Guernsey face another tough challenge on Saturday as Horsham YM visit Victoria Park in a fourth versus fifth clash as both teams bid to keep up with the chasing pack at the top of the table.
Just two points separate six teams between third and eighth in the Southern Combination Premier Division, and a win for GFC would help keep their visitors at arms’ length, putting them three points ahead with a game in hand.
The Sarnians have recovered from the home defeat to Pagham and won their last two in the league in addition to the comfortable victory over Staplehurst Monarchs to progress in the FA Vase.
Horsham YM are a new opponent, not to be confused with Horsham, who Guernsey faced several times in the Isthmian League. They have won their last two in the league to bounce back from two straight defeats. They were knocked out of the FA Vase by Snodland Town, who the Green Lions face next in the competition. They finished 12th last season.
Niall Hainsworth is added to Guernsey’s injury list (Matt Loaring and Jacques Cauvin are the long-term absentees) and the game comes too soon for Simon Arnold or Tom Vaudin, but Tony Vance otherwise has good options competing for a place in the starting XI.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm. Fans unable to make it to Victoria Park can listen to full live commentary on our Facebook page and @GuernseyFC X space, or keep up to date via our social media posts.
With Nursing & Shirley pulling out of the Southern Region Women’s Division One South, the fixtures have been rejigged and instead of their home fixture on Sunday, Guernsey FC Women are on the road visiting Bursledon instead as they bit to make it seven games unbeaten since they joined the league.
They will have to do so without captain Candice Bougourd, who went off last Sunday with what turned out to be a fracture in her arm – hopefully her absence won’t be too long. In more encouraging news, Rochelle Mullen travels to an away game for the first time to fill the gap in midfield. Vicki Rang will captain the side in Bourgourd’s absence as she marks her 20th appearance along with Amy Dallamore and Adrienne Leech. Kellie Creed makes the squad for the first time this season but Elise Le Lacheur is not travelling.
A win would see the Green Lionsesses end the weekend top of the table, with Farnham Town not in league action. Bursledon are ninth in the table with one win from five games. The Hampshire-based side finished fifth last season.
Anna Gauvain’s full travelling squad is as follows: Alana Hockey, Scarlett Kenneally, Vicki Rang, Aimee Ogier, Mollie Watson, Steph Batiste, Kellie Creed, Emily McCartney, Jess Frampton, Rochelle Mullen, Amy Dallamore, Donna Gallienne, Ruby Smith, Adrienne Leech, Codie Le Flem, Calleigh Hedley.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 2pm. Fans not making the journey to Toynbee School in Eastleigh can watch the game in full on our YouTube channel. We will post the link before kick-off. You can also follow our usual social media updates.
A match report will follow both games.
