Guernsey and Crowborough Athletic meet for the first time nearly 14 years as the sides bid for FA Cup progress at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon.
It was the Green Lions’ debut in the FA Vase when they visited Crowborough in 2012. Goals from Jason Winch, Dom Heaume and Dave Rihoy saw GFC come from behind to take a 3-1 lead before a late Crowborough strike gave them a chance. But GFC held on to begin a memorable run that took them all the way to the semi-final.
The Crows have since grown in stature and are now a Step Four side, having won the Southern Combination Premier Division play-offs against Eastbourne United in 2025, effectively swapping places in the pyramid with the Sarnians, who were relegated that season. They comfortably survived in 14th place in Isthmian South East last season. That division is yet to kick off, making this their first competitive game of the season.
Tony Vance’s side already have two, and two wins, under their belt in the league. Having had around 10 players missing from the midweek win at East Grinstead Town on Tuesday due to injuries or summer holidays, it his expected that Vance will have more options at his disposal tomorrow.
Fin du Port got valuable minutes for the Development side in the Spirit Cup final on Wednesday after his holiday and is likely to claim a place in the squad. If he features, it will be his 75th appearance for the club. Sam Murray is also available again after missing the trip, as is Fin Patterson. Ross Allen and Tom Dodds are away and Matt Loaring still injured. Ex-pro Dave Merris is unavailable as he is appearing for York City legends against Leeds United legends in a charity match this weekend.
Guernsey have just the two wins in the FA Cup to their name, in their first season. Since then, they haven’t got past the opening round and will be keen to progress this time, especially considering their expulsion last season due to a player registration issue, having ground out a 1-1 draw with Bedfont Sports.
The reward for the winners is an away game against either Epsom & Ewell or Chipstead, both former league opponents of GFC.
In the event of a draw at the end of 90 mins, there will be a replay arranged for the following midweek.
Please note that Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm (as opposed to all league games kicking off at 1.30pm this season). Fans unable to make it to Victoria Park can listen to live commentary on our Facebook page or @GuernseyFC X Space, or keep up to date with our social media posts. A full match report will follow.
With a busy afternoon anticipated at Victoria Park, please refer to our information page for details of how to travel to the ground by foot, bike, public transport or our Park and Stride initiative.
If you have arranged a parking permit for this season but have not yet received it, please visit the GFA office at Victoria Park, where permits are now available for collection.
