The play-off chase in Isthmian South Central is hotting up, and Guernsey can once again have a say in it on Saturday lunchtime as they visit second-placed Chertsey Town.
Just one point separates the four sides currently occupying the play-off spots, with Uxbridge and Marlow, who play each other later that afternoon, both four points adrift. Their disadvantageous position is partly down to the Green Lions, who have taken points off both in the last three weeks.
Tony Vance is taking a strong 15-man squad to Alwyns Lane in Surrey, with Charlton Gauvain, Jamie Dodd, Kieran Mahon and Keanu Marsh all returning.
Vance said it was credit to the squad that there were so many options available.
“That is something we can only dream of every week,” he told GuernseyFC.com. “As it is such a rarity, we have been able to pick the team and squad we think has the best options to win the game – exactly what other teams in this league have the luxury of doing week in, week out.
“After the game, we will reflect on our decisions, the game and player performance and then hopefully have similar options and a similar problem on Tuesday.
“Well done to the team for giving us this problem.”
The full squad is as follows: Hanley, Marsh, Strawbridge, Fallaize, Dodd, Le Tocq, Rihoy, Dodds, K Mahon, Jackson, L Mahon, Gauvain, Loaring, Allen, Fazakerley.
This is the Green Lions’ final game in a run of matches against the top six having faced Bracknell Town, Hanwell Town, Marlow, Uxbridge and Basingstoke Town in March. They lost three of those, but got a point against Uxbridge and a win over Marlow, with vital victories over Thatcham Town and Chalfont St Peter thrown into the mix.
Chertsey were promoted to Step Four as winners of the Combined Counties Premier Division in 2019, a year in which they also beat Cray Valley Paper Mills at Wembley to lift the FA Vase. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic cutting the last two campaign short, this is their first full season at this level.
The Curfews have had mixed results over the last six games. Two 0-0 draws were followed by three vital wins, including over promotion rivals Uxbridge and Marlow, before Hanwell Town reeled them back in with a 2-1 win last weekend.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 12.45pm. Fans back in Guernsey can catch the action live on GFCTV, and are encouraged to gather at ‘Le Lion Vert’ at the Guernsey Hockey Club at Footes Lane to watch it together. Please achieve a negative lateral flow test before attending. Highlights and a full match report will follow.
