Frustration finally over

STEVE OGIER'S long wait to take charge of Guernsey for a third time is finally over. The Sarnians meet the Royal Navy in the South- West Counties Champion-ship at Foote's Lane tonight, the first senior representative fixture since the SWCC opener away to Wiltshire on 8 November that they drew 2-2 thanks to Ben Duff's equaliser deep into injury time.

Since then it has been a frustrating three months for the island boss.

'We have three games in quick succession which is better for us, but obviously it has been frustrating because we worked on some things for the Wiltshire game and then we have had a long break before the next one,' Ogier said.

'Really, we have got to go over some stuff we have done again to jog the memory a bit. It is not ideal but what else can we do?

Guernsey have lost on each of the three occasions that they have played the Navy in the SWCC, including two defeats by the odd goal at Northfield in the past two seasons.

This time, Ogier will be without injured Northerner Simon Johns, whose place in the squad has been taken by clubmate Stuart Polson.

One of Johns' possible replacements at left back, Mark Coutanche, is a doubt himself after suffering with a calf strain, although Ogier reported that it was 'getting better all the time'.

Another St Martin's player, Jan Renouf, is the other slight worry after a slight groin strain, although he is expected to be available. Otherwise, the squad has reported themselves to be fit.

Guernsey had their final training session last night under the lights on the Foote's Lane pitch.

Ogier was in Jersey on Saturday to watch the Caesareans complete their SWCC group campaign with a 3-1 victory over the Royal Air Force, a side whom Guernsey will face in next season's SWCC.

'Jersey did their job and went about it all right. They have two or three very good players but they did not seem to have a lot of pace about them. But that was just one game and they probably had a couple of players missing,' he said.

'The RAF did not look very fit, which is unusual for a services side. They had a couple of good players, but some mediocre ones as well.

'I would say one of the top Priaulx sides would give them a good game,' said Ogier.

* Guernsey v. Navy kicks off at 7.30pm. Entry costs £3 (under-16s free). Spectators will be allowed behind the goal inside the running track at the Grammar School end of the pitch. It will be the first football match there under floodlights.