Guernsey women beat Jersey to retain Muratti Vase

Two quickfire goals from Calleigh Hedley saw Guernsey's women come from behind to beat Jersey 2-1 and retain the Muratti Vase for the first time in 24 years.

The win added to Guernsey FC's title in this season's Jersey women's league as the Sarnians' resurgence in the fixture continues.

The fixture between the sides only returned in 2022 after Guernsey were unable to field a side between 2018 and 2021.

The victory in the first senior inter-island game at Guernsey's new Victoria Park ground meant the hosts retained the title for the first time since 2001 - when they won for the fifth successive time.

Having started the game brighter Guernsey went behind midway through the first half as Sam Silva got on the end of Tiff Sundby's cross as the hosts appealed for a foul on goalkeeper Emma Queripel.

Soon after Chloe Ingrouille drew a fine save from Jersey's Ana Malta as Guernsey searched for an equaliser.

They could have been 2-0 down after 29 minutes, but Queripel kept her side in it as she saved Aine Ruth's penalty after the Guernsey goalkeeper had brought down the Jersey forward.

Guernsey upped the pressure after the break, forcing Malta into a fine 52nd-minute save.

But Hedley levelled two minutes later as she beat two players to break through on goal before calmly finding the bottom corner.

Three minutes later the Guernsey striker scored again as she rounded Malta and slotted into the empty net.

Guernsey lost Queripel to injury with 15 minutes left and two minutes later lost her replacement Kayleigh Marquis after she was hurt as Jersey Holly Muirhead and Emily le Page scrambled home what they thought was an equaliser, but the referee ruled it out for handball in the build up.

It meant debutant midfielder Jess Frampton went in goal as the hosts almost made it 3-1 during 11 minutes of stoppage time as Candice Bougourd hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 95th minute before Donna Gallienne forced a save from Malta soon after.