Theo Cooper came off the bench to spark a late comeback for Guernsey U23s as they preserved their 100% winning start to life in the U23 East Division of the Southern Combination Football League at Little Common on Thursday night.
Leon Meakin’s side trailed from early in the second half but Cooper struck twice in the final 15 minutes to turn the game around.
Green Lions goalkeeper Luke Elmy made a handful of good saves in the first half, while Pearce Le Poidevin tested the Little Common goalkeeper with a powerful header.
Tito Guimaraes almost capitalised on a defensive mistake soon after the restart but couldn’t keep his shot down. But their hosts went one better as the Little Common number 10 slotted home soon after.
The Green’s leveller came as Tyrese Kelly burst onto a high ball towards the right-hand side, accelerating past his marker towards the near post. He was tackled but the loose ball fell to substitute Cooper, who hit the ball on the turn into the far corner.
The Sarnians now had their tails up and Riley Tyrrell skipped past two players before forceing the Little Common keeper into a good low save.
Alfie Torode played a huge hand in the winner with just three minutes left of the 90. He exchanged passes with Elden Roberts to break in on goal. His rising shot beat the keeper but hit the crossbar – luckily Cooper was on hand to scramble the rebound home from close range and win the game for Guernsey. He had the celebration to match, marking his winner with a front flip.
The win moves the U23s up to fourth in the table with two games in hand with all the teams above them.
GUERNSEY: 1 Luke ELMY; 2 Tom SOLWAY; 4 Oskar CLEAL; 5 Sam COOLEY; 6 Riley TYRRELL (c); 7 Jake MARTIN (15 Etienne VANCE); 8 Elden ROBERTS; 9 Alfie TORODE; 10 Marc McGRATH (16 Tito GUIMARAES); 11 Tyrese KELLY; 14 Pearce LE POIDEVIN (12 Theo COOPER). Subs used (rolling): 12 Theo COOPER; 15 Etienne VANCE; 16 Tito GUIMARAES).
Goals: Cooper 77′, 87′.
