No rest for victorious Green Lions

Early goals from Marc McGrath and Ross Allen set the Green Lions on their way in what was an irresistible opening spell, where their only fault was that they did not kill the game off.

But a battling defensive rearguard action in the last 15min. with 10 men after Blair Howitt had been sent off saw them deservedly make it 16 points from their last six games.

It moves them up to eighth spot with games still in hand on their rivals, safe in the knowledge that a victory in tonight's match at Carshalton Athletic will lift them into the play-off places.

Although he is struggling for numbers for tonight's latest trip, manager Tony Vance credited his players for showing 'true Guernsey spirit'.

'We have come to a side today who we knew would be extremely physical and direct, which they were, but are also a very good side who are in or around the play-off places season-on-season,' he said.

'And we have knuckled down and really fought out a victory.

'In the opening 20 minutes or so we were superb going forward, particularly on the counter-attack and had the chances to be out of sight early. The only slight fault is that we weren't, but every one of the 13 lads who played a part today showed true Guernsey spirit and at times late on some of the defending and goalkeeping was heroic.

'Now we must go again at Carshalton with the problems – particularly fatigue – that this game brought and with another depleted squad.

'But the team spirit and togetherness is fantastic right now and the lads are being rewarded.'

• Match report in Monday’s Guernsey Press.