The Jersey Football Podcast Episode 23 - Things Starting To Take Shape

A review of a massive two weeks in Jersey football. Both local football and the Jersey Bulls involved in huge games with loads of entertainment including an epic 3 hour match up at Jersey Wanderers. We look forward to the next instalment of the Podcast Derby on Thursday evening.

Transcript

Speaker 0:00

The Jersey Football Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Nova CAD Architectural Services, tailored architectural services from feasibility to completion. Nova CAD offers expert architectural design for planning and building bylaw applications, project management, energy assessments, and health and safety project coordination for both residential and commercial projects. For more information, visit NOVA hyphen cad. Do ge. That's n ova hyen ca.

Andy 0:51

Welcome back to the Jersey Football Podcast as always. I'm your host, Andy Shepherd. I'm joined by Robbie Whitaker this week, and what has been a week of loads of massive events in Jersey football and also loads more to come. Robbie, how you doing?

Robbie 1:06

I'm all good, Andy. Yeah, thanks for having us again. Sorry I missed last week. Personal reasons, but yeah, good to be back and we've got loads to get into. So should we crack on?

Andy 1:15

Yeah, we'll get straight into it mate. As I say we'll look back over the last couple of weeks'cause there's been so much going on. So many sort of big talking points and I think all the leagues in the cups have really started taking shape both locally in the leagues, but also for the Jersey bills as well. So there's some really exciting times ahead and the, I keep going back to that comment you made earlier in the season, Robbie, about it being, in terms of excitement, one of the best seasons ever. And it, it really has been.

Robbie 1:39

It hasn't it? It's just got better and better. Like not trying to take my flowers or anything, but from when I said it, it has just really improved week in, week out. So yeah, we're in for a barnstormer of a finish.

Andy 1:51

Yeah. So we're gonna go back a couple of weeks. There is only one place to start. It was Friday the 13th, over in Guernsey, the under 21 Mera. A fantastic performance from the boys. It was finished Ginsey two Jersey five. It really turned into a bit of a Friday, the 13th horror story for Guernsey, didn't it?

Robbie 2:09

It did, yeah. Especially like ho taking the lead twice, but yeah. Our young lads bought a sport jersey PR didn't they?

Andy 2:16

Yeah. I was like, I spoke to Jack Canon and Shawnee Olgan after it, and we had a short po out with them and it was interesting hearing their perspective on it. But I say Sey went ahead twice in the first half. SHA equalized the first one and then Gans went ahead again straight away before Stan pulled one back just before halftime. But it must mean some team talk from whack at half time.'cause the boys come out for the second half flying, didn't they?

Robbie 2:40

Yeah. I think that equalizer from Stan as well, that just gives them that lift again, it's important scoring or getting back on level terms just before halftime, so yeah, great performance, great win. And yeah, five two. Happy with that.

Andy 2:53

Yeah, I think they absolutely blew'em away. And by all accounts, the celebrations were quite wild as well. But as I said, to wack and wack on Shawnee, what goes on, tours onto a, the boys setting exactly. Good time.

Robbie 3:03

Exactly. We'll stay away from that, I think, shall we?

Andy 3:06

Yeah. Yeah. I've been going on to the day after because we had a Sta card, local football as well. The day after on the 14th, we had St. Peter won, Madeira won and Premiership won. Now that was the result that neither team wanted. The OSA with a goal from a before Bradley Russell equalized for St. St. Peter Bradley had come back after, after quite a long time out injured. Yeah, great to

Robbie 3:30

see Brad back.

Andy 3:31

Yeah. Yeah, he's good. He is, he's been around forever, but as we always say, to be play as long as you possibly can. So all the best to, but I think that makes it very difficult for both teams, doesn't it draw both drawn there off the back of some one picking up points in their previous two games. It does make it extremely difficult and I think for St. Peter now and I don't know if it's mathematical yet, but it can't be far off now for Madeira.

Robbie 3:56

Yeah. Like we are, we're not mathematicians, but it's not looking good for Madeira sitting what, six points rooted to the bottom of the table. But yeah, you touched on it there. One, one draw doesn't do either of the teams any favors.

Andy 4:08

No. And I think St. Peter's they started they were, I think they, they were already light in their squad. And then Ryko pulled a quad early on. So I think Bradley was only supposed to play a certain number of minutes, but he had to go in early. But the players were dropping like flies. And I think two players who had already gone off injured had to go back on again to finish the game. So disappointing for them. But I suppose now they've just gotta keep going, play for a bit of pride and set, try, set themselves up for next season.

Robbie 4:35

Yeah that's all they can do. Just keep following what Chris is trying to implement up there and yeah, set themselves up for next season.

Andy 4:42

Yeah. And then in the midweek on the 17th, that was your St. Paul's team against Groove up at Keny. Quite an interesting game groove two on lead grant halftime, but I think you just had too much for them. Overran Ave a very good four, two victory. How did that go?

Robbie 4:57

Yeah, it was. It was a weird game, to be honest.'cause like we were going in, confidence and not much confidence from the previous results we'd had, which was the draw against Bre lads and the defeat from Wonderous. So we wanted to put it right. And going into that game, we, I think there was a few little bit of nerves, but I said to the lads, look, let's put them two results behind us and just go out and just get the three points tonight. Get us back into this title race. And thankfully the lads did. We had a few changes. We've had a few people missing. A couple of were away. So gave a chance to us, bring a few youngsters in. Freddy Harbin came in, who was a sub. Miguel Baros got a start. He scored it, which was good. Martin McLaughlin on the bench. And Gus Dore on the bench as well. So yeah, young team. But the lads did brilliant. Go one nail down and then. Getting back. I think it went one, one and then two, one down, two, two. And then fitness and the young legs just took over, shall we say. Massive mention to Freddy Harbin coming on as a sub. And he put on a great cross for little for young Imar who got himself two goals. One of his goals was a volley. I dunno if you were there, Andy, but I was. Just a nice controlled volley. He was probably only about eight yards out, but the bull come from the right wing and he's just side footed it with pace, just straight into the goal. It was one of them ones that just looked so crisp and clean, so delighted for the lads. Really.

Andy 6:21

Oh goodness. And again, it's just a, that seems to be a current theme throughout the season with the young players coming through. It's funny, I bumped I saw Martin McLaughlin. A couple of weeks ago. It's first I've seen him in years. I know his dad. Yeah, and I couldn't go over the size him, to be honest. He's a big one pair boy, and I remember him as this tiny wee guy. But yeah, he's a, another one who's as, like I said to you before, he always loved the tackle, so I wonder if he still got that in his game.

Robbie 6:45

He didn't get a chance to put in any big tackles, but yeah, he was strong. He, come on, I think he got about 10, 15 minutes. So he enjoyed himself, which was good. Yeah. Another youngster with first team experience now.

Andy 6:54

Yeah. Great stuff. And then moving on to last Saturday. Last Saturday was big. It was a, some big games, some events some not so nice things as well that we'll come onto. But we had St. Peter again and an amazing game. St. Peter four, stre had four Tommy Boer for St. Peter with a double key and left to get a double for Ral lad as well. Peters were there, they were ahead four three, and in the last minute they had, they conceived a penalty scored by Paul McKay. Just heartbreaking for them. You wonder the are four points behind some one. They play a game more. They, not a pleasant one, but I then those extra two points could have made that a little bit just a little bit more interesting if you like, but I think. I have to go back through. I'm sure they've lost a number of late goals from winning positions or where they're gonna pick up points. I dunno if I'd have to maybe go and check, but it feels like they've lost a lot of late goals.

Robbie 7:43

Yeah, it doesn't it? They got a two, two against us with a dodgy penalty, so maybe this is karma coming back. But now they do seem to have lost a lot, few late goals. Just looking down there in February, there was some ones game they lost five four. Was that a late goal? Yeah, 86 minutes. So yeah, they've lost a few points from winning positions or from drawing positions,

Andy 8:06

yeah, I'm sure they'll be disappointed. But I think, I know that I was I was up there speaking to the to Chris and Andy and they were saying that. But what we've said right from the start of the season, availability has been a real challenge for them.

Robbie 8:16

Yeah,

Andy 8:16

Not being able to feel the same 11 week after week. And it's just made that a little bit more difficult. But yeah. A another disappointment for them, they've still got, there is there are still a few games to go, so I suppose there is still a potential. Think they've got five games left, there's 15 points to play for. You never know. We've seen it all happen before, so the, there is still a chance, but it's looking like a big ask. Also on Saturday you boys had a rematch with Ville this time. The, in the Jeremy I, I convinced him five two victory up at St. Paul's. What was that like?

Robbie 8:47

First of all, it was great to be back at our pitch. I think that's our first game up there for what feels like it's months. So it was nice to be up there. The pitch was in good nick. We again, we started off really strong. I thought we could have been two or three up inside the first 10, 15 minutes. Then they score a breakaway goal with a lovely threaded ball between our center back and right back, which just got our right back turned. Unfortunately, which was, IM I, he was doing a job for me there. But yeah, then we just come back into it and we looked in control, gave Freddy Harbin a start. He popped up with two goals, so that was lovely. Brilliant. So yeah, so he's really taken his chance. But yeah, we looked in control to be honest and scored I think a two late on goals, which made it a lot more comfortable. So delighted with that and into the final of the Jeremy. So I said to the lads how good the Jeremy Cup is. It's like one of the best cup competitions to play in over in the Channel Island. So like to qualify, you have to get in the top four of Jersey. So we're delighted to be back in that. That's the one that we we as a club lost the trophy but didn't lose a trophy. Sey banned us. First season back in it. So I'm delighted that we've got to the final.

Andy 9:51

I hope you go over there and win it and give it Big L'cause they would bang out all the think we talked about this before I was there at St. Paul's at the time. It's, it must be great. I've been fortunate off a couple of times as a coach to win. We've been on the winning side in the Jeremy, but both times it's been in Jersey against Jersey team. So I think going over to EY to play the final there, it'll be a, a really good occasion. Like I said, I hope you go over the, go over there, win it and give it loads. Because there was a few people from Guernsey, I think. Need to have a look at themselves, but the way they behaved over that whole thing.

Robbie 10:22

Yeah, definitely. You know us and we'll be nice, shy and retiring. I will anyway, like nice and quiet. I won't rub it in their noses at all mate, if we win. But yeah, lads are looking forward to it. We've still got a lot to do in the league, but it's a nice thing to know that we've got a cup final to look forward to.

Andy 10:36

Yeah. You mentioned that Imar playing it but that's a few games he's played there. Now, has you and Brody been injured?

Robbie 10:41

No, he ung went skiing for a week, I think, and he, with the way the fixtures are, he missed about 27 games in that week. And then he was away. He was away this weekend as well, or the weekend just gone. So yeah, Imar has been brilliant. His football awareness is. Arguably the best I've seen in any player of any age. You can just plunk him in any position and he'll know everywhere to play. What balls to play, where's the danger? He's just an absolute joy to manage. So he's done me a huge favor in the last, the few games playing out position. The one game we did get him back up top or, in his normal position was the groove I midweek game and he ended up scoring two in that game. Yeah he'll be chomping at the bit to get up there against you on Thursday.

Andy 11:21

Yeah, he's flying, isn't he? He's a great kid as well. I've said before, I remember him when he was tiny.

Robbie 11:25

Yeah.

Andy 11:25

And he was a top player then as well. The other game in prem, one on Saturday. A little bit biased but it was a big one. It was Jersey Wonders two St. Clement three.

Robbie 11:34

What

Andy 11:34

a result

Robbie 11:35

that was for you?

Andy 11:36

Yeah, it's a game that I'm not joking, lasted three hours from first. The last bus was three hours. We started off, it was a bit of a nothing game. Both sides canceling each other out. I do suspect that it was wonders, a little bit cynical. I think that because Wonders just needed a drop would've knocked us outta things. I think Wanderers the game was very stop start. I think Wonders were looking to stop any momentum or any flow, And the game was a bit bitty to start with. And then after about half an hour there was a, an innocuous cross come shot into her box, and Pierce went to, to collect it. It hit him. He screamed out in pain, dropped to the floor. The ball was released, and Jack hard stayed. Knocked it in. Initially, I'm not gonna lie. Initially I thought the ball taping the ball. And I was about to get really annoyed that he'd gone down like that, but within about five seconds realized this was serious. He was in a lot of pain. The players themselves, the players know, and you can tell from their reaction from both sides that it was serious. So we got on there and had a look at him. It became clear, very straight away. It almost immediately it was an ambulance job. So they did phone for an ambulance. I have to say straight away and I have to really take my hat off to Chris and Sam at Wanderers.'cause straight away, I think as James had gone on to look at'em, they turned to us and said, we'll give you that. Go back. Now. Oh, good. It hadn't even come into our heads to even think about it. I 100% would've done what Jack Hardisty did and knocked the ball in because it happened so quickly. So there was no blame on his part whatsoever. But I have to say that the sportsmanship that they showed and the fact that it wasn't, we didn't request it. Nobody even thought about it, but they came up straight away and said, we'll give you that back. And I thought that was a great touch. And what was such an important game as well. It would've been really easy. To not do that. And I'm not sure how many people would've said anything because I don't think it was that blatant an issue where the keep was clearly down injured and he scored. As I say, fair play to Wanderers. Initially when they described it,'cause I saw him within about two or three minutes, he seemed to have calmed down a bit. A lot less pain. People were saying that they'd had a pop and I would put money at that time that'd done his ACL. Having done something similar that at, was striking how similar it was Dan Ade from Sportscast was up there, and he actually got pictures of it happening. And when we looked at it, you could see he dislocated his kneecap. Ouch. Yeah. There is a picture where his kneecap was around the side of his knee but then pops straight back in. But. The game had stopped for about 90 minutes to get an ambulance up there. And then when they looked at him, get him down to the hospital. And then I think had we not had the winter that we've had with a number of, or the number of games left to play and how tight the calendar is, I think the game would've been abandoned. But they were given it every possible opportunity to finish the game. So we had to put Ryan Campos in goal. He went from right back to goalkeeper. And we carried on and our boys were nothing short of magnificent, I really have to say it. Wonder as true to the word allowed Carl, hes to school straight after kickoff. I don't think there was any doubt who was gonna be getting that or when it was on definitely up ramp.

Robbie 14:45

Callum Gilroy was

Andy 14:46

happy

Robbie 14:46

about that.

Andy 14:47

Chris did actually say, we'll give you the go back as long as Carl doesn't score it. But then Carl was there having it. But yeah we tried to take the boys like backs against the wall times, but these are the sort of messages you give'em. These are when you win leagues. These are, this is where character mentality shine through. We did want'em to play. I think the natural instinct is you drop back and try and protect the goalkeeper. And they did. We dropped him. We defended really well. We actually hit them on the counter attack and scored before halftime. A great ball from j de Santos down the left wing Bruno, ran on to it, crossed, and Carl set it back. Sha took a touch and called in the bottom corner. It was a really good goal. And. I would say even though we were defending, we were up against it. They weren't really creating anything. The back four were defending really well winning everything. I sent you a message, Robbie, who got Reese Jackson, alpha, Kerry, and Dan Burton, the three of them should go out to the Middle East and they can use them head away. Really missiles that are coming in because I've no doubt they'd stop them. They were unbelievable. Everything that came out this sky, they were there, their head was on it, and just colossal all three of them. And that set the tone their desire, people throwing themselves in front up front of things. Just this desire that we will not conce a goal. We went into second half again, we hit them on the counter attack, bru of the silver score to make it three, one. And then they got one back with about seven or eight minutes to go. Made that a bit tight towards the end, but say, to be honest. We didn't really get threatened in that time. We, we still defended really well. There was loads of corners, loads of crosses in the box, long throws a lot, and the boys just gobbled up. I spoke to Archie Corbert after the afterwards, and I said to him actually,'cause we spoke him a couple of weeks ago, Robbie, I said it was really nice to see us play 90 minutes against them where he hasn't scored against. And he took, and his reply was, I would've if Campos hadn't done an applying Manuel lawyer. And what I saved, they pulled off from the effort from Archie, Dan got a picture of it. It went on Facebook and I think some people will know Ryan Campos, his dad's Paolo Campo and former Jersey goalkeeper, top keeper in his day he posted the picture and said, I can't believe he didn't hold it. There's no credit going. Is there there's no credit going in that situation, but it was a great day. I think the, we as a group, as a score, we learned a lot about ourselves that day. On Saturday. Yeah. Just in terms of how much gr and determination and character. And you're seeing players like Shawnee, who, Sean's not a, an aggressive all action player that's gonna fly into tackles. Apart from Saturday when he absolutely did, and Bruno DeSilva the same. Everybody gave it everything that they had and the boys thoroughly deserved those three points, and it sets up the rest of the season really well. So yeah, great day. Although,

Robbie 17:28

yeah,

Andy 17:29

not for Pierce, she wish. No, We wish

Robbie 17:31

peers a speedy recovery, don't we?

Andy 17:33

Thankfully, maybe it's maybe not as bad as we think. We think there is ligament damage, but it's not as, it's not as bad as it could have been. So he is he's out. Not sure if we'll see him again this season, but that's more to do with how much time we've got left. Hopefully we do, but

Robbie 17:47

the way this season is, it'll still get a game.

Andy 17:50

Yeah. Yeah, he's he has obviously. Best wishes. Yeah. He's a great guy. He was absolutely devastated at the time and didn't realize he was devastated'cause he conceded the goal. It seemed to have moved on from the injury. He was just annoyed at himself'cause he hadn't managed to get the ball away. But yeah. All the best time. Hopefully it's a speedy recovery. Moving into Premiership two. And again, this is another league. It's shaping up really nicely and has got a little bit tighter after last weekend. But if we go back to Saturday the 14th, that was Lawrence won Rosell two much tighter game than probably would've initially been expected. So Lawrence will actually won up at half time but they couldn't see it through Relle. Got the job done, got the goal, and it put them level on points with ies but with a game in hand. So the potential to go three points clear. We then had the 19th of March rosel three stre stre reserves nil in the JFA ball, comfortable win. I think it was quite straightforward, but Rosell hadn't some good form about now. And then Saturday, but it seems to have changed a little bit. So ies Beat Dragos four one. Comfortable win, keeping the pressure up at the top of the table. Sports Club also beats St. Lawrences three, two sports club at three. One up. A elite golfer, St. Lawrence's made it nerve but Jose's boys got it over the line and in the big shock, Robbie St. John two Rose L two, and suddenly it's really tight. If Rose win their game in hand, they're only a point player. So I dunno what you thought. It was a bit of a surprise to me.

Robbie 19:14

Yeah, that's a massive surprise that, but then is that a bit of a hangover from scraping through against St. Lawrence and being one N down at halftime there and we've said, it said it before, squeaky bum time. It's how the players react to that added pressure, known that it's a business end of the season. So maybe a slight hangover going into that game and yeah, might just been one of them days where nothing goes your way.

Andy 19:36

Yeah, I think many against Lawrences. I think they were missing a few players, but given the seasons that Lon have had in the season, Elle are having, you'd still expect that to have team win. I think Harry McKenzie and Noah Trench exchanged goals in the first 10 minutes in that game to, to make it one each. I think Noah Trench, to be honest, has made a massive difference for St. John Deer, a completely different prospect with him up top. He left and climbing just after Christmas. To be fair, he'd been out injured for quite a while, wanting to get back, playing football, playing with his mates. We are absolutely looking for him to come back next season. Haven't played that, but he's played six games, scored six goals. He's made a huge difference to that St. John team. And suddenly they're having a say. But it's getting very tight. That is really gonna come down to Relle or Es versus Rozelle at IBJ. That's gonna be the lead decider. So really exciting stuff.

Robbie 20:24

Yeah it's shaping up lovely, isn't it?

Andy 20:26

Championship won. Going back again a couple of weeks in the 14th of March. Wonder as reserves two St. Be Reserves two really tight game. Wonder has equalized after St. Beads went ahead in the first half and then both teams scored a, again within a minute of each other in the second half. Not a lot between them. Wanderers, I think. Up until then, still with an eye on a title challenge. So they'll be disappointed with the result. Umbrella is down in fifth. But a good point for them. And then also the same S Peter 3 1 4. Now there's a

Robbie 20:56

massive

Andy 20:56

three point bump, as you say. Yeah. Yeah. Lost some, one. Lost a goalkeeper, Johnny Leblanc to a red card after 25 minutes. They fought back from two, one down to go, four to head, and then St. Peter scored with 15 minutes to go. So you've gotta see a really good mentality from them. A goal down, a man down, and then holding on with 10 men. So you've gotta see a fair play to them. They've really put themselves in pole position for that, that lead title.

Robbie 21:19

Yeah, they've done brilliant. We've spoke about someone so much on this podcast about how they've got, players for each group and they know which team they're playing for, and there's not really that much movement between the C team reserves and first team. So they've got a settled squad, so they'll be delighted with that. Definitely.

Andy 21:35

Yeah. And then midweek, it was Jazz Wanderers two, St. Climate One, and the two zero trophy final at. Springfield Wanderers went how went two all up. There was a, they scored from a set piece. And then I have to say, I was actually at the game, a very dubious penalty, shall we say. Really strange decision, but they were two all up. Josh Griffith equalize were a really clever, free kick. But to be honest, it's one of the worst games of football I've ever watched in my life. Oh

Robbie 22:05

really?

Andy 22:06

Both sides really struggled up front. There wasn't a lot of quality. Both teams can with each other out. I. Wanderers fully deserved a victory. St. Climate didn't do anywhere near enough to get back into it. Deserve to get back into it. Congratulations to Jersey Wanderers Deserves fully deserved winning that trophy, and I hope they, they had a good night. But it's certainly a game that nobody will remember.

Robbie 22:25

That's. You get them games, don't you? Where just nothing seems to go right. Nothing. You can't make a pass or teams can't make a pass or string two or three passes together. So shame that's come in a cup final. But yeah, congratulations to Wonder is,

Andy 22:39

yeah, although as a cup final and Jazzy Wonders will care. Not one jot, I'm sure.

Robbie 22:43

Oh, definitely all cup final. You could play as horrible as you want, as long as you win. You don't care. Do you?

Andy 22:49

That's it. So going back to last Saturday, it was a replay of that game. So this time it was Jazz Wonders, Nelson, climate One and Taylor Approach. Taylor Roach, sorry. Really good performance. Young kid at St. Climate. Think he's 18. Really impressive performance for him up front and a goal on the hour mark. He's one that we've got an eye on. We've got. Hopefully he can start to make the step up start getting involved at First. Team Lively. He has played a couple of times, but he's won. Hopefully we'll see more next season. A lot more involvement but a really good one. And kinda the final nail in the coffin for Wanderers title challenge. They've won the cup final, but I think that's put them out in the league. The other game was Groove, groove Reserves, six St. Peter Fort Saint Peter Reserves four. First half hard trick for Jaws, Westgarth of Ville. Another kid I coached in the Minis at St. Paul's. Although he is about, he's another one who's about nine feet tall and there, so I'm in the water over here, and I'm telling you, all the kids are massive. But yeah it was good. Good to see him getting on school sheet. It's great to see these kids still involved in the game as well. I think that's the really important thing.

Robbie 23:49

Yeah, it's it, like you say you've coached a lot of the players. Like you speak a lot about the St. Paul's lads or of the St. Paul's lads. So it's good that they're staying involved'cause I think a lot of them on there, there can be quite a few that, fall by the wayside, just fall outta love that the game. So it's good to keep as many as you can and get'em going through the ranks and hopefully in senior football.

Andy 24:10

Yeah. And I think as well as you see them at, especially at Minis, they'll go up and they'll move into under elevens, twelves. And some of them will affect, especially at St. Paul's where the youth system so good, some of'em will fall away from that. But the good thing is they find other clubs and are still playing. And I think that's important'cause the game needs it. We need these kids to come through at senior level and stay in the game at senior level as well. It's great to see. But this Saturday the 28th. It's, I think it's all gonna be all, I think it's gonna be over and done with one way or another. So one played Jersey Wanderers and St. C Climas play. St. Peter. I Win for, so one the Champions no matter what anything other than St. C climate's Win Warner Champions regardless of what they do against Wanderers. So the only way that goes on another week is for St. Climates to win and for wanderers to draw loose. I think you'd probably say something more. I've been very good all season. They've only lost once, a victory forum against Wonders and that'll with them over the line celebrating. So it looks like it's taken shape. I think Tim and Pete will potentially be celebrating. We'll see a really good, really exciting Saturday to come.

Robbie 25:16

Yeah like we've said, it's great to see, it's coming down to the last couple of games and, there's still so much to play for, so anything can happen on that day. Definitely.

Andy 25:25

Yeah. So that will be some once will have one game left after that. And I think the way it works if St. Climates, so if St. Clemens, so I've sent one. Try work this out now. So some one can get, I think they have to lose both games actually. Or maybe they can draw someone can, if someone won, draw, and lose St. CLS can win the league. But yeah, have three points over the last two games and some won a champion, so you've gotta a fancy them for that. Just looking at championship two. Again, back to the 14th, it was John Reserves one, one C two. So one came from a gold down at halftime to get a good result away from home. It's first tower, two groove. I Sea Groove, I sea. But the whipping boys in that league really but a good win for first tower. Still kicking about tower, aren't they? And you wonder, is there any chance they're ever getting back to what they once were? And then Saturday it was first one, one C four. So that's second place secured for st one behind St. Paul's Reserves. I think they've played all the games now, haven't they?

Robbie 26:22

We've got one more game. I think it's Rosell. I think we've got, so that had to be rearranged'cause apparently there was no officials one of the, one of the weeks recently. So yeah, that we're waiting for that to be rearranged.

Andy 26:34

Okay. And I'm moving on over 30 fives the last couple of weeks, the 14th of March, which umbrellas three wanderers, three Kristy moron. A couple of goals for Wanderers. This is, we talk about young players and seeing them playing senior football, making you feel old. When I see guys like Chrisy moron playing over 30 fives, that also makes me feel old as well.

Robbie 26:53

It's'cause you're old, Andy. That's it. Just basic, the whole, yeah.

Andy 26:55

I get

Robbie 26:56

you. Keep trying to blame all these kids for being either too young or too old. It's just you're,

Andy 27:01

oh God. Do I like about you, mate? Absolutely nothing. Oh that's what the wife says as well with the reverse. The first team fixed, the word Relle won. St. Lauren's won. So the St. Lauren's Darby finished all square. And can't see what the score is in that game. Apologies. Gimme one second. It's Portuguese Club versus Trinity, and it was a massively high scoring game that seemed to have missed a number of my notes. Ipo, Portuguese Club seven, Trinity five.

Robbie 27:27

Crazy.

Andy 27:28

One of those games. Yeah, one of those games played without goalkeepers, I think, isn't it?

Robbie 27:32

Yeah, I'm gutted'cause I had the, I had Portuguese Club to win seven, six on my coupon, so that let me down.

Andy 27:38

Yeah, that was a again, both teams were in the lead at certain points through the game. Hatrick for Roberto de Vieira and actually Za actually know, actually, and I'm terrible at pronounce these names, so actually mate, sorry for butchering your name again.

Robbie 27:54

Yeah, I think you've done right there, to be honest.

Andy 27:57

Yeah, I don't think I, yeah, I'll give it that. I'll take that. And then we had sent One Two Grove sent one, two Grovel four, a great game under the license and one five goals in the first half. Grew, gave, had a three, two lead and then a 15 minutes left. They just killed it off, but another one under the likes, it won. Hopefully it was busy there, people in the bar on the balcony. A good game of loads of goals. Loads going on. Yeah, getting, we'll get into it more when we look at the fixtures coming up Robbie, but

Robbie 28:24

I'm sure do at night up there and people can get up there and have a few piles.

Andy 28:28

Yeah. Yeah. So there's loads going on as well, mate. I think when we cover the upcoming fixtures, we see how things are taking shape and teams who are involved in certain things are either gonna. Cement in a place, the right involved, they're gonna be knocked out of it. So loads and loads going on, but it's also been a big couple of weeks for the Jersey bills.

Robbie 28:47

It has indeed. Yeah.

Andy 28:49

Yeah. We go back to the 14th of March. It was Earth Town, two Jersey bills too. They're first and foremost, great to see Harry Cutters back playing for the bills. It's been a long time and it's really good to see him and we wish'em all the best.

Robbie 29:02

Yeah, Harry's been getting a run out for us, so I've been monitoring his comeback. So great to see him back involved and yeah, hopefully we can keep him a little bit longer. But yeah, he'll be back in the balls soon enough. Full time.

Andy 29:14

Yeah. So I think this was, again, I dunno if you remember Robbie, we were saying that what you talk about challenges, the title, these are games you have to win.

Robbie 29:22

Yeah we talked about that, didn't we?

Andy 29:24

Yeah. Now Earth are down near the bottom of the league fighting relegation and. Bills actually were behind twice. So they've come back, rescue the point. Now they do. You do always say as well, if you can't win, makes you don't lose. So they have done that. But this was one that they would be disappointed with. The teams around them though also drew, so they kinda got to an extent, they got away with it. The position didn't worsen, but you also look at that as a missed opportunity. And after the midweek fixtures. They were all level on games played, and there were two points outside the playoffs, so it was again, starting to shape up. They're outside the playoffs, so it will be a disappointment for'em. But they haven't lost I don't think they've lost since Christmas. I don't, they've lost this calendar year yet, so they really aren't a great run. You have to congratulate them for that. But the following day the Jersey women were playing it was South Park, ride Gate three, Jersey bill seven. An early goal set set'em on their way, although south Park R Equalized quite quickly and then three goals before halftime, just consolidated it and finished it. Anita Tova got finished their hard trick with two second half goals. Got a bit of polished, but we've set this before. They're too good for this league. And they've had to win the league once. They'll go ahead and do it again and hopefully they can move up a couple of levels when they get promoted.'cause it's not really challenging, although it can't be that enjoyable.

Robbie 30:42

No. Does that result put them now top of the league again, since it restarted out? Yes. Yeah. Yeah, just all they've gotta do is just keep winning. They've done it the first half and they've won the league in the first half of the season like you say, just go and do it again. But yeah, they've gotta, they've gotta be able to move up at least two leagues, I reckon.

Andy 30:58

Yeah. And then last Saturday, the 21st of March, it was Jersey Bulls two east Bond Town. N at Springfield goes by Adam Trotter and j de Santos got the three points against East Bond who went down to nine men. So an interesting date. Springfield, the bills were very strong, look very comfortable. East Bond's goalkeeper was actually superb. The reason it was only two. We spoke about the Earth game. We said, you've gotta make these games look routine. This was pretty much the definition of routine. I don't think the bulls were ever under any threat. They had good control in the game, very well deserved victory. And Fivesome only drew so Fivesome with the team that are sixth, so they're the last team in the playoffs. So the bull are now outside the gold, outside the playoffs on gold difference only. And are really. Really exciting end the season to come. We'll talk about the Bills upcoming fixtures as well. But we keep saying this, we didn't, and I'll be honest, I didn't think they would be able to get to the playoffs to prove the wrong week on. Wait. They're giving themselves a right good chance, aren't they?

Robbie 32:02

They are indeed.'cause we said playoffs would be like, almost like the ultimate goal for them this season, wouldn't it? And that would be stuff dreams are made of. But they're right in there now with in contention. Yeah, fingers crossed they can really push on and get them playoffs and get a favorable draw there.

Andy 32:17

Momentum's massive as well. They're just used to winning. Now they're used to getting results fair plate. And they've put the hard work in and they're getting the benefits of it. But going on to last Sunday the Jersey Bulls women with an action again. They were away to Holly Town again, away again. Another. Great performance, first half goals from Emily Lap, Emily LaPage, Samantha Pinto and Anita Tavarez. And enough to get the job done. And as I said, they're on coast to win this league for the second time. So I think Hawley, the team that I both probably finished second, I think they're the second strongest in that league. But yeah, an interesting Sunday for them as well.

Robbie 32:52

Yeah, just another three points for the women and just to. Try and cement that league as quick as possible.'cause that's what they've gotta be looking at, really. They've done all, like we say, they've done all the hard work the first half the season, so they know what to expect from every team. No team's gonna be an unknown, so just go out and make sure they just get their job done every week.

Andy 33:10

That's right. That's right. And looking ahead again, we mentioned before things are really starting to take shape. Thursday night, Robbie, 26th of March up at Kennedy, 6 45 kickoff. It's. Paul's assistant Clement

Robbie 33:24

the podcast Arby's back.

Andy 33:26

Yeah. And we were discussing before we started recording after this game, either one or both of us are likely gonna be out to contention for this league. I think the result that neither team wants is a draw. But if it's a draw, I think it's come really difficult for both of us. And whoever, if one of us loses, then it's all over. What, how's your squad looking?

Robbie 33:47

Yeah, we, with Fred Bear, it's gonna be all under twelves. Yeah I'm in goal.

Andy 33:51

Yeah I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. I look what will happen. That's,

Robbie 33:56

so it's always a good game when we play each other.

Andy 33:58

Yeah. And I think when you get to this stage of the season to be involved in games where. Having a, an input on what's gonna happen with the title. It's always, yeah, it's always the games you won't be involved in. We can't play them anymore, that's why we're coaching. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to it.

Robbie 34:13

It should be a great game. It's set up to be a cracker

Andy 34:16

yeah, I think so. And then moving on to Saturday you guys are playing Vail Rec and the Wewe

Robbie 34:22

Yeah.

Andy 34:22

At Kennedy? Yeah. And I, Thursday, 6 45, followed by 12 o'clock Saturday.

Robbie 34:27

Yeah, we actually got an email today. It's been moved to 1145 kickoff so we can get three officials apparently.

Andy 34:34

Alright, even better.

Robbie 34:35

I dunno what that extra 15 minutes does. But yeah, it's managed to get us three officials rather than just one.

Andy 34:41

Okay. You'll take it, won't you? Actually, let's wait and see how they perform. You might better off the cob line noses

Robbie 34:46

probably.

Andy 34:47

We've also got Madeira versus St. Brad. Again, look we've spoken about Madeira look all but gone Again, if they've got any ch if they're gonna have any chance, they've got they've gotta win it. But to be fair, they haven't really looked all season at picking up results like that. So you've gotta think that umbrellas are favorites as up at umbrella ads as well. And even I think even if they do one, it still puts some seven points from safety. So that's a tough ask. So Peter versus ve, same story. This is at ville. Simply have to win. There. There's just no getting away from it.

Robbie 35:19

Yeah, they need the three points, plain and simple.

Andy 35:23

Interestingly now Ville will have and will have three games in hand, but I think Peter Win would put two points behind Ville. He'd put my point behind some one two points behind groove. And in theory. Drags groove out into it. But again, I think for St. Peter, it becomes who's available and can they get that result? Yeah. So that'll be a very interesting game. So that's all on Saturday. We've then got, a week from now, so this is the, we're recording on Tuesday night, next Tuesday night. It's Wanderers versus St. Paul's in the Jersey FA cup. Is that the playoffs?

Robbie 35:58

I think it isn't it?

Andy 36:00

Yeah.

Robbie 36:00

Or is the veil re game the winner?'cause that's the semifinal you are in the final of the,

Andy 36:05

so I think we're in the, we are, I think we are in the final of the wee will already. And I think we're in the semi of the JFA cup and played the winner of Wonder. We played the winner of Views versus Wonders in the semi, I think.

Robbie 36:17

Yeah, that's right.'cause the other side of the draw I think is Ville St. Peter's and Rosell, I think.

Andy 36:22

Okay. Yeah. So interesting. So that's next my Greek, and then we've also got a Saturday in print two. We've got Rosell versus St. John, the Tradesman's trophy. They've just played at a two two draw against each other. So this I think will be pretty tight. And who knows? It's up at Relle. So Relle are at home this time. Yeah,

Robbie 36:41

I can see Relle winning that quite comfortably, to be honest. Yeah. Yeah. I think Jody will get the lads going and they'll put that two, two draw to bed and I think they'll put down a bit of a marker error against St. John. I think.

Andy 36:53

I think what Jody's gotta be looking for is a reaction, isn't he? He's got looking for Yeah. You've had a bad, your first really bad result this season. How do you react from it? Yeah. Because I know they drew with ies, but I don't think you could put that down as a bad result. The two are equal.

Robbie 37:07

Yeah.

Andy 37:08

And then we've got Groove oil reserves versus simple ad reserves and Champ one that's up at two o'clock. Kickoff St. Wonder Reserves versus Wonder Reserves. The game you mentioned that's up at one, st one can become champions and St. Peter Reserves versus St. Climate Reserves up at St. Peter against St. Climates have to win that. Otherwise it's all over. Two, we've got rosel reserves versus first tower. Then over 30 fives, we've got a number of games. We've got actually this evening we've got St. Juan versus St. Clements being played as we speak. It's about 30 minutes in, up at St. Juan. And then Saturday the 28th, we've got Wanderers versus Portuguese, St. Clements versus Trinity, St. Lawrence versus Groove. And then the following Tuesday we've got some one versus, and I think that's getting quite close to the end of the season. 35. So there. That's a really tight league as well just now there's a number of teams that are in contention are keeping an eye on it. You've got Wonders and Climate at the top. But there's still a few games to go and Portuguese Club are still, and some want to be honest, still sniffing about a little bit. Yeah. To the women's football on Sunday, the 29th. It's the Sylvia Spinola Memorial Cup again. I think that's a league phase. They play, so it's Wonders versus Sports Club at 10 o'clock and or so, 10 30 and also Roselle versus Peter that round out. There's so much going on in local football this weekend or this week, and there's, in terms of semi-final places up for grabs, places, and finals up for grabs. Lead title, lead challenges, taking shape, relegation battles. There's so much going on. And I think there'll be, I think you're kinda spoiled for choice in terms of choosing a game you'd want to go to.

Robbie 38:49

Definitely. It's it is the quintessential business time of the season, isn't it? If you just look at every, pretty much every game's got something riding on it, which is great to see.

Andy 38:58

It does. Yeah. And then that's before we even get to the bills. So the bills are four o'clock Saturday, the 28th at Springfield, four o'clock kickoff. They're playing K Crowborough, athletic. K Crowborough Athletic are down in 14th or 15th or 20 points behind the bills. Now I know we've said this a few times and we've got it wrong. They've gotta win and they really should be looking at winning. If their ambitions to be in the playoffs. This they're at home, they've been very strong at home. It's just a, we speak about that cup final performance, doesn't matter, get the three points. So it's, that's a huge one for them given the momentum. We've got, given the fact they're level on points now with Fivesome and there are only two points behind the other teams as well. So there is so much to play for.

Robbie 39:45

Yeah, it's a great chance of them at home to a te a team that's eight places below him. I, if I was a balls player, I'd be looking at not only winning, but trying to boost that goal difference a bit as well.

Andy 39:56

Yeah. But I, the way we're looking, it could come down to that. They're not far away goals wise. Goal difference at the moment. They are actually they're on goals scored. They're outside the playoffs on Gold Score. I'm seeing gold difference. They're on plus 29 Fon plus 29 certain Bon and fourth, and they're on plus 31. So they're only two goals. So yeah.

Robbie 40:17

Good chance to.

Andy 40:18

The three points behind Sitting Bond. But it's all to play for the bills. After this, the bills have got five games left. They've got deal town who are seventh, so one place below them, although the five points behind them. Yeah, five points behind, six goals behind them. And then four, four of the other four are against the bottom six. So they've got, yeah, I'm just, yeah. Of the last five games, four are, four are against the bottom six. So again, they really, and one of them, they've got the bottom three as well. East Stead town who are already relegated VCD, athletic and Beckenham on the bottom four. And then you've got Hastings for 17th who are only four points outside the relegation zone as well. I'm also I am mindful though. VCD Athletic came to Springfield, got a point earlier on the season, yeah, we go back to that cl go back to that cliche. Anyone can beat anyone.

Robbie 41:11

Yeah. Like you say, nerves on the line as well but they've balls have gotta be licking their lips at that last four games. Bottom what, five, six teams? Yeah. Just go out and just make sure you get maximum points.

Andy 41:23

We made, we've made a joke about it a couple of times this season, haven't we? Where we're they're always playing a team in the top 10. Yeah, it's the reverse. As much as we, they will tell you, and a few of the players have said it to me, they seem to play better against the better teams. Now they need to just make these, they just need to get these three points. They are better, they're better players, they're better teams than these teams down at the bottom. They need to go and prove it, get the points, get in the playoffs, and then who knows what will happen.

Robbie 41:48

Yeah. Yeah. It'd be great to see. Like we said we've mentioned it as well, strong characters in there. I know it's a new experience for them being at this level, but at the end of the day, it's winning football matches and Al lads have got that in abundance, that experience. Hopefully they go on and do the job.

Andy 42:03

Yeah, I think the, I'd say the biggest strength is probably how well organized they are, isn't it, in terms of defensively. And they tend not to lose. They've considered. So I've seen they tend not to lose many goals. It looks like they've got the best, they've got the best defensive record in the league. They've conceded 34 goals in 36 games. So that's what's got'em to where they are. Yeah. Suppose you're playing the teams down the bottom, then it's the other side of the game that matters.'cause they've, I think they're looking at, even Broadridge Heath and 13th have scored more goals on them. So the, I think all of the top 10. The top nine, I've scored more than, even teams down 13, I've scored more goals. So that's where it becomes more of a challenge against those teams who are probably gonna sit in against them and try and make it difficult. But again, they've just gotta find a way.

Robbie 42:49

Yeah. They've gotta take big pluses as well. Lawns and natural goal scorer. You've got rider Anos hitting a bit of form. Trotter can always pop up with the odd goal. So yeah they should go in very confident.

Andy 43:00

Yeah. So thank Lawson, but we wish them all the best. On Sunday the 29th, it's Ash United versus Jersey. Bills Women. That's a 2:00 PM kickoff'cause a, again, they're away. I dunno when they're gonna play the next home game. Hopefully it's another, hopefully it's another routine victory. It's four games left for them four games left to get outta this league and get into something that'll give them a bit of a test.

Robbie 43:21

Yeah's same thing as the last couple of weeks. Just get yourself away. Three points. Get yourself home.

Andy 43:26

Yeah. And I. Fingers crossed they, they can get the job done. I know Chad and Harry and the rest of the coaches and staff there have put so much effort in. And I think for them it'll be good just to secure that title just to know that they've done it. Because the problem is there's, they're almost damned if they do, damned if they don't, aren't they? Yeah. Win. They win their league. Everyone say of course you're gonna win the league. But if they don't, if they drop points they potentially get criticized for all that. So hopefully they get the job done as soon as possible.

Robbie 43:51

Yeah, fingers crossed. And we wish'em all the best.

Andy 43:53

Yeah, and that pretty much is everything for this week, Robbie. I think it just leaves me looking forward to Thursday. I,

Robbie 44:01

yeah,

Andy 44:01

I don't, I don't wish you all the best, if I just say I hope it's a good game and we've said this before. I hope it's a good game and I hope it's won by players on the pitch. Either way. That's what we're,

Robbie 44:11

yeah, definitely.

Andy 44:12

We're both obviously got our, we're both biased in different to different teams. But the main thing is as long as it's done by the players in the pitch that's hopefully what will, hopefully that will make a difference.

Robbie 44:23

Yeah, definitely. What did we say before we start recording? It's not winner takes all, but it's winner's in the driving seat, isn't it? Or I can't remember what we said now. It's feels ages ago, but yeah, one of us has to win to keep the championship alive.

Andy 44:36

Yeah. Yeah. So I'm sure Chris and Sam will be up there playing for the drop.

Robbie 44:40

Yeah.

Andy 44:41

Watch this. Do you know what we've, remember the start of the season where it seemed every week we were talking about the flood lights at Kennedy. I've dare jinx

Robbie 44:48

it.

Andy 44:48

You Yeah. I feel like I'm gonna jinx it, but you never know. Yeah. I dunno if it's winner takes all, but certainly lose or loses, lose or lose everything that yeah.

Robbie 44:57

Like we've said, you wanna play in these games, which, there's high stakes in it. High stakes, high rewards. It's, oh I'd love to be playing in it.

Andy 45:04

I'm the same. I would love it. Yeah. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll see you on Thursday. I'm sure we'll have a,

Robbie 45:09

yeah,

Andy 45:10

a nice coffee and a chat maybe before or after. But that's everyth for this week. Again, it leaves us just to say, as usual, huge thank you to Chris and Jack Nova cad for the support architectural solutions on, from. Drawings and designs right through, right the way through to working through the planning process with you, which can sometimes be the biggest headache. There are a massive support, actually, not just to us, but they're a huge support to chairs of football and I see them, they do quite a lot of sponsorship and stuff as well. A huge thank you to them and if you can support them in return then please do, because. Besides what they do for football, they're also actually very good at what they do. A huge thank you to do. But I shall see you on Thursday, Robbie, and we're back next week. I'm sure we'll be picking the bones out of it. And

Robbie 45:51

yeah, what will do, Andy?

Andy 45:53

Yeah, one or both of us will probably be upset. I'm disappointed, but hey, that's football.

Robbie 45:57

That, that is football, so let's hope it's just one of us that's upset.

Andy 46:01

Absolutely. But tha thanks very much Robbie and I'll, I will speak to you on Thursday.

Robbie 46:06

Perfect. Cheers mate. Thanks for having us and cheers everyone for listening.

Andy 46:09

Yeah, cheers. Thanks everyone.