GUERNSEY FC U23s safely negotiated the first hurdle of their entry in to the Guernsey FA Cup as they saw off plucky CF Independant on Sunday night.
Indies’ goalkeeper Tom De La Rue had already made several good saves in the first few minutes before taking the lead from the spot after seven minutes. George Goubert was tripped on the byline and captain Oskar Cleal dispatched the resulting penalty.
Indies had a couple of chances to level before the break but Etienne Vance headed home a left-wing cross to double GFC’s lead early in the second half. Ryan-Zico Black thumped a volley against the crossbar moments later and Brandon Wallace clipped the outside of the post.
Simon Arnold swept in a third from close range shortly after the hour after substitute Dylan Graham’s effort had been blocked.
Some dogged defending from Indies prevented GFC from adding a fourth in the closing stages and the Division Two side worked a couple of other decent openings in the second half as they chased a consolation, but couldn’t find their way past a solid Jordan Kelly.
Leon Meakin’s side are back in league action on Thursday night as they visit leaders Eastbourne United in the Southern Combination U23 East Division.
GUERNSEY: 1 Jordan KELLY; 2 Niall HAINSWORTH; 4 Etienne VANCE; 5 Ryan-Zico BLACK; 6 Oskar CLEAL (c); 7 George GOUBERT; 8 Elden ROBERTS; 9 Simon ARNOLD; 10 Jake MARTIN; 11 Brandon WALLACE; 18 Dave MERRIS. Subs (rolling): 12 Dylan GRAHAM; 14 Corey BROUARD; 16 Fin PATTERSON.
