Guernsey head back into league action on Saturday afternoon, visiting AFC Varndeanians looking to kickstart their season after a winless September so far.
The men’s side kick off another triple header for the club, with the women’s side heading away on Sunday and the U23s travelling back to the mainland on Monday.
Tony Vance’s side have lost all three of their September outings so far, two in the league before being knocked out of the FA Vase by Roffey last Saturday.
Dave Merris has been added to the extensive injury list but Ross Allen is back after a week away and Archie Drillot has recovered from his knock to boost options in defence, Sam Murray and Fin du Port are a week or two away from returning and Matt Loaring is rehabbing after a minor knee operation. Charlton Gauvain remains sidelined. Jacob Fallaize is returning from a break away and will be dashing to join the team at the ground and will hope to make it in time to be involved.
The Sarnians triumphed in both meetings last season, 2-1 at Victoria Park and 1-0 in this corresponding fixture, with Gauvain getting a late winner. After battling to stay up last season, the Vs have had a solid start this campaign. They have won four out of eight games, losing just twice, to sit fourth in the Southern Combination Premier Division, albeit having played more games than most of the teams below them, including GFC. They haven’t scored a hatful, but boast a tight defence. They beat Beckenham last weekend to progress in the FA Vase, followed by a narrow win at Seaford Town on Tuesday night.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm. AFC Varndeanians are currently playing their home games at the Window Workshop Stadium, home of Peacehaven & Telscombe in East Sussex.
The Green Lionesses are looking to shake off an opening day defeat to Bognor Regis Town when they set out for their first away game of the season at Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the Southern Region Women’s Division One South.
Anna Gauvain has a similar squad available to last week, although Emily McCartney comes in to replace the unavailable Eleanor Jamieson, while Emma Queripel is the only goalkeeper and Steph Batiste isn’t travelling. Elenista Lambrou and Zakiyya Qasim are making their first away trips for the team. Ruby Smith is injured.
Scarlett Kenneally, Donna Gallienne and Codie Le Flem are all set to become the first players to hit 40 appearances for the women’s team, with Amy Dallamore due to play her 30th game.
The full squad is as follows: Emma Queripel, Mollie Watson, Scarlett Kenneally, Aimee Ogier, Elenista Lambrou, Zakiyya Qasim, Candice Bougourd, Donna Gallienne, Emily McCartney, Amy Dallamore, Elise Le Lacheur, Adrienne Leech, Codie Le Flem, Calleigh Hedley.
Bournemouth Sports have lost their opening two league games. The two sides drew 3-3 in this fixture last season, while Bournemouth edged it 3-2 in the most recent meeting at Victoria Park in January.
Sunday’s match at Bournemouth Sports Club Development kicks off at 1pm.
The Guernsey Development side are looking to back up their fantastic debut in their UK league as they visit Saltdean United on Monday night in the U23 East Divsion of Southern Combination Football League.
Tom Solway is the only new youngster travelling, with the group including hat-trick hero Charlie Robilliard. Brace grabber in the 8-0 win at Ringmer, Bertie Beddow, is unavailable. Ryley Tyrrell and Alfie Torode’s minutes might be dictated by how much they feature for the senior team on Saturday. Also part of the senior squad is Jamie Dodd, who is not leading the U23s on this occasion. Veteran midfielder Ryan-Zico Black, with more than 200 appearances for the senior team, takes his place.
Saltdean have lost their first two league games of the season and are bottom of the table.
Monday’s match at Hill Park Stadium, Saltdean, Brighton, kicks off at 7.30pm.
Fans unable to make the various trips can watch live coverage on our YouTube channel (first half only for the senior men’s game at Varndeanians), or listen to full 90-minute commentary on our @GuernseyFC X Space and keep up to date via our social media posts. A match report will follow all three games.
