Tony Vance will be relieved to have his options swelling and his defensive reinforcements boosted as Lancing visit on Saturday for Guernsey’s final home league game of the season – but hopefully not the last overall.
After three straight defeats, there is no more buffer for the Green Lions, who want the three points to secure a home play-off semi-final, which no matter the location will be against Horsham YM (who would have to lose at Newhaven and Peacehaven & Telscombe to win against Roffey with a goal difference swing of 20 for that to change) next Saturday, 2nd May.
A Horsham defeat would seal third place for GFC anyway but the Sarnians will want their final placing to be in their own hands and not worrying about what is going on elsewhere.
Having been down to the bare bones with any defenders available over the last few weeks due to injuries, the Muratti semi-final and the U18 Muratti final, the Green Lions are able to add Jacques Cauvin, Ben Solway and Gil Hunter back to their rearguard options, while playmaker Charlton Gauvain has been passed fit after missing a few games with a toe injury. Fin Patterson is also back in contention.
Jacob Fallaize and Niall Hainsworth are still missing through injury while Seb Vance is back working on his rehabilitation on his shoulder having recently having to be drafted in as emergency cover. An appearance for Sam Murray will make him the only ever-present in the league this season.
Guernsey have also failed to score in the last two games as they face a Lancing side that had their relegation mathematically confirmed by a loss against Lingfield last weekend – so the pressure is off them and they can play with freedom. Impressive wins over Eastbourne United, Haywards Heath Town and Forest Row in their last eight games gave them hope but defeats to fellow battlers Wick, AFC Varndeanians as well as Lingfield did the damage.
Murray and Fin du Port scored in a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture in October. Du Port and Callum Le Lacheur each need one more goal to achieve double figures for the season.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm. Fans unable to make it to Victoria Park can listen to the full 90-minutes commentary on Facebook Live or our @GuernseyFC X space as well as keep up to date with our usual social media posts. A full match report will follow.
With another busy afternoon expected at Victoria Park, please refer to our information page for details of how to travel to the ground by foot, bike, public transport, or our Park and Stride initiative.
