In the region of 450 people turned out to watch both inter-community games, Jody Powell scoring the only goal in the girls’ game against Scotland while Jersey under-18 midfielder Sean Doran hit both Ireland’s goals against Poland in the men’s game, the second in the 85th minute to secure a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes.
Under competition rules the game went to a penalty shoot-out and Ireland won 5-4 after Poland missed their first kick.
Competition organiser Iain Mackenzie, of Sporting Eventualities, said: ‘It was an excellent night with good crowds at both games.
The Polish supporters can be extremely proud of their team, they have come on leaps and bounds under the management of Ian Horswell, Scott Henry and Tony Hoyland.
‘Poland’s enthusiasm has been fantastic and again at the end of the game their players were talking about continuing to train and to enter a team into the league.
‘This tournament has been about development and Poland joining the league would be fantastic.
‘Last night they ran into a two-goal lead with Kamil Adamczau scoring both goals making it five out of the five that Poland have scored.
‘Their goalkeeper also made two penalty saves in the game too, the first was brilliant when he stopped the ball going into a bottom corner while the second was at a good height for him and he managed to push it onto the crossbar.’ Girls organiser Katrina Tannahill said: ‘The real winner is the development of the girls.
More than half of those who played do not play regularly for clubs.
‘Many spectators were pleasantly surprised at the standard of some of the players and with this in mind the future looks bright for the ladies’ game.
‘In association with the Jersey Football Association and Sporting Eventualities events of this nature will become more frequent.
It will also help raise the profile of the female game and provide girls with more opportunities to play.’ Ireland beat Scotland in a closely-contested game.
Ireland played well and good link up play by Ashleigh Cummins and Iona Sweet gave Jody Powell the opportunity to score the only goal.
Scotland went close with Hannah Campbell and Courtney McDade both hitting the post and side netting on a couple of occasions.
Portugal and Jersey play tonight, kick-off 6.30, for fifth and sixth place in the girls’ section while the men’s game, at 7.30, is England v Scotland for third and fourth place.
