Goalkeeper Josh Addison makes a long-awaited return to the Guernsey squad for the visit of Northwood to Footes Lane on Saturday.
Addison last played for the Green Lions in December 2019, a 2-0 defeat to Whitstable Town. His only other appearance in addition to 2016-17, when he played 18 times, was a 4-2 win over East Grinstead Town in August 2017 prior to the arrival of Callum Stanton. Addison replaced Bristol City loanee James Walker, who cannot play due to concussion protocols having been subbed off following a clash against Chipstead last weekend.
Kyle Smith returns after a holiday last weekend, while Robbie Legg is also included again, having been named for the Chipstead trip but unable to travel at late notice.
Another notable inclusion for the first time this season is full-back Keanu Marsh, giving Tony Vance a full 16 for Northwood’s visit.
Addison, Kelly, Marsh, Tobin, Strawbridge, Le Tocq, Martin, Dodds, K Mahon, L Mahon, Gauvain, Loaring, Acey, Allen, Smith, Legg.
Vance is looking for three points to kickstart some momentum in the first of a run of four straight home games. Depending on other results, a win could see GFC jump from the bottom of the table as high as 15th, leapfrogged Northwood in the process.
The visitors’ only league win in eight so far came against struggling Staines Town in September, but they are in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy and were only narrowly beaten in the league in midweek by one of the early form teams, Basingstoke Town.
While they are a new opponent in the league, the Green Lions have faced Northwood before in the FA Troph, being knocked out on penalties in the first qualifying round. Marc McGrath’s strike cancelled out the hosts opener with the game eventually going into extra time. Both sides scored again, with Heaume bagging for the Green Lions, but The Wood converted all five of their spotkicks, with Luke Winch missing for Guernsey after McGrath, Heaume and Alex Le Prevost had all scored.
Saturday’s game at Footes Lane kicks off at 2pm. Highlights and a match report to follow later in the weekend.
