Guernsey have what is, on paper, their toughest test of the season so far on Tuesday night – a midweek away trip to Steyning Town.
Steyning are below the Green Lions in the table but that is largely due to having played a game less. They are one of only two teams, along with leaders Haywards Heath Town, to remain unbeaten.
However, that was the case on Saturday but GFC blitzed Newhaven’s unbeaten start with a 5-0 lead by half-time that turned into a 7-1 victory, which will give Tony Vance’s side confidence ahead of this tough fixture. But midweek away trips always have their challenges – a point would probably represent a decent result.
The good news is that Jacob Fallaize is available again to boost Vance’s defensive options, having missed Saturday’s win. Tom Vaudin is not quite ready again yet after illness, but Charlton Gauvain looks to have shaken off the knock that saw him taken off as a precaution on Saturday. Callum Le Lacheur and Seb Vance are unavailable, but there are two youngsters who could make their debuts having received a call-up to the travelling squad.
Midfielder Alex Rihoy caught the eye in the Development side’s Jeremie Cup win over Rangers, while Vale Rec forward Tyrese Kelly earns a call-up off the back off a hat-trick for the Guernsey FA U21s as they won the Malaya Cup on Saturday. Matt Loaring, Jacques Cauvin, Ben Solway and Simon Arnold remain on the injury list.
The Reds have scored four or more goals on four occasions already this season (as have GFC) and boast the division’s top scorers, with Stanley Bridgman having scored 16 goals in all competitions already this season. The top three is made up entirely of Steyning players with Harris Heath and Dion Jarvis also both on nine goals apiece. They have also progressed to the next round of the FA Vase.
The Sarnians return to the scene of last week’s 2-1 defeat to Lingfield due to a ground share.
Tuesday’s match kicks off at 7.45pm. Fans unable to make it to the The Shooting Field (also known as the Peter Humphreys Ground can listen to full live commentary on our @GuernseyFC X space. A full match report will follow.