Guernsey Press

Austen set for Green Lions debut

ANT AUSTEN could make his Guernsey FC debut tonight in a daunting trip to Ryman South promotion chasers Dorking Wanderers.

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While the Green Lions have little left to play for this season, Dorking are in second place and looking for the win that would confirm a home play-off semi-final in a week's time.

They will face a GFC side with three 16-year-olds – Robbie Legg, Jacob Fallaize and Seb Smeed – all in the 14-man squad, as well as back-up goalkeeper Leroi Riley.

Chris Tardif, Dave Rihoy, Dom Heaume, Guille Fernandez, Tom Strawbridge and Marc McGrath are among those unavailable to travel, which has opened the door for Austen.

The Bels midfielder has been training for several weeks with the Lions and manager Tony Vance is delighted to give him the chance to make his bow tonight.

'Ant has been extremely committed to GFC training, while maintaining the same commitment to Bels, which has been fantastic to see,' he said.

'He has earned his chance and certainly hasn't looked out of place in training at all. He is a very good player who I rate highly and will do a good job for us.

'This is a very tough test for us because we are playing a side who are flying and have thrown huge money at their promotion bid, which is what we have to contend with in this league.'

Tonight's match kicks off at 7.45pm.

GFC squad: Riley, Geall, Cochrane, Le Prevost, Dodd, Martin, Fallaize, Black, Dyer, Austen, Loaring, Smeed, Legg, Allen.

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