squad for reaching the final – they are a credit to themselves and the West Cheshire League – and we congratulate the Jersey Combination on winning the Trophy.”
