GUERNSEY ATHLETICS
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Match reports
Above, Jacques Ogier takes home the match ball after his maiden hat-trick in senior football against Rangers.
Just remember to pop it back in the training bag next week Jacques!
Top right, Gus Mackay directs operations against Rangers, a game where he scored his second for us – at the right end.
Below, action from the Clydesdale Tournament courtesy of Chris George ... see his website.
From top to bottom:
Paul Ramsden
Aaron Gallie and
Luke Graham
Tom Jenkins
Jacques Ogier
Craig Farnham
Just remember to pop it back in the training bag next week Jacques!
Top right, Gus Mackay directs operations against Rangers, a game where he scored his second for us – at the right end.
Below, action from the Clydesdale Tournament courtesy of Chris George ... see his website.
From top to bottom:
Paul Ramsden
Aaron Gallie and
Luke Graham
Tom Jenkins
Jacques Ogier
Craig Farnham
Thursday 8 April
Division One
Teams:
Rangers: A. Gontier, Lihou, M. Isabelle, J. Isabelle, Dowding; R. Gontier,
Piers Ockleford, Lowe; Billien, Thompson, Allen.
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Wiltshire, Mackay
(Ogier 3), Farnham, Le Prevost; Marquand (Le Huray 79), Jenkins.
Referee: D. Gilman.
HOW unlucky can you get?
This was one match Tics did nor deserve to lose, there being a very distinct
look of handball in the build-up to Shane Billien’s 88th minute winner for
the home side.
The game not only killed off Tics on the night but also any lingering hopes
of a top-four finish.
We cannot now finish higher than sixth, regardless of Saturday’s final match
against Sylvans at St Peter’s.
Tics might have guessed it was not going to be their night when just three
minutes in Gus Mackay pulled up with a pulled quad muscle and immediately
limped off.
However, he should be OK for the Stranger Cup final on the 24th.
As we were already without Luke Graham, who was kept on the bench to nurse
his own knocks, and hamstring victims Paul Ramsden and Ben Duff, we were
short of real experience and leadership.
That said there were some goods individual performanmces from the lads, most
notably in defence.
Ricky Moore had a very fine game, his best for a long while, while Miles
Pengelley and Aaron Gallie were very strong and reliable.
Tom Creed also performed well, making one superb save from Ross Allen just
before the break and confidently dealing with everything that came his way.
Craig Farnham was the pick of the midfielders, but the attack was generally
off colour.
On a very poor pitch the first half was poor fare, but Tics moved up a gear
at the start of the second and after Etienne Le Prevost twice went close Tom
Jenkins notched his seventh of the season with a lovely turn and finish into
the far corner as Rangers slept at a throw-in.
He almost grabbed a second and Danny Marquand then saw a 35-yard thunderbolt
parried away by Adam Gontier in the Rangers’ goal, but with the game there
for the taking Tics went to sleep.
On 75min. Ross Allen punishes us for some dozy defending and then came that
Billien strike.
Thursday 1 April
Stranger Cup, semi-final
Athletics 4, Rovers 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Duff (Ashplant 77), Pengelley (Le Tocq 55); Wiltshire, Mackay, L. Graham (Le Huray 84); Jenkins, Farnham, Marquand.
Unused sub: K. Graham.
Rovers: Davey, Le Prevost, Buddle, Patch, Jehan; Paul, Clatworthy, de Jesus, Fernandes (Harrison 20); Wallbridge, Queripel.
Referee: G. Ogier.
THE waiting is over.
Tics are back in a final of a senior GFA competition.
The lads reached their third straight Stranger Cup final in convincing style at Northfield last night.
Steve Ogier’s men followed in the footsteps of the club’s 1962 and 1963 sides – the last time the Tics were in the competition before folding after almost 70 years in the GFA’s senior league – and can now look forward to playing either Rangers or Sylvans in the final on 24 April when they hope to emulate the victory of the 1962 side and lift the old trophy for a fourth time overall.
It’s nice to be able to say it, but the lads had too much class for the plucky blues who may have fortunately held us last time around in the league, but could not cope with our stylish football.
This time there were no heroics from Richard Davey and in time the goals flowed.
Having survived a first-minute scare when Blane Queripel raced away only to put wide a golden chance for Rovers, Tics quickly became the dominant side and led at the break through a Tom Jenkins goal.
But it wasn’t until Jenkins added a second on 59 minutes after brilliant work on the left by Luke Graham, did the Tics feel comfortable against a Rovers side that may well have been weakened by the absence of four important players but fought in the manner you’d expect from a side on the brink of a rare final appearance.
But the class came from Tics who had Gus Mackay back in the side after injury and lining up in the centre of a strong midfield trio with Vijay Wiltshire on his right and Graham on the left, was there for all to see.
Mackay was at the hub of everything, his technical ability and range of passing standing out.
A natural defender he may be, but such is his poise on the ball, fitness, strength and vision, central midfield is where he may stay and thrive next season.
Ahead of them Craig Farnham enjoyed himself in his ‘hole’ role behind the front two, Jenks and Danny, who were to finish the game with two goals apiece.
Tics had already had a strong penalty claim rejected and Davey make a tip-over save from Wiltshire before Jenkins gave them a 11th minute opener. the little striker side-footing in with his left foot on a pass into the near post by Farnham.
Just before the break Queripel missed his second good scoring chance with a wide effort on the run as Tics became sloppy with half-time approaching and for 10 minutes lost their way as their previous dominance lulled them into a false sense of security.
But after some stern words from Ogier, Tics outplayed the blues in the second half and were rewarded first with a second goal from Jenkins who cleverly back-flicked home from close range after Graham had sliced the Rovers defence apart with some outrageous skills and pull back for his team-mate to score.
It really was top-class stuff from Luke who realy is coming on strong as the season nears its climax.
On 76min. a blistering Danny Marquand finish made it 3-0 and two minutes later he was allowed to slot home his second after referee Geoff Ogier sportingly ignored Davey’s off-the-ball clattering of Jenkins just outside of the box to stop an almost certain goal, and allowed the ball to run onto Marquand who gratefully scored into an empty net.
Manya ref would have red-carded the keeper for a blatant professional foul, but Ogier sympathetically saw that concession of a goal was enough punishment. Good decision in my book.
There was still time for Queripel to finally get his goal, beating the offside trap to race away and finally beat Tom Creed who had little to do most of the night.
Sunday 28 March
Division One
Vale Rec 3, Athletics 2
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Duff (Ashplant 78), Pengelley; Ogier, Wiltshire (Le Prevost 80), L. Graham, Jenkins, Ramsden, Farnham (Le Tocq 78), Marquand.
Unused sub: Mackay.
Vale Rec: Purdy, Robinson, Sarahs, Elliott, Shaw; Coquelin, M. Ramsden, Guilbert, M. Rihoy, Tyrell, Holden.
Referee: G. Greening
This was very much a game we did not deserve to lose, although the first-half performance was nothing to write home about.
In that time Rec established a 2-0 lead, both hoals coming from Craig Tyrell, but the response from our lads was terrific and it was no more than they deserved when Jacques Ogier pounced from close range to hook in his eighth goal of the season to put us level.
The goal came quick on the heels of our first from the penalty spot after the linesman spotted a handball in the box. Ricky Moore made sure from the spot with a perfectly placed and struck kick.
But on 76min. came the goal from nowhere which knocked the stuffing out of Tics.
Rec, had barely got into the Tics half of the pitch all half, but as a free-kick was delivered into the box Mr Greening saw something which he believed to be a shirt pull by Ben Duff.
If anything it was Duff having his shirt pulled by Rec’s Ross Elliott and afterwards Vale Rec stand-in boss Carl Le Tissier admitted it had been a joke decision in a match littered with unfunny decisions.
As you would expect Gareth Holden tucked home the spot-kick and that was pretty much it. More points lost.
On the plus side it was much improved showing than the one-goal loss at the hands of Rec four days earlier and westill have a chance of finishing fourth.
There was no shortage of fight from Tics and we always tried to play football in very, very difficult conditions.
Star of the show was Luke Graham, who pulled the strings in midfield throughout in a performance somewhat reminscent of an old Rec and Guernsey favourite, Trim Morgan.
Remember him. He used to antagonise refs and opposition just like our Scouser who was treading a fine line from as early as the third minute when he was yellow carded.
Amazingly, Luke stayed on the pitch the entire 90min. despite an off-the-ball- touchline kick on an opponent which this writer saw as clear as day, as did the nearby linesman who flagged.
The outcome was a very lucky let-off for Luke (good news) but clearly the last of a very long, long list of bad decisions by the official in charge who had also missed what looked a straight red for a leg-breaker from a Vale defender.
Steve Ogier, our boss, did not see the funny side of the ref’s decisions and his remark that perhaps the official should look to retire resulted in him in being ordered out of his dugout.
Aaron Gallie enjoyed a very fine game alongside the fit again Duff, who was his usual steady self, and there were late substitute apperarances by James Ashplant, Damien Le Tocq and Etienne Le Prevost, who we have sensibly nursed with the Junior Muratti coming up and an Achilles problem to get over.
Wednesday 24 March
Division One
Vale Rec 2, Athletics 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Le Ogier, Wiltshire, L. Graham (Le Huray 75), Jenkins, Ramsden (Le Tocq 12), Marquand.
Unused sub: K. Graham, Duff.
Vale rec: J. Bisson, Robinson, Sarahs, Elliott, Shaw; Coquelin, M. Ramsden, Ogier, M. Rihoy, Guiilbert, Holden.
Referee: G. Jennings.
THIS was perhaps our poorest performance of 2010, although there were some mitigating circumstances.
Injuries to key players – Gus Mackay, Ben Duff, Craig Farnham and Etienne Le Prevost – meant we were shorn of some muscle and experence, but it was the lacklustre nature of the performance which disappointed most and Vale Rec were fully deserving of their win.
From this viewer’s seat very few came out of the game with credit.
James Ashplant had a stormer at centre-back, Aaron Gallie did well at centre-back alongside and Luke Graham impressed until he was forced off with a niggle, but that was possibly the sum total of the good performances.
Lacklustre sums up most individual showings and perhaps too many were thinking they had cracked it after beating Bels.
Long before Luke went off early in the second half we suffered another blow as Paul Ramsden, consistently excellent since joining us from Bels and deliverer of so much work wherever he plays, tore a hamstring.
It meant a re-jig with Jacques Ogier, who had started up front and headed our quickfire eqialiser after the horrendously conceded third-minute goal, had to slot in on the left of midfield where he was obviously not best suited.
Graham looked real quality at times and impressed the home team manager Carl Le Tissier with his range of passing and ball-winning. Sadly he picked up another booking after one mis-timed challenge from behind.
Big Ash and sub. Damien Le Tocq also got booked before Vale left-back Simon Shaw won the game with a superb strike from distance which gave Tom Creed no chance.
Hopefully, the team can refocus for Sunday and a quick rematch with the Rec.
The injury list does not look good though.
saturday 20 March
Division One
Athletics 5, Bels 3
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Le Huray (Smith), Wiltshire, Jenkins, Ramsden; Marquand, Ogier.
Unused sub: K. Graham.
Bels: P. Bourgaize, King, Chainey, Pinsard, Marquand; Drillot, J. Bourgaize, Marley, Williams, Young, Renouf.
Referee: G. Jennings.
IT WAS one of those pinch-yourself moments.
It’s 4-3 to the Tics – against the champions – sitha few minutes remaining.
Danny Marquand had just rifled in a goal-of-the-month contender and we’re on the verge of a very notable win.
Then it happened.
James Ashplant, that’ ‘Big Ash’, collecs the ball left of halfway and with the coolness and range of passing befitting Franz Beckenbauer, with the outside of his right boot launches crossfield ball which finds his man running onto it down the right.
So gobsmacked I dropped my noteback and I’m not sure if it led to Jacques Ogier’s second goal and fifth for us on the day, but the point is I had just seen a young reserve player who could not get a look in anywhere last season, play a ball that the Kaiser might have done. Class and another indication that the Tics way is the right way.
Undoubtedly the day’s outstanding performer was Danny Marquand who hit his first senior hat-trick in a highly entertaining game at cricket’s headquarters.
Bels left out several of their island contingent but were still favoured to win against a Tics side shorn of several of their most important players, most notably Gus Mackay, Ben Duff and Luke Graham.
Etienne Le Prevost was also nursing an Achilles which requiers another wek’s rest, and Craig Farnham was out again with a damaged foot.
Our bench comprised Kevin Graham and Blake Smith.
Jacques Ogier, still 16, shot Tics ahead inside four minutes, but by half-time Craig Young had equalised only for Marquand to fire the home side back in front and young Robbie Williams level a second time.
In that first half Tom Creed had made several brilliant stops for Tics and James Ashplant might have been sent off for hauling down a Belgrave as last man.
As it was Bels seemingly did not need the advantage of one more man as they went ahead on 65min. with a superb third.
Joby Bourgaize launched a long free-kick from deep on the right and Brent Marquand timed his run perfectly to head a goal which Bels might have considered enough to earn them all the points.
But Ian Champion’s decision to take Bourgaize off for the final quarter was a moment of costly cockiness. It paved the way for our ever-superb skipper, Vijay Wiltshire and a fired-up Paul Ramsden determined to put one over his old side, to take a grip on midfield and on 73 minutes Marquand levelled with a well-taken effort.
Creed then made another cracking save before with five minutes remaining Miles Pengelley raced up the left touchline and delivered a superb cross ball which Marquand hit on the half-volley to bulge the back of the net.
Then, with time virtually up, Marquand turned provider for young Ogier who scored his second and fifth in the space of eight days to make sure of the win.
Wednesday 16 March
Division One
St Martin’s 3, Athletics 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq, Duff (Le Huray), Gallie, Pengelley; Le Prevost (Ashplant), Wiltshire, Moore, Ramsden; Jenkins, Marquand (Ogier).
St Martin’s: Hockey, Mauger, Zimmerman, Strawbridge, Dodd, Geall, Dyer, Mahon, J. Winch, Page, McGrath.
Subs: Pickford, Heaume and Newey.
Referee: I. Drillot.
TICS lost to Saints for the third time this season, but they are getting ever closer to Colin Fallaize’s side.
Three goals in five minutes early in the second half earned St Martin’s another three points as they consolidated a sure-fire second spot in Division One with a 3-1 win over our lads at Blanche Pierre Lane last night.
Athletics held the home side for 50min. until Marc McGrath took advantage of some dozy defending to make it 1-0 with a cliubnical finish and in a flash substitute Rob Pickford had doubled the lead and McGrath scored his second with a shot in off the post.
At that point it seemed the visitors, minus the injured Gus Mackay and suspended Luke Graham, would cave in.
The defence, who had responded so well in the first half after James Ashplant had come in for Ben Duff who had pushed up into midfield to replace an injured Etienne Le Prevost, suddenly lost their bearings and the midfield cover briefly disappeared.
But they rallied and boosted by a cracking goal by skipper Vijay Wiltshire on 68 min. – a left-foot 30-yarder high into the net – they finished strongly.
It really was a snorter by the captain who fully deserved it for yet another superb display in the heart of midfield.
The man did not stop running and has been an inspiration all season.
To Tics’ credit the side played some good, flowing football in the latter stages and showed what better footballers they have become.
Bels next on Saturday.
Saturday 13 March
Division One
Athletics 4, Rangers 0
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq (Moore), Duff, Mackay (Ashplant), Gallie; Le Prevost (Le Huray), Wiltshire, L. Graham, Ramsden; Ogier, Marquand.
Unused subs: Pengelley, Jenkins.
Rangers: A. Gontier (McClean 46), Ferbrache, Parrott, M. Isabelle, A. Ockleford; Lowe, R. Gontier, Bichard; Allen (Bailey 46), Thompson, Billien.
Referee: I. Drillot.
IF THERE was a a good time to play Rangers this was it for our lads.
Rangers came without key defenders Sam Stabes and Jacques Isabelle, both away with the Star Trophy side, and Ross Allen only played the first 45 as he nursed a groin problem.
But even if he had lasted the distance it is very unlikely Paul Ockleford’s side would have got anything from the game as Tics bounced back from the Clydesdale FA Cup defeat in midweek to win well.
Although Allen hit the crossbar and drew a fine save from Tom ‘Lazarus’ Creed, it was Tics who made the most of the first half running and should have had four or five by the break as several sitters were missed.
Creed also made a fine tip over save from a Dave Parrott header, but the breakthrough came on 36min. when Vijay Wiltshire won a header from Paul Ramsden’s deep free-kick and Gus Mackay was on hand to volley home the second ball.
A minute later Mackay missed an even easier chance, shooting wide from young Jacques Ogier’s feed.
Ogier had already missed a couple of golden chances himself, as had Danny Marquand.
In the second half Rangers huffed and puffed without getting anywhere against a solid central defensive unit of Ben Duff, who is playing as well as he has ever done, and Mackay, who was imperious and drew lavish praise from the Rangers manager afterwards.
Tics gave a lengthy runout to 16-year-old Sam Le Huray as a tired Le Prevost’s replacement wide on the right, and with 25min. left Ricky Moore replaced Damo Le Tocq at right back.
On 67min. Ogier followed up Ramsden’s parried shot to make it 2-0 and although we lost Mackay to a twisted ankle – big ‘Ash’ coming on and playing so well for the last quarter – we held firm and in the closing minutes and Ogier, whose pace had severely troubled the Rangers back four, pounced twice from close range to wrap up the points and complete the first hat-trick of his senior career.
Well done to him.
Although the coaching team were unhappy with certain aspects of Tics play and had right to have that concern, the team worked very hard all over the pitch, none more so than our excellent unheralded and under-rated skipper Vijay and the combative but often classy Luke Graham, who misses next week’s games through suspension.
It had to happen sometime!!
The win gives Tics every chance of a top-four finish, now being just one point adrift of Rangers with three matches in hand.
Wednesday 11 March
Clydesdale International Bank FA Cup
Semi-final
Athletics 0, Bels 2
Teams:
Athletics: K. Graham, Moore, Duff, Mackay, Pengelley (Le Tocq 81), Le Prevost, Wiltshire, L. Graham, Ramsden, Marquand, Jenkins (Gallie 76).
Unused subs: Le Huray, Ashplant.
Bels: Ridley, Pinsard, Cochrane, Marquand, Bourgaize, Williams (Chainey 48), Bradford, Drillot, Marley, Le Cheminant, Rihoy.
Referee: B. Blondel.
TO LOSE a semi-final is often worse than to lose a final itself.
But if the young Tics lads and management were feeling down in the dumps and hard done by after the 2-0 defeat by Bels, they should pride themselves in a heart-warming performance which again showed how far the team has come in nine months.
Bels won because they took their chances. Simple as that. They also struck the woodwork twice in a split-second.
But we had as many chances and were anyone monitoring the amount of possession and territoral advantage Tics may well have come out on top in those stats. Bels knew they had been in a game that’s for sure and will be aware that we are a coming force.
It was a terrific effort by the lads who were given a shock before kick off when keeper Tom Creed was ruled out by a knee injury and Lee Savident was also unavailable.
But enter the fray our fantastic assistant coach Kevin Graham who made light of the situation and marshalled the troops from the rear of the pitch for a change, instead of the sidelines.
Throughout the team there were cracking individual performances and, most pleasing, some very neat approach football at times.
We still give the ball away too easily at times, but we are getting better at looking after the ball that’s for sure.
Gus was absolutely superb at the back, Ben Duff, played a stormer too and seldom can the Dave Rihoy-Neil Clegg partnership been so quiet.
In central mid Luke and VJ edged their battle with Scott Bradford and Matt Drillot and you cannot ask for more.
On the flanks Etienne and Rammo ran and ran. They were terrific the two of them.
Backs Ricky and Miles were on their games, too, and up front Danny Marquand gave the island’s top defender, Sam Cochrane,a real hard time, despite feeling unwell.
In our side we have several candidates for the league’s most improved players, but surely our Danny is right up there at the top.
Jenks did not have the best of nights, but he has done well for us so often this year, and worked hard also.
And I know he upset our Kev by not giving a free-kick as Neil Clegg put Bels ahead midway through the second half, but prasie too for top ref Brent Blondel. He had a very fine game and Luke, for one, should thank him for some very sensible and understanding whistling.
After the final whistle Bels coach Ian Champion praised our lads’ efforts.
‘I’m pleased to be in th final but I feel for Tics. They worked very hard. They did not deserve to lose.’
Good luck to Bels in the final.
Saturday 6 March
St Martin's 4, Athletics 1
Teams:
St Martin's: Hockey, Mauger, Zimmerman, Strawbridge, Dodd, Geall, Mahon, Dyer, J. Winch, Page, McGrath.
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq (Moore), Gallie, Mackay, Pengelley; Le Prevost, Wiltshire, Graham (Farnham), Ramsden; Jenkins (Ogier), Marquand.
NOT one of our better performances and the management were not best pleased it has to be said.
But for 15 minutes early in the second half Tics played some lovely football and when Danny Marquand struck his 14th of the season to make it 2-1, we were in with a shout.
Sadly, Naro Zimmerman soon put Saints 3-1 ahead and former Tic Luke Winch came off the bench to make it 4-1 late on.
To be fair Saints were worthy of their three-goal win, although Tom Jenkins hit the woodwork twice and Vijay Wiltshire had a late effort kicked off the line.
We were not switched on in the defensive third too often and all four goals conceded were as a result of dozy defending.
We also gave the ball away far too easily too often.
Paul Ramsden was probably our best player with some endless running and probing down the left and Gus did his best to make up for his early own goal with some cultured defensive work, particularly in the second half.
A measure of the side's progress over the months is that Tics are able to seriously challenge the best sides and we are playing some neat football at times.
Next up is Bels in the Clydesdale FA Cup semi-final on Wednesday, the second of three trips to BPL in the space of eight days.
Sadly, one player who won't be available for the run-in is Tom Poole.
No sooner had he joined us, the talented left-flank player has left again.
His job did now workouty as he had hoped here and he is heading back to the UK.
Thanks Tom foe what you did in a short space of time and if you are ever back we most certainly want you.
You were class.
Division One
Teams:
Rangers: A. Gontier, Lihou, M. Isabelle, J. Isabelle, Dowding; R. Gontier,
Piers Ockleford, Lowe; Billien, Thompson, Allen.
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Wiltshire, Mackay
(Ogier 3), Farnham, Le Prevost; Marquand (Le Huray 79), Jenkins.
Referee: D. Gilman.
HOW unlucky can you get?
This was one match Tics did nor deserve to lose, there being a very distinct
look of handball in the build-up to Shane Billien’s 88th minute winner for
the home side.
The game not only killed off Tics on the night but also any lingering hopes
of a top-four finish.
We cannot now finish higher than sixth, regardless of Saturday’s final match
against Sylvans at St Peter’s.
Tics might have guessed it was not going to be their night when just three
minutes in Gus Mackay pulled up with a pulled quad muscle and immediately
limped off.
However, he should be OK for the Stranger Cup final on the 24th.
As we were already without Luke Graham, who was kept on the bench to nurse
his own knocks, and hamstring victims Paul Ramsden and Ben Duff, we were
short of real experience and leadership.
That said there were some goods individual performanmces from the lads, most
notably in defence.
Ricky Moore had a very fine game, his best for a long while, while Miles
Pengelley and Aaron Gallie were very strong and reliable.
Tom Creed also performed well, making one superb save from Ross Allen just
before the break and confidently dealing with everything that came his way.
Craig Farnham was the pick of the midfielders, but the attack was generally
off colour.
On a very poor pitch the first half was poor fare, but Tics moved up a gear
at the start of the second and after Etienne Le Prevost twice went close Tom
Jenkins notched his seventh of the season with a lovely turn and finish into
the far corner as Rangers slept at a throw-in.
He almost grabbed a second and Danny Marquand then saw a 35-yard thunderbolt
parried away by Adam Gontier in the Rangers’ goal, but with the game there
for the taking Tics went to sleep.
On 75min. Ross Allen punishes us for some dozy defending and then came that
Billien strike.
Thursday 1 April
Stranger Cup, semi-final
Athletics 4, Rovers 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Duff (Ashplant 77), Pengelley (Le Tocq 55); Wiltshire, Mackay, L. Graham (Le Huray 84); Jenkins, Farnham, Marquand.
Unused sub: K. Graham.
Rovers: Davey, Le Prevost, Buddle, Patch, Jehan; Paul, Clatworthy, de Jesus, Fernandes (Harrison 20); Wallbridge, Queripel.
Referee: G. Ogier.
THE waiting is over.
Tics are back in a final of a senior GFA competition.
The lads reached their third straight Stranger Cup final in convincing style at Northfield last night.
Steve Ogier’s men followed in the footsteps of the club’s 1962 and 1963 sides – the last time the Tics were in the competition before folding after almost 70 years in the GFA’s senior league – and can now look forward to playing either Rangers or Sylvans in the final on 24 April when they hope to emulate the victory of the 1962 side and lift the old trophy for a fourth time overall.
It’s nice to be able to say it, but the lads had too much class for the plucky blues who may have fortunately held us last time around in the league, but could not cope with our stylish football.
This time there were no heroics from Richard Davey and in time the goals flowed.
Having survived a first-minute scare when Blane Queripel raced away only to put wide a golden chance for Rovers, Tics quickly became the dominant side and led at the break through a Tom Jenkins goal.
But it wasn’t until Jenkins added a second on 59 minutes after brilliant work on the left by Luke Graham, did the Tics feel comfortable against a Rovers side that may well have been weakened by the absence of four important players but fought in the manner you’d expect from a side on the brink of a rare final appearance.
But the class came from Tics who had Gus Mackay back in the side after injury and lining up in the centre of a strong midfield trio with Vijay Wiltshire on his right and Graham on the left, was there for all to see.
Mackay was at the hub of everything, his technical ability and range of passing standing out.
A natural defender he may be, but such is his poise on the ball, fitness, strength and vision, central midfield is where he may stay and thrive next season.
Ahead of them Craig Farnham enjoyed himself in his ‘hole’ role behind the front two, Jenks and Danny, who were to finish the game with two goals apiece.
Tics had already had a strong penalty claim rejected and Davey make a tip-over save from Wiltshire before Jenkins gave them a 11th minute opener. the little striker side-footing in with his left foot on a pass into the near post by Farnham.
Just before the break Queripel missed his second good scoring chance with a wide effort on the run as Tics became sloppy with half-time approaching and for 10 minutes lost their way as their previous dominance lulled them into a false sense of security.
But after some stern words from Ogier, Tics outplayed the blues in the second half and were rewarded first with a second goal from Jenkins who cleverly back-flicked home from close range after Graham had sliced the Rovers defence apart with some outrageous skills and pull back for his team-mate to score.
It really was top-class stuff from Luke who realy is coming on strong as the season nears its climax.
On 76min. a blistering Danny Marquand finish made it 3-0 and two minutes later he was allowed to slot home his second after referee Geoff Ogier sportingly ignored Davey’s off-the-ball clattering of Jenkins just outside of the box to stop an almost certain goal, and allowed the ball to run onto Marquand who gratefully scored into an empty net.
Manya ref would have red-carded the keeper for a blatant professional foul, but Ogier sympathetically saw that concession of a goal was enough punishment. Good decision in my book.
There was still time for Queripel to finally get his goal, beating the offside trap to race away and finally beat Tom Creed who had little to do most of the night.
Sunday 28 March
Division One
Vale Rec 3, Athletics 2
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Duff (Ashplant 78), Pengelley; Ogier, Wiltshire (Le Prevost 80), L. Graham, Jenkins, Ramsden, Farnham (Le Tocq 78), Marquand.
Unused sub: Mackay.
Vale Rec: Purdy, Robinson, Sarahs, Elliott, Shaw; Coquelin, M. Ramsden, Guilbert, M. Rihoy, Tyrell, Holden.
Referee: G. Greening
This was very much a game we did not deserve to lose, although the first-half performance was nothing to write home about.
In that time Rec established a 2-0 lead, both hoals coming from Craig Tyrell, but the response from our lads was terrific and it was no more than they deserved when Jacques Ogier pounced from close range to hook in his eighth goal of the season to put us level.
The goal came quick on the heels of our first from the penalty spot after the linesman spotted a handball in the box. Ricky Moore made sure from the spot with a perfectly placed and struck kick.
But on 76min. came the goal from nowhere which knocked the stuffing out of Tics.
Rec, had barely got into the Tics half of the pitch all half, but as a free-kick was delivered into the box Mr Greening saw something which he believed to be a shirt pull by Ben Duff.
If anything it was Duff having his shirt pulled by Rec’s Ross Elliott and afterwards Vale Rec stand-in boss Carl Le Tissier admitted it had been a joke decision in a match littered with unfunny decisions.
As you would expect Gareth Holden tucked home the spot-kick and that was pretty much it. More points lost.
On the plus side it was much improved showing than the one-goal loss at the hands of Rec four days earlier and westill have a chance of finishing fourth.
There was no shortage of fight from Tics and we always tried to play football in very, very difficult conditions.
Star of the show was Luke Graham, who pulled the strings in midfield throughout in a performance somewhat reminscent of an old Rec and Guernsey favourite, Trim Morgan.
Remember him. He used to antagonise refs and opposition just like our Scouser who was treading a fine line from as early as the third minute when he was yellow carded.
Amazingly, Luke stayed on the pitch the entire 90min. despite an off-the-ball- touchline kick on an opponent which this writer saw as clear as day, as did the nearby linesman who flagged.
The outcome was a very lucky let-off for Luke (good news) but clearly the last of a very long, long list of bad decisions by the official in charge who had also missed what looked a straight red for a leg-breaker from a Vale defender.
Steve Ogier, our boss, did not see the funny side of the ref’s decisions and his remark that perhaps the official should look to retire resulted in him in being ordered out of his dugout.
Aaron Gallie enjoyed a very fine game alongside the fit again Duff, who was his usual steady self, and there were late substitute apperarances by James Ashplant, Damien Le Tocq and Etienne Le Prevost, who we have sensibly nursed with the Junior Muratti coming up and an Achilles problem to get over.
Wednesday 24 March
Division One
Vale Rec 2, Athletics 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Le Ogier, Wiltshire, L. Graham (Le Huray 75), Jenkins, Ramsden (Le Tocq 12), Marquand.
Unused sub: K. Graham, Duff.
Vale rec: J. Bisson, Robinson, Sarahs, Elliott, Shaw; Coquelin, M. Ramsden, Ogier, M. Rihoy, Guiilbert, Holden.
Referee: G. Jennings.
THIS was perhaps our poorest performance of 2010, although there were some mitigating circumstances.
Injuries to key players – Gus Mackay, Ben Duff, Craig Farnham and Etienne Le Prevost – meant we were shorn of some muscle and experence, but it was the lacklustre nature of the performance which disappointed most and Vale Rec were fully deserving of their win.
From this viewer’s seat very few came out of the game with credit.
James Ashplant had a stormer at centre-back, Aaron Gallie did well at centre-back alongside and Luke Graham impressed until he was forced off with a niggle, but that was possibly the sum total of the good performances.
Lacklustre sums up most individual showings and perhaps too many were thinking they had cracked it after beating Bels.
Long before Luke went off early in the second half we suffered another blow as Paul Ramsden, consistently excellent since joining us from Bels and deliverer of so much work wherever he plays, tore a hamstring.
It meant a re-jig with Jacques Ogier, who had started up front and headed our quickfire eqialiser after the horrendously conceded third-minute goal, had to slot in on the left of midfield where he was obviously not best suited.
Graham looked real quality at times and impressed the home team manager Carl Le Tissier with his range of passing and ball-winning. Sadly he picked up another booking after one mis-timed challenge from behind.
Big Ash and sub. Damien Le Tocq also got booked before Vale left-back Simon Shaw won the game with a superb strike from distance which gave Tom Creed no chance.
Hopefully, the team can refocus for Sunday and a quick rematch with the Rec.
The injury list does not look good though.
saturday 20 March
Division One
Athletics 5, Bels 3
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Moore, Gallie, Ashplant, Pengelley; Le Huray (Smith), Wiltshire, Jenkins, Ramsden; Marquand, Ogier.
Unused sub: K. Graham.
Bels: P. Bourgaize, King, Chainey, Pinsard, Marquand; Drillot, J. Bourgaize, Marley, Williams, Young, Renouf.
Referee: G. Jennings.
IT WAS one of those pinch-yourself moments.
It’s 4-3 to the Tics – against the champions – sitha few minutes remaining.
Danny Marquand had just rifled in a goal-of-the-month contender and we’re on the verge of a very notable win.
Then it happened.
James Ashplant, that’ ‘Big Ash’, collecs the ball left of halfway and with the coolness and range of passing befitting Franz Beckenbauer, with the outside of his right boot launches crossfield ball which finds his man running onto it down the right.
So gobsmacked I dropped my noteback and I’m not sure if it led to Jacques Ogier’s second goal and fifth for us on the day, but the point is I had just seen a young reserve player who could not get a look in anywhere last season, play a ball that the Kaiser might have done. Class and another indication that the Tics way is the right way.
Undoubtedly the day’s outstanding performer was Danny Marquand who hit his first senior hat-trick in a highly entertaining game at cricket’s headquarters.
Bels left out several of their island contingent but were still favoured to win against a Tics side shorn of several of their most important players, most notably Gus Mackay, Ben Duff and Luke Graham.
Etienne Le Prevost was also nursing an Achilles which requiers another wek’s rest, and Craig Farnham was out again with a damaged foot.
Our bench comprised Kevin Graham and Blake Smith.
Jacques Ogier, still 16, shot Tics ahead inside four minutes, but by half-time Craig Young had equalised only for Marquand to fire the home side back in front and young Robbie Williams level a second time.
In that first half Tom Creed had made several brilliant stops for Tics and James Ashplant might have been sent off for hauling down a Belgrave as last man.
As it was Bels seemingly did not need the advantage of one more man as they went ahead on 65min. with a superb third.
Joby Bourgaize launched a long free-kick from deep on the right and Brent Marquand timed his run perfectly to head a goal which Bels might have considered enough to earn them all the points.
But Ian Champion’s decision to take Bourgaize off for the final quarter was a moment of costly cockiness. It paved the way for our ever-superb skipper, Vijay Wiltshire and a fired-up Paul Ramsden determined to put one over his old side, to take a grip on midfield and on 73 minutes Marquand levelled with a well-taken effort.
Creed then made another cracking save before with five minutes remaining Miles Pengelley raced up the left touchline and delivered a superb cross ball which Marquand hit on the half-volley to bulge the back of the net.
Then, with time virtually up, Marquand turned provider for young Ogier who scored his second and fifth in the space of eight days to make sure of the win.
Wednesday 16 March
Division One
St Martin’s 3, Athletics 1
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq, Duff (Le Huray), Gallie, Pengelley; Le Prevost (Ashplant), Wiltshire, Moore, Ramsden; Jenkins, Marquand (Ogier).
St Martin’s: Hockey, Mauger, Zimmerman, Strawbridge, Dodd, Geall, Dyer, Mahon, J. Winch, Page, McGrath.
Subs: Pickford, Heaume and Newey.
Referee: I. Drillot.
TICS lost to Saints for the third time this season, but they are getting ever closer to Colin Fallaize’s side.
Three goals in five minutes early in the second half earned St Martin’s another three points as they consolidated a sure-fire second spot in Division One with a 3-1 win over our lads at Blanche Pierre Lane last night.
Athletics held the home side for 50min. until Marc McGrath took advantage of some dozy defending to make it 1-0 with a cliubnical finish and in a flash substitute Rob Pickford had doubled the lead and McGrath scored his second with a shot in off the post.
At that point it seemed the visitors, minus the injured Gus Mackay and suspended Luke Graham, would cave in.
The defence, who had responded so well in the first half after James Ashplant had come in for Ben Duff who had pushed up into midfield to replace an injured Etienne Le Prevost, suddenly lost their bearings and the midfield cover briefly disappeared.
But they rallied and boosted by a cracking goal by skipper Vijay Wiltshire on 68 min. – a left-foot 30-yarder high into the net – they finished strongly.
It really was a snorter by the captain who fully deserved it for yet another superb display in the heart of midfield.
The man did not stop running and has been an inspiration all season.
To Tics’ credit the side played some good, flowing football in the latter stages and showed what better footballers they have become.
Bels next on Saturday.
Saturday 13 March
Division One
Athletics 4, Rangers 0
Teams:
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq (Moore), Duff, Mackay (Ashplant), Gallie; Le Prevost (Le Huray), Wiltshire, L. Graham, Ramsden; Ogier, Marquand.
Unused subs: Pengelley, Jenkins.
Rangers: A. Gontier (McClean 46), Ferbrache, Parrott, M. Isabelle, A. Ockleford; Lowe, R. Gontier, Bichard; Allen (Bailey 46), Thompson, Billien.
Referee: I. Drillot.
IF THERE was a a good time to play Rangers this was it for our lads.
Rangers came without key defenders Sam Stabes and Jacques Isabelle, both away with the Star Trophy side, and Ross Allen only played the first 45 as he nursed a groin problem.
But even if he had lasted the distance it is very unlikely Paul Ockleford’s side would have got anything from the game as Tics bounced back from the Clydesdale FA Cup defeat in midweek to win well.
Although Allen hit the crossbar and drew a fine save from Tom ‘Lazarus’ Creed, it was Tics who made the most of the first half running and should have had four or five by the break as several sitters were missed.
Creed also made a fine tip over save from a Dave Parrott header, but the breakthrough came on 36min. when Vijay Wiltshire won a header from Paul Ramsden’s deep free-kick and Gus Mackay was on hand to volley home the second ball.
A minute later Mackay missed an even easier chance, shooting wide from young Jacques Ogier’s feed.
Ogier had already missed a couple of golden chances himself, as had Danny Marquand.
In the second half Rangers huffed and puffed without getting anywhere against a solid central defensive unit of Ben Duff, who is playing as well as he has ever done, and Mackay, who was imperious and drew lavish praise from the Rangers manager afterwards.
Tics gave a lengthy runout to 16-year-old Sam Le Huray as a tired Le Prevost’s replacement wide on the right, and with 25min. left Ricky Moore replaced Damo Le Tocq at right back.
On 67min. Ogier followed up Ramsden’s parried shot to make it 2-0 and although we lost Mackay to a twisted ankle – big ‘Ash’ coming on and playing so well for the last quarter – we held firm and in the closing minutes and Ogier, whose pace had severely troubled the Rangers back four, pounced twice from close range to wrap up the points and complete the first hat-trick of his senior career.
Well done to him.
Although the coaching team were unhappy with certain aspects of Tics play and had right to have that concern, the team worked very hard all over the pitch, none more so than our excellent unheralded and under-rated skipper Vijay and the combative but often classy Luke Graham, who misses next week’s games through suspension.
It had to happen sometime!!
The win gives Tics every chance of a top-four finish, now being just one point adrift of Rangers with three matches in hand.
Wednesday 11 March
Clydesdale International Bank FA Cup
Semi-final
Athletics 0, Bels 2
Teams:
Athletics: K. Graham, Moore, Duff, Mackay, Pengelley (Le Tocq 81), Le Prevost, Wiltshire, L. Graham, Ramsden, Marquand, Jenkins (Gallie 76).
Unused subs: Le Huray, Ashplant.
Bels: Ridley, Pinsard, Cochrane, Marquand, Bourgaize, Williams (Chainey 48), Bradford, Drillot, Marley, Le Cheminant, Rihoy.
Referee: B. Blondel.
TO LOSE a semi-final is often worse than to lose a final itself.
But if the young Tics lads and management were feeling down in the dumps and hard done by after the 2-0 defeat by Bels, they should pride themselves in a heart-warming performance which again showed how far the team has come in nine months.
Bels won because they took their chances. Simple as that. They also struck the woodwork twice in a split-second.
But we had as many chances and were anyone monitoring the amount of possession and territoral advantage Tics may well have come out on top in those stats. Bels knew they had been in a game that’s for sure and will be aware that we are a coming force.
It was a terrific effort by the lads who were given a shock before kick off when keeper Tom Creed was ruled out by a knee injury and Lee Savident was also unavailable.
But enter the fray our fantastic assistant coach Kevin Graham who made light of the situation and marshalled the troops from the rear of the pitch for a change, instead of the sidelines.
Throughout the team there were cracking individual performances and, most pleasing, some very neat approach football at times.
We still give the ball away too easily at times, but we are getting better at looking after the ball that’s for sure.
Gus was absolutely superb at the back, Ben Duff, played a stormer too and seldom can the Dave Rihoy-Neil Clegg partnership been so quiet.
In central mid Luke and VJ edged their battle with Scott Bradford and Matt Drillot and you cannot ask for more.
On the flanks Etienne and Rammo ran and ran. They were terrific the two of them.
Backs Ricky and Miles were on their games, too, and up front Danny Marquand gave the island’s top defender, Sam Cochrane,a real hard time, despite feeling unwell.
In our side we have several candidates for the league’s most improved players, but surely our Danny is right up there at the top.
Jenks did not have the best of nights, but he has done well for us so often this year, and worked hard also.
And I know he upset our Kev by not giving a free-kick as Neil Clegg put Bels ahead midway through the second half, but prasie too for top ref Brent Blondel. He had a very fine game and Luke, for one, should thank him for some very sensible and understanding whistling.
After the final whistle Bels coach Ian Champion praised our lads’ efforts.
‘I’m pleased to be in th final but I feel for Tics. They worked very hard. They did not deserve to lose.’
Good luck to Bels in the final.
Saturday 6 March
St Martin's 4, Athletics 1
Teams:
St Martin's: Hockey, Mauger, Zimmerman, Strawbridge, Dodd, Geall, Mahon, Dyer, J. Winch, Page, McGrath.
Athletics: Creed, Le Tocq (Moore), Gallie, Mackay, Pengelley; Le Prevost, Wiltshire, Graham (Farnham), Ramsden; Jenkins (Ogier), Marquand.
NOT one of our better performances and the management were not best pleased it has to be said.
But for 15 minutes early in the second half Tics played some lovely football and when Danny Marquand struck his 14th of the season to make it 2-1, we were in with a shout.
Sadly, Naro Zimmerman soon put Saints 3-1 ahead and former Tic Luke Winch came off the bench to make it 4-1 late on.
To be fair Saints were worthy of their three-goal win, although Tom Jenkins hit the woodwork twice and Vijay Wiltshire had a late effort kicked off the line.
We were not switched on in the defensive third too often and all four goals conceded were as a result of dozy defending.
We also gave the ball away far too easily too often.
Paul Ramsden was probably our best player with some endless running and probing down the left and Gus did his best to make up for his early own goal with some cultured defensive work, particularly in the second half.
A measure of the side's progress over the months is that Tics are able to seriously challenge the best sides and we are playing some neat football at times.
Next up is Bels in the Clydesdale FA Cup semi-final on Wednesday, the second of three trips to BPL in the space of eight days.
Sadly, one player who won't be available for the run-in is Tom Poole.
No sooner had he joined us, the talented left-flank player has left again.
His job did now workouty as he had hoped here and he is heading back to the UK.
Thanks Tom foe what you did in a short space of time and if you are ever back we most certainly want you.
You were class.