Reward for creativity

Epsom 1, Guernsey 7

GUERNSEY reaped handsome reward for their attacking play with a devastating HA Trophy defeat of Epsom. After a victorious but somewhat frustrating victory over Lansdown in the previous round - the lion's share of possession and a hatful of chances producing just two goals - the greens hit a magnificent seven in their second away match.

'We are making a lot of chances. It was only a matter of time before a team came off with a bit of a beating,' said skipper Adie Peacegood.

'I don't think any team will be looking forward to playing us in the next round.'

Guernsey will have a break over the Christmas and new year period before the third round in February. They are hoping for a home draw and a chance to play in front of the crowds that gave such impressive support in last season's competition.

'That would be great: the matches last season were very special and there's no doubt the supporters at Foote's Lane helped that.'

With a tighter league bringing the best out of the island's top performers, and with a few weeks now for injured players to regain full fitness, Guernsey should get even better.

On Sunday they gave Epsom no chance.

'We expected them to be a bit stronger. They said they had a couple of players missing but we played very well. We put our chances away; that makes a big difference,' said the skipper..

'Epsom were stronger than our first round opponents, but we managed to find the back of the net.'

Epsom started at pace and had a spell of sustained pressure for the first 10 minutes.

Guernsey stood firm, though, and opened the scoring.

Mark Babbe's work on the left wing set up Andy Alford for a reverse-stick opener. Adam Kitching, who has troubled defences all season with his direct running, doubled the lead.

'Adam was doing that all game again, taking men on, nicking the ball over sticks and running onto it. For his goal he beat his man rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.'

The 2-0 interval lead was soon made unassailable as TJ Ozanne completed a hat-trick to put Guernsey five up.

'We just dominated from the start.

'The team passed the ball around so well, drawing out their defenders. They were well-worked team goals from open play.'

Kevin Doyle and Rob Newton completed the scoring, Epsom snatching a late consolation.

Guernsey are now in the last 32 of the competition. The next match is on 8 February.