Jersey beaten by Middlesex Wanderers in Muratti warm up

Jersey suffered a 4-1 defeat to Middlesex Wanderers a week before the Muratti showdown with rivals Guernsey.

Ade Olorunda's header put the visitors ahead but they struggled to find a second until Jersey defender Luke Campbell was sent off.

Ian Draycott eventually doubled the advantage but Rupert Murray netted to keep the islanders in touch.

Draycott's second followed by Kurtis Guthrie's late free kick sealed the win for Wanderers though.

The touring side had been on the front foot from early in the game, with Maidstone United striker Olorunda nodding in a corner from close range.

Jack Boyle went closest for the hosts but his curling effort from the edge of the box went just wide, while at the other end former Jersey striker Guthrie hit the woodwork after beating the offside trap.

The island side were reduced to ten men just after the hour mark when Campbell was shown a second yellow in quick succession, both for dissent.

Minutes later Wanderers went 2-0 ahead through Draycott but Jersey still had the fight to hit back when Murray capitalised on a defensive mix up to slot the ball into an empty net.

Draycott, who had replaced fellow Maidstone United man Olorunda, re-opened the two goal advantage with 12 minutes left on the clock.

With time ticking away Guthrie was fouled just outside the area and stepped up to smash the resulting free-kick into the top corner.

"We're going to take a lot of positives," reflected Jersey boss Craig Culkin.

"This result will have no impact on mine or the players' confidence going into the game next Saturday.

"On another day we could've had five or six goals there but they never went in today."

Culkin will announce his squad in the next few days for next weekend's clash with Guernsey.

Midfielder Ben Gallichan and striker Jamie Savory are among those expected to be added.