Stags dash the dream of rare win
THE long wait for a win goes on - three months and 15 matches - but the Green Lions were magnificent in grabbing a fifth draw in six Bostik South games last night.
For a short while it seemed an unlikely win might be on the cards, but despite their heroic efforts Tony Vance’s very patched up side could not hold on to a 2-0 lead secured just before half-time.
The Green Lions’ meagre playing resources for the trip to the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub were further hit by the withdrawal of Matt Loaring, but in Glyn Dyer they had an experienced replacement who started in a midfield unit lacking an obvious ball winner.
The Stags were quick out of the traps and had the Green Lions under fierce early pressure, but the visitors stayed firm and 24min. in they took a surprise lead courtesy of central defender Alex Le Prevost.
Ryan-Zico Black saw his initial corner blocked but when it came in via Dyer the ball came out to Le Prevost who crashed it home for his second goal in as many games.
Cal Stanton kept his side ahead with a brilliant reflex save from a bullet header, then GFC went back up the other end and doubled
their advantage.
Black swung over a free-kick from the right and young Charlton Gauvain, who played more than hour for the Island U21s the night before, volleyed in his first ever goal for the club.
GFC’s small band of travelling support and online viewers could scarcely believe it, but with Sammoutis hitting the bar, the away side maintained the lead through to the break and then eight minutes into the second when Sammoutis had better luck: 2-1.
It got worse.
With just over 20min. to go Harry Mills levelled from the spot and from there on The Stags pushed hard for the winner without being able to press home their territorial advantage against a side that utilised U18s Zac Felbabel and Callum Le Lacheur, the latter barely 16.
GFC are back at home on Saturday, playing Sittingbourne.
More to follow
