Whalley in a race to be fit

ANDY WHALLEY is optimistic he will win his fitness battle to play a role in Sunday's EH Trophy quarter-final at Footes Lane.

Guernsey's outstanding player-coach hobbled off the pitch last weekend when playing a league match for Casuals and his osteopath has diagnosed the problem area being his back and hips rather than his hamstring.

'I feel like I'm recovering,' said Whalley. 'I'm trying to get there, I'm getting movement back in my back and joints, so I am hopeful at this stage.'

With Guernsey being at home for Sunday's tie with holders Gateshead, it allows Whalley to make a decision on his fitness as late as possible and yesterday he admitted that the squad will probably not be finalised until match-day itself.