Guernsey FC
Guernsey FC
2 - 2
Thamesmead Town
Thamesmead Town

Competition

Cup - The Emirates FA Cup

Attendance

1,142

Guernsey’s historic big day was nearly spoiled by wannabe-party poopers Thamesmead Town, but Dave Rihoy’s brace ensured the Green Lions’ first ever FA Cup tie in the Channel Islands did not end in defeat.

'Pedders’ notched two in the second half as the Sarnians fought back from a deserved 2-0 half-time deficit and force a replay at the Meads’ Bayliss Avenue on Tuesday night.

After all the hype and build-up in the local media the occasion perhaps looked to have got the better of Tony Vance’s side in the first half as passes went astray and the visitors took the initiative and had the better of the early possession.

Captain Scott Kinch volleyed wide from the edge of the box within two minutes and Jack Mahoney had tested Tardif following a pull-back at a short corner. Paul Vines had also dragged a volley wide – a poor effort.

Despite all that, Craig Young had come close with a powerful effort that flashed wide in the sixth minute.

Thamesmead’s opener could have been avoided, but Christian Nanetti was bundled over in the box when heading away from goal, prompting referee Paul Johnson to point to the spot.

Vines took the kick and found the bottom corner to become the first player in the 145-year history of the competition to score an FA Cup goal outside the UK.

GFC were still struggling and fell further behind eight minutes later – albeit in bizarre circumstances. Kinch’s speculative effort looked to be heading miles over the crossbar, but the wind blowing from behind Chris Tardif’s goal surprisingly kept the ball in play. Paul Vines reacted first and headed the dropping ball against the crossbar. Mahoney reacted quickest to the rebound and made it 2-0.

The game fell flat for 20 minutes or so with the Green Lions still struggling to get their act together. But the Green Lions suddenly sprang into life in the final few minutes of the half with Rihoy the hub of it all as he was denied three times in two minutes by Meads stopper Andrew Walker.

The first chance came after good work from Jamie Dodd driving forward. Rihoy received the ball on the edge of the area but his low shot was beaten away by Walker diving to his left.

It was a similar scenario moments later, this time with Rihoy trying his luck from further out. The play continued, with a high cross from the right wing finding Rihoy at the far post. He just about managed to control the ball but Walker got down to his near post to smother the shot

GFC were noticeably out much earlier than their opponents for the restart, perhaps after a few choice worse from Vance and Colin Fallaize.

Despite their improvement, it was Thamesmead who had the first effort 10 minutes into the half with Mahoney’s distance effort a comfortable hold for Tardif.

Then the Sarnians started to turn the screw. But it took until an hour into the game for them to haul themselves back into the contest.

A long free-kick from near halfway found its way to Rihoy, who hooked a volley into the left corner. Game on.

Guernsey kept putting on the pressure, but it took another 20 minutes to force another good chance. It was Rihoy again who jinked his way through, but Walker came out to save with his legs.

Three minutes later, the Green Lions’ second-half efforts paid off. Rihoy got on the end of another long ball forward and slotted past Walker with his left foot, finding the far corner for 2-2.

A replay was on the cards, but Guernsey were in the ascendency and came close to snatching a winner when Craig Young bent one in towards the far corner from the edge of the box. The Garenne Stand prepared to celebrate, but Walker flung himself to his left to tip it wide.

Despite all that, Thamesmead nearly spoiled the party with the winner of their own in what was virtually the last kick of the game. GFC were short on numbers at the back as they pushed for a winner and a through ball found Christian Nanetti. His curling effort beat Tardif but, to the relief of all Sarnians, cracked the inside of the post.

The two sides will now contest a replay on Tuesday night at Thamesmeads’ Bayliss Avenue with a 7.45pm kick-off. The winner will face Chertsey Town - who beat AFC Hayes 3-0 - in the first qualifying round on Saturday 3rd September.

Guernsey: Chris Tardif (c), Simon Geall (Seb Skillen 84), Jamie Dodd, Sam Cochrane, Alex Le Prevost, Liam Mahon (Ryan-Zico Black 60), Dave Rihoy, Matt Loaring, Dom Heaume, Robbie Legg (Marc McGrath 34), Craig Young. Not used: Jacob Fallaize, Thomas Dodds.

Goals: Rihoy 61, 85. Booked: Young.

Thamesmead Town: Andrew Walker, Fraser Walker, Nathan Simpson, Scott Kitch © (Giannoulis Fakinos 67), Lewis Knight, Joe Denny, Jack Mahoney, Bode Anidugbe (Luke Coleman 74), Paul Vines (Adrian Stone 84), Christian Nanetti, Jay Porter. Not used : Richard Butler, Tyler McCarthy.

Goals: Vines 15 (pen), Mahoney 23. Booked: Kinch, Anidugbe.

APPEARANCES
Shirt Player Yellow Cards Red Cards Goals
1 Chris Tardif - - -
2 Simon Geall (Seb Skillen 84') - - -
3 Jamie Dodd - - -
4 Sam Cochrane - - -
5 Alex Le Prevost - - -
6 Liam Mahon (Ryan-Zico Black 60') - - -
7 Dave Rihoy - - 2
8 Matt Loaring - - -
9 Dominic Heaume - - -
10 Robbie Legg (Marc McGrath 34') - - -
11 Craig Young 1 - -
Substitutes
1 Marc McGrath - - -
2 Ryan-Zico Black - - -
3 Seb Skillen - - -
FA Cup, Preliminary Round