Goalkeeper's heroics keep Greens at bay

AN INSPIRED performance from the Gateshead goalkeeper saw Guernsey's EH Trophy hopes crash at the final hurdle with an agonizing 2-1 defeat.

Despite the Sarnians dominating large periods of the national final in Cannock, they could not find a way past the man between the sticks, who made numerous saves to prevent Andy Dawson-Ball's early opener being added to.

Guernsey, the cup winners in 2009, had got off to a perfect start when Dawson-Ball gave them a fifth-minute lead, but they went in level at half-time after conceding through Gary Grant on 17min.

And when Mike White gave Gateshead a 40th-minute lead, that was enough to secure them the silverware, leaving Guernsey captain Matt Watson frustrated.