No pre-Muratti blues in Alderney!

Friday 22 March 2019

There's not a sliver of blue ribbon left unused in Alderney today as islanders swung behind their team ahead of Saturday's Muratti semi final against Jersey.

The Nomads haven't won a Muratti match in 99 years but with the squad sitting securely at the top of the Priaulx League, supporters are daring to hope that history may be made tomorrow.

The Nomads are in second place on goal difference alone, with St Martin's and the Rhidunians both having played 19 games, and winning 46 points each so far this season. Saints are ahead on goal difference in the league, but their strong performances so far this year have given the Nomads and their home fans confidence ahead of tomorrow.

Pictured: The Priaulx league as it stands the night before the Muratti semi final. 

Businesses along Victoria Street have demonstrated their loyalty with explosions of blue and white on store fronts and slogans wishing the team well slung across windows.

Staff at Boardman's Pharmacy scoured the shelves for blue products to place in the window (pictured top)

Saleswoman Jill Benfield said: "We just want to get behind them. Every year they go out and try their best and don't always get the result they deserve. They don't have lots of teams to pick their side from like Guernsey and Jersey do – there is just the one squad on the island. They do try so hard and we wanted to give them some encouragement. This year could be the one!"

Pictured: Alderney's Age Concern shop decorated ahead of the Muratti semi-final against Jersey. 

Programme seller and veteran Muratti player Louis Dupont said the island would celebrate hard tomorrow night if the team secured a win.

"They've really been putting their heart and soul into it. I'm proud of the boys at the moment. I haven't missed one of the games. They have improved a lot.

"Everyone's behind them. You can't get a bit of ribbon and all the programs and hats are selling out or have sold out. It would be fantastic if they won. The island would go beserk."

Dot Corey said: "I think we can if we play with all the boys who have been playing all year round and we are now top of the league. I think we are going to give Jersey hell this year, so come on the Blues!"

Picture above and top provided by Emma Pinch.