Ynys Mon settle for silver as Jersey claim gold after comeback Island Games win
Ynys Mon lost their Island Games crown as they lost 5-2 to Jersey, despite taking the lead twice in the first half.
An own goal from Evan van der Vilet and Sam Gregson gave Mel McGinness side the lead but Karl Hinds equalised after Adam Trotter cancelled out their opener.
Substitute Karl Hinds then put Jersey in front before Toby Ritzema doubled their advantage, and then a red card for Sam Jones, allowed Luke Watson to get a fifth. Goalscorer Gregson was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Jersey’s preparations were dealt a blow prior to kick-off when Sol Solomon pulled out in the warm-up. The 22-year-old was said to have been dealing with a calf strain and was replaced by James Carr.
Sam Jones’ early corner-kick caused problems with Evan van der Vilet punching the ball but the wind took it behind him and ended up in the net.
In search of a quick response, Jersey had a penalty appeal turned down. Adam Trotter was wiped out by Sam Gregson, though nothing was given
Trotter responded to the disappointment quickly though and pulled his side back level. The Jersey Bulls midfielder ran through on the left-hand side and finessed a shot past David Jones.
Ynys Mon picked themselves up after conceding and restored their lead in fine fashion. Gregson teed himself up for a half-volley and walloped his effort past the goalkeeper.
Cai Powell-Roberts after cramping up conceded a free-kick after fouling James Carr and was shortly forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Mynydd Llandegai’s Osian Jones in the 20th minute.
A ball over the top found Lorne Bickley, and despite being ushered by Dan McGinness and Tomos Clark, he forced David Jones to block with his foot at the near post.
In the unforgiving nature of the Island Games schedule, with this being each side’s fifth game in seven days, another enforced substitution was made. James Carr who replaced Solomon prior to kick-off, had to make way for Karl Hinds. Jersey found their feet again, and Hinds nearly made an immediate impact but his shot was closed down.
Jersey got themselves level back again as Ynys Mon failed to clear their lines. Bickley’s initial shot was blocked but Hinds on the rebound scrambled it home.
Ynys Mon’s defence needed to be switched on as Jersey sought a third goal. A corner kick was delivered into the box and Hinds’ shot was blocked by Gary Owen on the line.
Jersey took the lead for the first time, and it was a gift from the men from Angelsey. An under-hit pass from Jack Smith saw Francis Lekimamati steal the ball and tee up Ritzema who struck into an empty net.
As Jersey sought an insurance goal in first-half stoppage time, Jones made a good save to deny Bickley, who got a shot away from a tight angle.
The next goal was crucial and unfortunately for Ynys Mon, they fell further behind. Bickley ran through at goal and after a touch off the post squeezed his shot past Jones.
The game became stop-start with Liam Morris pulling up with an injury to tend to and from the restart, Jersey should have tripled their lead. Hinds showed good determination and then Luke Watson blazed his shot over the bar.
To make matters worse for Ynys Mon, Sam Jones was sent off for dangerous play. The substitute Hinds continued to cause problems and forced a save from Jones at his back post. Jones’ dismissal made it difficult for Ynys Mon to attack, and they failed to cause any more problems to van der Vilet’s goal.
The game was wrapped up with five minutes to go as just inside the box, Watson let fly with a low effort that beat Jones. In stoppage time, Gregson earned a second yellow card, before the referee brought an end to proceedings.
Ynys Mon: David Jones, Daniel McGinness (Dion Evans, 65), Tomos Clark, Cai Powell-Roberts (Osian Jones, 20), Gary Owen, Jack Walsh, Jack Smith, Sam Gregson, Matt Reynolds, Sam Jones, Liam Morris.
Substitutes: Sol Williams, Kane Bentley, Huw Shaw, Dion Evans, Gerwyn Roberts, Osian Jones, Cian Owen, Melvin McGinness.
Goals: Evan van der Vilet OG 1, Sam Gregson 15′
Yellow Cards: Cai Powell-Roberts 20, Gregson 65, 91
Red Cards: Sam Jones 57, Sam Gregson 92′
Jersey: Evan van der Vilet (Pierce Roche, 88), Jonny le Quesne, Jay Giles, Jamie Queree (C), Luke Campbell, Francis Lekimanti, Luke Watson, Lorne Bickley, James Carr (Karl Hinds, 28), Toby Ritzema, Adam Trotter.
Substitutes: Pierce Roche, Joe Kilshaw, Karl Hinds, Paul McAfferty, Miguel Carvalho, Harry Curtis.
Goals: Adam Trotter 6, Karl Hinds 35, Ritzema 43, Watson 85′
Yellow Cards: Ritezma, 44, Watson 62′
