It’ll be a hard fight for Guernsey FA’s Women’s team when they try to retain the Muratti in May, and they’ll need the supporters at their backs if they’re to succeed in the challenge, and retain the title for a second year in a row, said team Manager Anna Gauvain.
Tickets went on sale this week for this year’s game at Jersey’s Springfield on 23 May.
Ten months ago the Sarnian women retained the trophy for the first time in decades, with a 2 – 1 victory over Jersey at Victoria Park.
It was a great start to life at the new home of Guernsey Football with Guernsey’s men also securing a Muratti win, and numerous games have been played there since at all levels of local football.
Gauvain is hoping they can take the atmosphere from Victoria Park to Jersey with them in May.
“We’ve had good crowds coming down to Victoria Park, and the Academy girls are all buying into the future of Guernsey football, and the women’s side of it over here. I’m hoping them and perhaps some of their families, will come and help us.”
The separate Guernsey FC Women’s side are currently third from bottom in the Southern Region Women’s Football League, out of 16 games, they won four, drawn five, and lost seven, although they sit a comfortable 14 points clear of any relegation.
Meanwhile Jersey Bulls are performing strongly in the UK, sitting top of the South East Counties Women’s Football League with 11 wins out of 11.
Guernsey FC Women play in the sixth tier of the Women’s Football Pyramid, which serves as a feeder to the London and South East Regional Women’s Football League.
Meanwhile, Jersey sit in the South East Counties Women’s Football League. That’s the seventh tier, and typically feeds into the various Tier 6 divisions, including the Southern Combination.
“It’s one of those games where it’s about who turns up on the day,” said Gauvain, continuing, “Both sides, the Jersey bulls and Guernsey FC have been competing in UK leagues this season, so I hope that the level has risen a lot over the last few years.
“I think there’s not going to be much between the two sides.”
To reclaim the title yet again, and see the longest Guernsey streak since a five year winning run ended in 2001, Gauvain told Express that the team will need some Sarnian support make the trip.
“To win three years in a row is going to be a really big ask, and I’m sure Jersey have got their eyes on us already. So we’re going to need as much support as we can get.
“With tickets going on sale already, I’m sure the Jersey fans have already booked theirs. So we need Guernsey ones to match them.”
This year’s Ladies Muratti takes place at Springfield Stadium in St Helier on Saturday 23 May, with Kick-Off at 13.30.
Tickets are available online through the Jersey Football Association website.