Maya’s ready for step up

A year after she became the first girl to appear in the Star Trophy, the St Martin’s midfield general will do likewise at U16 level after being named in the 16-strong squad for the Nigel Gavey Memorial Trophy match against Jersey at Springfield.

Coach Colin Fallaize, who takes charge for the second successive season, after masterminding last year’s 1-0 win, has no doubt at all that Le Tissier will cope with the step up at a level when the physicality also goes up a notch.

‘She is more than capable and physically she is stronger than many of her peers,’ said Fallaize, who confirmed she will have a key role to play in midfield while both he and fellow coach Paul Renton benefit from the use of rolling subs.

A much-changed Guernsey squad also includes last year’s match-winner and then substitute, Charlie Driscoll, who held off a couple of challenges before finishing well by lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper.

Recalling that game, Fallaize said: ‘I used Charlie in two bursts last year and it proved to be effective.’

Callum Le Lacheur, who recently got his first taste of Guernsey FC action in a midweek away game, is also named.

In naming his own squad, Renton said his players had prepared well all season as part of the Jersey FA Link Asset Services Centre of Excellence development programme.

‘Overall I have been pleased with their preparation. They have had a number of in-house games and two fixtures against local U18 sides.

‘I expect Guernsey to be well prepared as usual and set us challenges which our players will need to overcome to win the game.’

SQUADS:

Guernsey: Seb Sheppard, Oscar Leadbeater, Charlie Driscoll, Niall Hainsworth, Joe Welsh, Callum Le Lacheur, Maya Le Tissier, Jake Lowe, Frazer Maginnis, Bradley O’Regan, Lucas Ozanne, Tiago Rodrigues, Callum Scott, Sam Ashplant, Harry De Mouilpied, Curtis Davey.

Jersey: Daniel Medcalf, Ben Huelin, Ben Hamilton, Max Pawley, Toby Ritzema, Kacper Smilek, Tommy Boarer, James Carr, Ryan Marcinko, Thomas Harris, Kushal Frankson, Liam Guille, James Sunley, Daniel Fernandes, Max Corbett, Jan Bentley. Kick-off 2pm.