Mahy's men seek a fourth straight win today

NICK MAHY does not expect Guernsey men's team to have such a walk in the park as they did in last year when today they face Jersey in the inter-insular. The island coach saw his team destroy Jersey 6-1 a year ago at Les Quennevais in what could only be described a hockey lesson for the reds. However, he does anticipate his team to go on and win when at four this afternoon at Foote's Lane, they step onto the pitch.

'I don't think we will dominate the game the way we did last year,' he said.

'But confidence is high and the lads have been working hard in training.'

The greens have won the fixture for the last three years running. But a steady exodus of talent over the last few years such as Adrian Peacegood, Mark Babbe and brothers Jamie and Nic Chambers, added to a long term injury to Andy Whalley, makes this year's challenge potentially the hardest it has been in years.

In response, Mahy and Guernsey manager Andy Graham have chosen to inject the squad with some youth. Promising junior Ollie Richards and western counties under-15 midfielder Johnny Clark make their senior inter-insular debut.

They join their Elizabeth College team-mate Dave Morris in the ranks. The centre forward has been in terrific form this season seemingly banging in goals for fun.

But it is his strike partner, TJ Ozanne, whom Mahy picks out being crucial to Guernsey's cause this afternoon.

'I am hoping for a quality and mature performance from Tom Ozanne,' he said.

'He is a key weapon on short corners and his ability to hold the ball up and link the forwards to the midfield will hopefully give us the platform for victory.'

While the Guernsey men possibly still go into the match as favourites, their female counterparts do not have such a luxury. Guernsey's women have not beaten Jersey in more than six years.

But coach Andy Whalley believes his side could produce the goods today.

'Having trained hard all season and played in the men's Division Two league, the ladies have gelled into a solid unit this year and are confident of an upset,' he said.

With Lizzi Stonebridge, who captains the side once again and Michelle Gilson the women hope to win the ever important midfield battle. Striker Debbie Allen will play up front supported by the two improving and youngsters, Georgia Smith and Greta Raath.