Muratti Reaction: Guernsey Women shrug off underdog status to win

Saturday 18 May 2024

Guernsey took a risk, took the game to Jersey and it paid off in the Women’s Muratti.

They won 2-0 at Springfield, their first victory in the tie since 2008, after a first half header from Vicki Rang and a late penalty from Calleigh Hedley.

"Everyone that went on the pitch today knew their role and knew what we were asking them to do," said manager Anna Gauvain.

"We just put it out there and performed so well. We took a little bit of a risk, we thought that we would take the game to Jersey a little bit and see what happens."

The result comes on the back of a first season for Guernsey FC Women, with the match experience gained one of the key factors in overturning a poor run of results in the fixture.

"The whole squad has been absolutely brilliant, we've just worked together so well over the last year and the girls have got their reward today."

Gauvain was full of praise for her three defenders with the Sarnians limiting Jersey's opportunities.

"They're the reason why we won the game at the end of the day," she said,

"They stood firm, they still tried to play out from the back like we asked them to do. Vicki [Rang] got player of the match, but both Amy [Ogier] and Scarlet [Gallagher] either side of her listen, take on board what she's saying, trust her, which is what's important and everyone's really pleased."

One of Guernsey's star performers in the middle of the park was Sydney Schreimaier, who is currently playing with Brighton's academy.

"It's obviously great to come here and get the win and get to celebrate with the people that come over," she said.

She missed the last Muratti with an ACL injury.

"It's great to come back here and represent the island and get the victory."

Schreimaier is confident the side can continue to build on the progress they have made.

"We've definitely got a good few youngsters coming through as well. So they're only going to add to the team.

"I think we've got a mixture of experience and youth in the team. So I think it works really well, it balances out."

Pictured top: Guernsey's winning women's Muratti squad and coaches. Image from GFA Facebook.