Guernsey are fully in ‘must-win’ territory now and Saturday’s trip to table proppers Badshot Lea is no exception.
Following Tuesday’s hard-fought draw at play-off chasing Raynes Park Vale, the Green Lions have caught up on their games in hand and know they have to claw back a six-point gap to safety with five games to go. It’s a tough ask, but not impossible.
Badshot are already relegated, their fate confirmed after a 3-0 defeat to survival rivals Ashford Town (who are now also above GFC) coupled with a big win for South Park at Horndean. It makes it a tricky task for Guernsey as they will be unsure if they are facing a side who have given up effort, or one that will now play with freedom with the pressure of their relegation battle lifted. They are the only side in the division to have conceded more than the Sarnians this season.
The reverse fixture is one that could prove detremental to Tony Vance’s side, with a goal from the penalty spot in the 10th minute of injury time from Karim Akinnibi (who has since moved on) snatching two points away from the Green Lions – one of many late goals that has denied them a better result this season. If GFC do go down, it is moments like this they will look to as vital points that got away.
That is one of five meetings between the sides and Badshot are actually one of the teams that Guernsey have never beaten. They played out two draws back in 2012-13 in the Combined Counties Premier Division, while the Baggies won both clashes last season following their promotion.
A close eye will no doubt be kept on Ashford’s trip to Ascot Town and South Park’s clash with Harrow Borough. Metropolitan Police (away to Westfield) and Horndean (away to Sutton Common Rovers) are not out of the woods yet either. Guernsey just need to pick up wins to put the pressure on.
Two draws has stopped a losing run and is hopefully a sign that the Green Lions are turning their form around at a vital time – we just have to hope it’s not too late. Charlton Gauvain is expected to be available despite coming off injured late in the game at Raynes Park, while Dave Merris, Tom Vaudin and Owen Wallbridge could all come back into contention. Josh Addison will likely regain his place in goal. Zach Gilman and Fin Patterson are ruled out as they are representing the island in the U18 Muratti at Victoria Park on Sunday, while Niall Hainsworth is ruled out for the rest of the season with injury.
Badshot won one game in March but have lost their last three without scoring a goal.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm. Fans not making the trip to Westfield Lane can watch the first half live on our YouTube channel, or listen to live commentary of the full 90 minutes on our @GuernseyFC X Space and follow our social media updates. GFCTV highlights will be uploaded to our YouTube and social media channels, with a full match report on the website.
