Unjust decisions bring down U-18s

Middlesex 2, Guernsey 1

A GOOD performance but the wrong outcome. That was the message from Guernsey under-18s boss Paul Ockleford after his side crashed out of the FA County Youth Cup at the hands of Middlesex in Uxbridge.

'It was a good performance from the team in all positions,' he said.

'Good performance from the keeper, the back four were solid, the midfield worked very hard and the forwards created opportunities. It was a good solid display.'

It was the home side who had the rub of the green for the first 45 minutes. Guernsey conceded a goal during this opening half when right back Gary Dodd lost possession high up the pitch and they were caught on the counter-attack with a number of Sarnians out of position.

'We were a bit naive with that goal,' said Ockleford.

'First half they shaded it but the play was more in their half. But second half we created four good scoring opportunities.

'We came out firing at them and we looked organised.'

The visitors got the equaliser after the break through winger Matt Loaring, who had been a handful all game.

The North star cut in from the right flank to chip the Middlesex keeper who was off his line.

Middlesex looked as if they were crumbling under the Guernsey pressure as they started bickering among themselves.

However, with only a couple of minutes to go and extra time looking on the cards, they were awarded a dubious penalty, which they duly put away.

And to make matters worse Guernsey were then denied a clear-cut penalty at the other end just before the final whistle.

'Their lad was backing into Gary Dodd and the referee said he had pulled him over, but Gary said he didn't foul him,' said Ockleford.

'Then we went up their end and their defender went to head it and he was challenged in the air and he hacked the ball out with his hand. The ref was in a good position but did not give it.

'I was disappointed at that decision. He was inconsistent.'

Ockleford singled out keeper Scott Rowe for special praise. The 6ft 4in. Bels shot stopper is starting to make a name for himself.

The team is next in action next month when it takes on Berks and Bucks in the national Mick Parry Cup.

'It was a good start for them and they know that they can get a lot more out of this season if they work hard,' said the coach.

Guernsey team: Scott Rowe; Miles Pengelley, Aaron Walden, Brady Lesbirel, Gary Dodd; Matt Loaring, Matt Le Prevost, Scott Bougourd, Tom de Garis; Nigel Hutton, Wayne Bishop.

Subs: Dave Cusack, Jack Domaille, Daena Bodie, John Purdy, Simon Shaw.