Guernsey collects first win

TONY VANCE returned from England with mixed emotions last night. The Guernsey under-18s coach was understandably delighted that his team had come away with an excellent 3-2 win over Devon on Saturday but the postponement of yesterday's fixture against Dorset due to a frozen pitch denied the young Sarnians the chance of bringing six South West Counties Championship points home.

'Obviously, I am disappointed to lose the second game to the weather but it was nice to get a victory in the first game,' Vance said.

The match with Dorset will now be re-arranged although, as yet, it is undecided whether that game will be played in England or in Guernsey.

Saturday's encounter in Newton Abbot also looked in some doubt for a time, even after a change of venue, because of the cold weather.

But, thankfully for Guernsey, it went ahead and they achieved a marvellous success despite a dire first half showing.

However, their ability eventually shone through.

Although conditions meant they could not play the extravagant football which they are capable of, fine goals from Simon Marley, Blake Smith and Dave Rihoy saw them home.

'Although the performance in the first half was not very good, after our talk at half-time they responded in the right manner. Simon's free-kick was probably one of the best I have ever seen from a local player and the other two goals were well worked.

'The goals we conceded were disappointing and a worrying thing is to concede one when we were in control at 3-1 during the last couple of minutes.

'But for a last ditch tackle at the death, it could have ended 3-3 and we would have been gutted, but the second half performance was a positive, as was the result,' added Vance.

Domestically, North improved their Priaulx League title chances with a 2-0 away win over Rovers.

The game seemed to be heading for a goalless draw until Stuart Polson headed North ahead on 76 minutes.

Substitute Gareth Holden made the points safe with a second a minute later. In the Jeremie Cup Vale Rec. beat St Paul's of Jersey 3-1.