Muratti 2015: Sharman takes responsibility for defeat by Jersey
Last updated on .From the section Football
Guernsey boss Steve Sharman has said he takes "ultimate responsibility" for their 3-2 Muratti defeat by Jersey.
The home side were firm favourites to win the vase for the fourth successive year, but could not recover from a costly first half at Footes Lane.
"As coach I take the ultimate responsibility," Sharman told BBC Radio Guernsey.
"We always knew we could be vulnerable on the counter-attack, but I had faith in our defenders to deal with it."
Sharman continued: "I'm proud of my players - they did fight back - but maybe we could've shown a bit of that fighting spirit a little bit earlier."
The two teams could meet again at the Island Games, which starts at the end of June in Jersey.
Jersey lost last year's Muratti final 4-1 at Springfield but it is Guernsey who must now take stock and bounce back.
"The last 20 minutes were a bit painful to watch but over the piece the best team won," added Jersey manager Jimmy Reilly.
"We've been training a bit more and playing a few more competitive games, I think it's installing confidence.
"It's a great boost ahead of the island games. I think Guernsey were one of the favourites so we'll be up there now too. I'm absolutely over the moon."
