'Family' join the disaster appeal

GUERNSEY'S 'football family' are to dig into their pockets and raise money for the relief efforts in Asia after the tsunami disaster. The Guernsey Football Association executive committee unanimously agreed that football should play its part, said GFA president Dave Dorey.

'This is undoubtedly a time for everyone to help relieve the suffering and misery to the best of their means and ability,' he said ahead of a week of fund-raising.

The GFA initiatives include that each club hosting a first-team fixture between 2 and 8 January to donate the gate receipts to the fund and all clubs to 'make it possible' for every player playing football during this period to donate £1.

The referees and assistants have also been requested to play a significant part in the scheme by forfeiting their match fees to the fund, while all monies received via disciplinary fees and fines will also be paid into the pool ahead of being transferred to the Bailiff's Appeal Fund.

Clubs not in action during the seven-day period can also contribute, said the GFA president.

'If any club, in particular those without a home first-team fixture during this week, wishes to make a contribution in some other way, please feel free to do so.

'We hope that the football family shall be able to make a significant contribution to the appeal fund by everyone pulling together at this tragic time.'

A minute's silence will also be observed ahead of every game this week.

Yesterday's Priaulx game at Port Soif saw Sylvans return to the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Rovers. Tony Vance scored twice after Carl Wallbridge had given the visitors the lead.

In the day's other matches Rangers beat Vale Rec 7-2 in Youth One and Sylvans beat Rovers 3-1 to strengthen their position at the top of the Railway. Martin Gauvain, Kevin Andrews and Richard Gallienne scored for the westerners.