Guernsey Press

‘Quality group of lads’

CHARLIE PINSARD has hailed the depth in the senior domestic game ahead of Saturday’s FA Inter-League Cup tie at home to the Dorset Premier League.

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Charlie Pinsard in goal for Bels. (Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin, 26352380)

After a decade of big disappointments in the nationwide competition which the Priaulx League won in the pre-GFC days when it was known as the National Systems Cup, the new coach believes he has the armoury to go a long way in the competition, which has reached its last 16 stage.

The quality of player he has had to leave out of the 18-man squad, even with space created by the absence of the likes of Scott Bougourd and Ben Coulter, convinces Pinsard that the local game is in good shape.

‘Stu Roussel has picked up an injury, Dicky Davey has had a good start to the season and Ross Benfield in Alderney is playing well. It just shows the quality of the squad,’ he said.

‘There is a big pool of players to pick from now and this is one of the strongest sides we’ve had in the competition – and the group has got even stronger since winning in Hampshire.’

Asked where he might fit Alderney star Josh Concanen into his line-up, Pinsard said he could play in a variety of positions, as can others.

‘We have got so many versatile players that roles will change within this set-up. It is a nice problem to have. We have a quality group of lads.’

Pinsard says he knows nothing about Saturday’s opposition, who benefited from a first-round walkover. ‘We can’t evaluate then against anyone else, but we must show the same mentality as the first game and improve.’