One weekend: two sides of a footy crowd

IMAGINE it said in the croaky voice of an old-timer:

'I was there the night the Lions beat Guildford City in the chill evening mist in front of nearly 2,000 at Footes Lane.

'Do you know, our centre-forward, Ross Allen, hit a penalty that landed on the beach at L'Ancresse and Matt Loaring ran the English team ragged? I've never, ever seen a player run so much as he did that night...'

A memorable game indeed and it might well be the greatest night ever in the history of Guernsey football. Not necessary the top game, but I cannot recall a more memorable match under the 'lamps' and they have only existed in Guernsey since the Sixties, so we can limit any rival nominations to domestic league or cup ties and, for sure, none of them have been watched by so many as those who rucked up at Footes Lane last weekend.

It was a fantastic night for the Lions and island football, full stop.

It showed the game in a fantastic light and the occasion was topped off by a fine win for the island under-18s the following afternoon.

But what a shame that victory was undermined by those idiots who thought it was appropriate and a bit of fun to spend the 90 minutes behind the Jersey goal and bad-mouth the opposition with language and behaviour thankfully yet to be seen at a GFC game at Footes Lane.

It should be a concern for the Guernsey Football Association, too, because if I am not mistaken some of those guilty of the chanting and abuse were under-18s who week in, week out, appear from our photographic evidence to play for two of its senior clubs, namely North and Vale Rec.

The lads, a few of whom were drinking alcohol, should not have been allowed to get away with it.

Nor should anyone get away with intimidating a visiting junior player and throw the ball in his face, which happened late on to Jersey's plainly intimidated keeper, Jordan Le Guyader.

And what's more, women and children should not have to hear the sort of chanting the 'banterers' were dishing out for much of the match.

I would hope that before they headed off back to the sister isle, someone within the GFA apologised to the visiting management and other Jersey officials. They needed to.

They may also choose to have the law present next time they stage such a game.

As for the match itself, a lot of credit needs to go to coach Steve Ogier who, along with the Guernsey Academy team, spearheaded by James Blower, has quickly brought some direction to the junior representation scene.

Ogier's tactical nous went a long way to winning a tight game, although ultimately it was a moment of remarkable brilliance which clinched the game.

Blair Howitt's strike was possibly the goal of the season and if a strike has flown harder into the net this campaign, I have not seen it.

In fact, I cannot recall a shot ever being struck so fiercely.

Ogier had the team brilliantly organised and the lads, who many months ago were sent home from Sunday morning training by the coach for their poor attitude and, in some cases, well-being, responded superbly with a real show of commitment.

It underlined that there is some useful talent emerging from the development ranks, particularly in defensive terms.

There was a touch of Sam Cochrane ruggedness and defiance in the display of captain Danny Cooley, while alongside him Nick Rumens was cool and highly efficient.