Whalley's class the difference

ANDY WHALLEY was the outstanding performer as Guernsey defeated Eastcote 5-2 in the Harrods UK HA Trophy. The former national league player and England mixed captain bagged a hat-trick at the hosts' north London ground to see the greens through to the next round of the national cup competition.

'Andy Whalley was ultimately the difference between the two teams,' said Guernsey captain Damian Wallen.

'He was a different class from everybody else on the pitch. It looks like his knee injury is fully recovered.'

Whalley gave the Sarnians the lead early in the game when he found the back of the net in a one-on-one situation with the Eastcote keeper.

Guernsey then had about five golden opportunities to stretch their lead but just could not find that killer touch.

They were made to rue those missed chances when the young home side equalised later in the half to have the teams go into the break on level terms.

The island side were next on the score sheet thanks to Whalley's second of the match.

Wallen then made it three from the penalty spot after attacker Andy Alford had been brought down in the D by the opposition's keeper and Simon Beck made it 4-1.

The South Premier League Division Two side clawed one back at a short corner before Whalley, on another breakaway move, wrapped up his hat-trick.

On reflection, though, Wallen felt his side could have played better.

'Our breakaway hockey was very impressive but we gave the ball away cheaply on too many occasions,' he said.

'It was a game that we should have controlled but didn't. Although we never looked like losing, against stronger opposition we would have struggled.'

Guernsey now travel to Sittingbourne in Kent to take on Gore Court on Sunday 18 November.

'I know absolutely nothing about them,' said Wallen about his team's South Premier B League opponents.

'It's a shame that we've been drawn away again. Getting the red eye is quite tiring and I know a few of the players are definitely away for the 18th.

'We'll give the youngsters another game.'