| GUERNSEY | 1 | – | 1 | BEDFONT SPORTS |
| Allen 77′ | Jakes-Mckay 72′ |
Guernsey must head to Bedfont Sports for a replay after their return to the FA Cup after a nine-year absence ended in a closely fought 1-1 draw at Victoria Park on Saturday.
The Green Lions were behind to Jude Jakes-McKay’s opener for just five minutes in a clash that was scrappy at times. It certainly was in the first half for Tony Vance’s side, who showed some rustiness in off the back of just one pre-season game compared to their visitors, who will have had a complete programme of warm-up matches.
But the Sarnians improved after the break, putting in in a strong second half and were worthy of getting back into the game after falling behind.
The Eagles were controlling possession for most of the first half without creating any clear openings. Jake Wood caught Josh Addison out with a free-kick over the top of the wall but Guernsey were saved by the near post.
GFC sparked into life after the break. Brandon Wallace chased down Jacob Fallaize’s ball forward and kept it in to pull back for Ross Allen. His shot from close range was blocked and the hashed clearance eventually found its way to first-half substitute Simon Arnold on the edge of the box and his rising drive hit the side netting.
Daniel Williams should have headed his side in front just after the hour as he met Woods’ inswinging cross into the six-yard box but somehow headed over.
But 10 minutes later they did have the lead as Jakes-McKay cut in from the left onto his right foot, found a yard of space on the edge of the box and cut a low shot back towards the near post that rolled in just out of Addison’s reach.
But Vance’s side reacted well and were back on level terms quickly. Gauvain’s corner evaded everyone in the middle but Wallace kept it alive and swept a cross into the path of Allen, who helped it on past Everitt with a deft touch that sent the ball creeping in at the far post.
There was another scare in the six yard box for Guernsey with 10 minutes left but this time it was substitute Lewis Flatman who headed over from point-blank range.
Will Fazakerley had came off the bench for his first appearance for the club in nearly two seasons and had one chance from out side the box that he struck well but it curled a bit to close to Everitt, who held. Allen also had a late penalty appeal waved away.
The draw means Guernsey have an early midweek away trip to contest the replay at the Bedfont Recreation Ground. We will announce final details in due course.
GUERNSEY: 1 Josh ADDISON; 5 Tom VAUDIN; 6 Seb VANCE (17 Callum LE LACHEUR, 57′); 7 Charlton GAUVAIN; 9 Sam MURRAY (16 Zach GILMAN, 87′); 10 Ross ALLEN (c); 11 Brandon WALLACE; 12 Fin DU PORT (19 Will FAZAKERLEY, 70′); 15 Ben SOLWAY; 21 Jacques CAUVIN (14 Simon ARNOLD, 35′); 24 Jacob FALLAIZE. Not used: 4 Tom DODDS; 18 Dave MERRIS; 23 Frazer MAGINNIS.
Booked: du Port, Solway, Murray, Gauvain.
BEDFONT SPORTS: 1 Lewis EVERITT; 2 Tommy O’NEILL; 6 Joe SMITH; 7 Jake WOODS; 8 George FRISE (4 Max WEBB, 67′); 9 Tyler ROBINSON (18 Lewis FLATMAN, 75′); 11 Jude JAKES-McKAY; 12 Trisdon ANDREWS (5 Oliver DAVISON, 87′); 13 Connagh WILKS (c); 14 Daniel WILLIAMS (19 Andrew HERRING, 90+1′); 20 Bruno DOS SANTOS (10 Jamie FULLER, 77′). Not used: 3 Josh EATWELL; 15 Scott WEIGHT.
Booked: Robinson, Webb.
