Guernsey out to improve on last season's heroics

GOLDEN goals in added time at the end of the extra periods, pulsating action, outrageous skill: last season's HA Trophy run had it all. And on Sunday, Guernsey head off aiming to go even further than last season's quarter-final charge.

Andy Graham and Nick Mahy's men travel to Lansdown HC, their first obstacle in what should be another extended run. They have every right to be confident: last season showed that the squad had talent and depth.

'We're looking forward to it. We've been lucky this year that with a game and sometimes two every weekend, the players are fit and in form,' said Graham.

The defence is unchanged: five players currently right on top of the game - keeper Kees Jager, Kevin Doyle, Adie Peacegood, Matt Elston and Jamie Chambers.

The only worry for Graham and Mahy is the unavailability of Jason Robilliard, who tweaked a back muscle during Tigers' match against Colombians Youth last Sunday.

'It is a shame because he's a great keeper, but in a way, it's made the selection easier,' said Graham.

Robilliard and Jager have been the outstanding keepers in Division One so far this season. Choosing between them would have been a difficult task.

'We're travelling with no cover for the goalkeeper. It is rare that a keeper gets injured but we are taking a bit of a chance.'

The midfield is boosted by the selection of Adam Kitching. The skilful, pacy, ginger-topped live wire will run all game.

He has turned in several outstanding performances for defending Investec Division One champions Investec Colombians and is currently their leading scorer, having hit five games in last weekend's two matches.

Mark Babbe will dictate the pattern of play from central midfield, aided by the tackling quality of Tristan Cairns and the no-nonsense solidity of Tony Veillard.

They are joined by Damien Wallen and Richard Veillard, both of whom had had hamstring worries.

The older Veillard links so well with his brother, an understanding bordering on telepathy. Wallen combines tenacity in the tackle with astute passing and is not afraid to get up in support of his front men.

The front three offer so many attacking options. Barry Wallace hit four goals in his most recent match for Tigers. TJ Ozanne and Andy Alford will drag defenders across the pitch, drawing opponents out of position before punishing them with darting runs into space. None is afraid to give the ball a thump if given half-a-chance.

Alford carries a slight knock on a foot, though this should not affect him too much.

'What we needed to do, looking forward, is to get the younger players off the fringe and put them in action,' said Graham. 'We need to cultivate the side. There's plenty of talent, plenty of depth. A couple are missing but we are still strong.'

It could be argued that a pretty decent second XI could be selected from those unlucky not to have made the cut for this match. The second XI last night contained many who could still force their way into the firsts this season and there are others coming back from injury, such as Dave Enevoldsen.

Guernsey's opponents, Lansdown, play in the northern division one of the West of England and South Wales League. Last season they finished seventh. They currently sit third in the table, with a record of won three, drawn won and lost one. In their latest outing, they beat University of Bristol 5-2.

'We should have pretty close to a full side,' said captain Anthony Thompson.

The black-shirted opponents from Cheltenham have one outstanding player, 17-year-old left back Tom Radford, who in 2002 played for Gloucester Under-21s.

'He's a quiet player, very solid and just gets on with his game. He has come on well this season. We have been looking to introduce younger players and the average age is now down to around 25 or so.

'We've heard about Guernsey's run last season and are looking forward to what should be a good, tight match.'

If Guernsey win, their next HA Trophy match will be on 30 November.