Guernsey FC will have a few changes and some new faces in the squad as their trip to Wick clashes with the island representative side’s Muratti semi-final in Alderney.
GFC’s Dave Merris is in charge of the GFA side and has tried to come to a balance with Tony Vance.
As well as the veteran’s absence, the Green Lions will be without Josh Addison, Ben Solway, Jamie Dodd, Niall Hainsworth, Fin du Port, Callum Le Lacheur, Frazer Maginnis and Will Fazakerley due to their island representative duties.
Seb Sheppard, Jacques Cauvin and Jacob Fallaize are all injured so Jordan Kelly will take the gloves, while Alfie Torode could make his debut (he was an unused sub for the win at Roffey), as well as young midfielder Dylan Graham and Riley Tyrrell. Seb Vance will also make his long awaited return from a shoulder injury and Charlton Gauvain may also travel after missing both matches of the Easter weekend programme with a knock.
Vance’s side have 18 wins from 21 games and need two wins from their last four to guarantee third place and a home semi-final in the play-offs, but they could still hunt down Haywards Heath Town as winning our next two games (one of which is a game in hand) would leave us just two points behind them with two games left – or even level or ahead should Haywards Heath fail to win at Seaford Town on Saturday. Leaders Steyning Town also have a tough game in the shape of play-off chasing Eastbourne Town.
Wick were Guernsey’s first opponents in the Southern Combination Premier Division back in August, with the Sarnians triumphing 4-1 at Victoria Park thanks to goals from Tom Vaudin, du Port, Sam Murray and Ross Allen. The Dragons have had a three-point deduction this season but their win at Lancing on Monday confirmed their safety in the Southern Combination Premier Division for another season, so they can play with freedom. They are in form, with four wins and just one defeat in their last seven games.
Best of luck to all those representing the island against Alderney for a place in the Muratti final in Jersey in May.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm. Fans not making the journey to Crabtree Park in Littlehampton, West Sussex, can watch the first half live on our YouTube channel or listen to the full 90-minute commentary on our @GuernseyFC X Space, as well as keep up to date with our social media posts. A full match report will follow.
