Ynys Mon 2019: Mixed fortunes for Jersey on opening day
Jersey got off to a mixed start at the Inter-Island Games in Ynys Mon, with the men comfortably overcoming Orkney 5-0 before the women narrowly lost 3-2 against the Isle of Man.
Four first half goals from Kieran Lester - including a 25 minute hat-trick - put Martin Cassidy's side in control, with George Glithero's second half strike wrapping up the comprehensive win despite confusion over whether the ball had actually gone wide or through a hole in the net.
"We're all happy and in these types of games you don't want to slip up and give the other team a chance," Cassidy told JerseyFA.com. "We were ruthless in front of goal and we've been asking for that for a long time.
"I'm delighted for Kieran Lester and we've created a lot of good opportunities today and took five of them so it's really pleasing. I thought the youngsters came on and showed why they've been picked and the quality that they've got."
Young players Sol Solomon, James Carr, Luke Shirley and Fraser Barlow all came on in the second period. The games come thick and fast for the men, as they prepare to take on Western Isles on Monday evening in their second group fixture.
Meanwhile, Jersey's women suffered a 3-2 loss against a strong Isle of Man side on a windy afternoon at Gaerwen. The Manx went ahead from the penalty spot but a positive response saw skipper Jodie Botterill pull her side level minutes later with a looping effort that drifted in.
Early second half goals made it 3-1 to the Isle of Man before Jersey pulled one back when Rosie Corbett pounced on a rebound from substitute Holly Muirhead's powerful shot. Jersey know they need to avoid a defeat against Gibraltar on Tuesday if they are to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.