Guernsey FC’s development side squeezed past Northerners to confirm top spot in Group A and a spot in the semi-finals of the Spirit Cup.
It was an even and fiery contest at Victoria Park on Wednesday night. A point would have been enough to seal first place. It was a different sort of test for Leon Meakin’s side, settled only in the last 10 minutes as Jake Martin arrived in the nick of time to poke home Will Fazakerley’s header across goal.
That came just moments after Fin du Port was sent off for bringing down former Green Lion Kieran Mahon as the latter went through one on one.
Du Port had earlier rattled the crossbar with a free-kick, with Fazakerley unable to turn in the rebound. GFC’s Regan Penney also kept his side level to deny Owen Wallbridge in a one v one.
Simon Arnold made a crucial block early on, with a goal-line clearance denying Aston Young at the other end. Former GFC stalwart Dave Rihoy nearly equalised for North in injury time but sliced just wide.
The young Green Lions will face either Sylvans or St Martin’s in the semi-finals next Tuesday, 5th August. North are still edging Vale Rec on goal difference with both on three points but any positive result for Rec against Bels on Sunday will see them through.
GFC DEVELOPMENT XI: 1 Regan PENNEY; 2 Simon ARNOLD; 3 Frazer MAGINNIS; 4 Tom VAUDIN (c); 5 Eti VANCE; 6 Zach GILMAN; 7 Owen TARDIF; 8 Jake MARTIN; 9 Theo COOPER; 10 Aston YOUNG; 11 Dylan GRAHAM. Subs used: Seb VANCE, Will FAZAKERLEY, Fin DU PORT.
GFC goal: Martin 81′. Sent off: du Port.
