Guernsey go goal crazy in England

DEBBIE ALLEN scored two hat-tricks as the Guernsey women's first XI enjoyed a successful weekend in Kent. Against strong opposition in first Holcombe and then Sevenoaks, the Sarnians scored a total of 12 goals.

'We have been a strong side defensively all season but have sometimes lacked the killer instinct in front of goal,' said coach Jo Robilliard.

'To come away having scored so many goals in two games is a fantastic achievement and reflects positively on each and every player.'

Guernsey took an early lead against Holcombe thanks to Pip Bowyer and Amanda de Jersey, even though the Medway outfit were fielding nearly all of the team that had just won them the Kent Premier League.

This set the stage for Debbie Allen, who has just returned after injury, to score her first hat-trick for the island.

Apart from conceding one goal in the second half, Guernsey were rarely troubled in defence and won 5-1.

Due to adverse weather conditions in West Kent on the Sunday, the Sevenoaks match was close to being postponed and a new venue had to be found.

Once the match started, Guernsey again scored two early goals, both by Allen.

Helen Wills added another and Guernsey went into the half-time break 3-1 up.

At the start of the second half, Sevenoaks rallied around their Great Britain international, Kathy Gilliat-Smith, who produced the moment of the match, a brilliant solo effort that saw her carry the ball from her own D to score past Emma Atkinson in the Guernsey goal.

This triggered a strong passage of play for Sevenoaks, but the Guernsey defence, led by fine performances by Ellie Knowleden at sweeper and Atkinson in goal, was resilient.

Allen completed her second hat trick of the weekend and Bowyer also got three goals, the first hat-trick for the newcomer, in a 7-3 win.

At the end of the trip, a warm-up for the forthpcoming match against Jersey on Saturday 19 March, coach Robilliard was very contented with her team's performances.

'Both games involved strong opposition and I think the girls will have gained a lot from the experience,' she said.

'There are a few areas which we need to work on but if we can show the same standard of desire and commitment as has been shown this weekend, then we will be very worthy opponents for what is expected to be a very strong Jersey side.'