Guernsey crash out

Middlesex U-18s 2, Guernsey U-18s 0

TONY VANCE'S island under-18s bowed out of the FA County Youth Cup with a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Middlesex at Harrow Borough's ground and the manager was not happy. Without being disrespectful to Middlesex, who weren't the best county we've ever played, that was one of the worst performances since I took over.

'Even the heart and desire didn't seem to be there. It was a very bad day at the office,' he added.

Guernsey were on top for the opening 20 minutes, but thereafter Middlesex were dominant.

The home side went ahead on the verge of half-time and in a one-sided second half, added a second goal eight minutes from time.

'For the first 20 minutes, we did really well and could have been three up,' said the coach. 'But after that, we went to pieces.'

The result sparked a post-mortem.

'We've had a good chat about it and we will look to react positively,' said Vance.

Five of the 14 under-18 players used came from Bels whose unsuccessful bid to have their Priaulx League game against Rangers postponed was made to look a trifle silly by their 4-0 away win with a depleted team.

The top two sides also won. North beat Rovers 5-0, while St Martin's beat Vale Rec 3-0.