Peacegood feels good to be back in the fold

TOMORROW marks the return of Adie Peacegood to the island side. In a noon start Guernsey take on Plymouth University in the first round of the HA Harrod Trophy.

Peacegood was the island captain until he went to work in Toronto and subsequently missed the last two seasons.

But now the 29-year-old defender is back and raring to go for this weekend's clash under new skipper Damian Wallen.

'It's nice to have the opportunity to play for Guernsey again,' he said.

'Not having the captain's armband doesn't change my responsibility as a player.

'Just playing for the island is an honour.'

Peacegood played some 'field hockey' during his time in Canada but says that he actually played more ice hockey. This will be his competitive match since he left the island in 2005.

'I feel a bit rusty,' he said.

Tony Veillard, Matt Elston and Tristan Cairns will join Peacegood at the back.

Andy Good keeps his place in goal while the likes of Wallen, Andy Alford, Tim Creasey and Barry Wallace supply the midfield options.

Promising juniors Johnny Clark and Tim Ravenscroft are also in the mix.

With TJ Ozanne taking a break from the game, coach Nick Mahy will look to Simon Beck, Rob Newton and Andy Whalley to supply the goals.

Peacegood is looking forward to playing alongside former national league player Whalley, who came back to the island while he was away.

'He's a massive boost for Guernsey and for the island team,' he said.

Guernsey have traditionally done well in the national cup competition, but last year they crashed out in the second round.

After getting past Old Mid-Whitgiftians in their opening match 6-0 they were then drawn with Kent and Sussex Regional League side Burnt Ash. And against one of the weakest sides they have ever faced in the HA Trophy they went down 2-1.

Mahy is looking for a good run in the event this year and he is confident of overcoming their first hurdle.

'It's the same old story - we don't know what to expect,' he said.

'Hopefully, as it's the start of their academic year they will be a bit disorganised.

'They will be young, fit and reasonably skilful.'