Guernsey Press

Allen to the rescue as Lions fight off the Boars

ANOTHER game, another milestone for Guernsey FC.

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Eversley 1, Guernsey FC 2

ANOTHER game, another milestone for Guernsey FC.

Ross Allen's late winner against Eversley gave the Green Lions a first ever away victory and sent them to the top of the Combined Counties Division One table, having played a game more than three sides with 100% records still intact.

It was hard work.

That is not to say that GFC were poor, by any means, simply that their opponents, known as The Boars, put them under pressure for long periods.

'Smash and grab' was a phrase mentioned by members of the crowd and one or two of the players, as both of Guernsey's goals in the 2-1 win came arguably against the run of play.

Despite their opponents' regular forays into their half, the Green Lions' back line dealt with the danger admirably - the centre-back pairing of Alex Le Prevost and Tom Strawbridge were outstanding.

A side devoid of captain Sam Cochrane, the experienced Matt Warren, forwards Glyn Dyer and Dave Rihoy, and the versatile Angus Mackay - not forgetting injured duo Jamie Dodd and Ben Coulter - certainly did not give the impression of being an under-strength side, showing real character to dig in and grind out an important win, described as a 'massive three points' by coaches Tony Vance and Colin Fallaize.

An early start to the day for travelling - the players reported for duty at Guernsey Airport at 6am - threatened to take its toll as the team struggled to maintain possession in the opening exchanges. It was not the sort of football we've come to expect from the Green Lions.

Eversley spent much of the opening quarter of an hour in the Guernsey half, with Raymond Spence - a thorn in GFC's side all afternoon - forcing stand-in skipper Chris Tardif into a smart save inside seven minutes.

Le Prevost was booked a minute later for a trip near the edge of GFC's box but Matt Baker's resulting free-kick rolled harmlessly wide of Tardif's right hand post.

Spence was first to a knock-down and shot at goal after 15 minutes, with the home side's protests that Le Prevost's block came courtesy of his arm ignored by referee Phil Plaice.

Although Eversley always looked dangerous going forward, Guernsey slowly grew into the game.

Ollie McKenzie was the creator of the visitors' first real chance, sliding a pass through for Allen, who rounded the goalkeeper only to see his shot from an acute angle blocked on the line.

Strawbridge's header from a corner then forced a punch from Eversley 'keeper Asen Agov, who recovered to hold Ryan-Zico Black's shot from the edge of the box.

McKenzie then fired narrowly over after a probing crossfield ball from Black, who orchestrated attacks for his side whenever he got on the ball.

The Green Lions' improvement was awarded with the opening goal shortly after the half-hour mark. Matt Loaring sprung the offside trap to latch on to Craig Young's lofted through ball before slotting past Agov for 1-0.

Guernsey finished the half more comfortably in the driving rain. Baker's header wide from a free-kick, from which Jacques Isabelle also received a caution, was the only chance of note.

It was an even start to the second half, with Spence and Baker firing over for the hosts, the second after Craig Young had given the ball away, before Allen forced a block from Agov at the end of a fine move involving Black and Isabelle.

Nobody could dispute the quality of Eversley's equaliser on 55min. A trip on Spence by Black resulted in a free-kick approximately 30 yards out. The hosts' number 10 took the kick himself and his unstoppable shot had the accuracy of an arrow and was still rising as it flew spectacularly into Tardif's top right-hand corner.

The Boars should have taken the lead five minutes later when Spence's shot was deflected into the path of substitute Sam Scully, who could only fire over from little more than six yards out with the goal beckoning.

Allen then forced a save from Agov at the other end. The rebound would not quite drop in time for Young, who hooked the rebound over.

Eversley then went on the ascendancy again, the ever dangerous Spence forcing two saves from Tardif - the first a low drive that skidded across the wet turf straight at the Guernsey keeper, the second a cheeky chip that the back-pedalling Tardif stretched to push behind.

It was after that pressure by the home side that the Green Lions snatched a winner. On the counter attack, Young released Loaring who advanced down the right.

His low cross forced Allen slightly wide, but the striker kept his composure to round the keeper and finish from an acute angle to the delight of the travelling support.

That goal came with 10 minutes remaining and the Green Lions nearly doubled their advantage two minutes later, Allen again in the thick of the action forcing a parry from Agov.

Vance's team finished the game stronger, keeping possession well and running down the clock. Loaring was put through on goal with a minute of normal time left but shot straight at the keeper.

The final whistle marked a big three points for the Green Lions, who came through one of their toughest tests with a gutsy performance. A draw would have been fair but GFC were still worth their three points.

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