Only way is up for U21s

STEVE OGIER is looking for a reaction from his under-21 side ahead of today's Malaya Cup against the Naval Air Command. The side's last competitive match ended in a 4-0 drubbing by Jersey in last April's Ambassadeur Bowl.

Nine members of that team are still involved and Ogier does not envisage a repeat performance from them this afternoon, or in a month's time in the rematch against Jersey.

'After the tour we had, that performance was the last thing we expected,' he said.

'We are definitely expecting a response from that game because it was embarrassing for a Guernsey side to put in such an inept performance.

'To have 80% of your team underperform is very disappointing.'

But Ogier was encouraged with the friendly performance against Vale Rec, which saw two Marc McGrath goals secure a 2-1 win.

'It was good of Vale Rec to put the match on for us and we dominated the game for a long time without turning our possession into goals.

'It wasn't so much about the result. We were happy with the performance and the lads responded well.

'We got around the back of them on four or five occasions but just let ourselves down with our decision making in the final third.'

Sam Cochrane will captain the side today, which is likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a diamond in midfield. Ogier hopes this will create space for full-backs Darren Martin and Ollie McKenzie to get forward.

'Although they are there to defend first, both of them are forward-thinking players who are good on the ball.

'By playing a little narrower in the midfield we will hopefully create space for them in the wide areas.'

Last year's Malaya Cup was a senior island fixture and ended in a 3-1 Guernsey win, but with the Ambassadeur Bowl being brought forward to before Christmas, the game is being used as preparation for the trip to Jersey.

'It will be a good test for us. It's also an important game for the guys to cement their place in the side. We have got a side in mind for Jersey but there's still a few places we are not sure on, so they're still playing for places in that starting 11.'

McGrath is the only slight fitness worry for today's game after picking up a knock in midweek. Other than that, the greens are at full strength.