Guernsey’s target has shifted from top spot to staying among the front runners when early leaders Eastbourne United visit Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, with Ross Allen set to make a landmark 400th appearance in what is set to be the Sarnians’ toughest fixture so far.
Wednesday night’s heavy defeat to Lingfield means the Green Lions can no longer overtake Eastbourne into first place, but they could close the gap to two points with a game in hand (they would also still be two points behind Hawyards Heath Town, but they themselves would have a game in hand on GFC).
Tony Vance is set for another reshuffle in his squad after taking on Lingfield with a few players not 100%, with a couple more added to the list on the night – including Fin du Port, who rolled his ankle, while Charlton Gauvain has a knock. Jamie Dodd and Jacques Cauvin are also unavailable to add to the longer terms absences of the injured Josh Addison, Sam Murray and Matt Loaring. However, Jacob Fallaize is finally set to return after managing a knee injury.
The Green Lions can take heart from an excellent performance and 3-0 win in this fixture last season. Fin Patterson, Will Fazakerley and Fin du Port got the goals. The last meeting between the pair in March was a reverse of that scoreline at The Oval on March.
Ross Allen is set to become only the third player to make 400 appearance for the club, after Loaring and Dodd.
Eastbourne’s only league defeat so far was a late one to fellow promotion contenders Haywards Heath, losing 2-1 in injury time, and have been free scoring at the other end, scoring five on opening day and putting eight past Bexhill United on Bank Holiday Monday. Forward Charlie Ball already has eight goals for the season after bagging 19 in 24 games last campaign.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 1.30pm. Fans unable to make it to Victoria Park can keep up to date with our social media posts. A full match report will follow.
