Pride at stake among past and present Lions

In a landmark match that will kick-start Guernsey FC’s upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations in 2021, the GFC Originals will take on the GFC Newcomers in front of what promises to be a large crowd at Footes Lane and Tony Vance does not expect anyone to take it lightly, despite it being the season of goodwill.

‘I think it will be a challenging, competitive game. I know for a fact both groups are desperately keen to put one over on the other team,’ said Vance, who is managing the Originals along with Colin Fallaize while Steve Sharman and Stew Moyles look after the Newcomers.

‘There is lots of banter flying around, they are all winding each other up and it should be fun. I think there are a few friendly wagers on the match, too.’

All of the GFC XI who played in the club’s first competitive league fixture against Knaphill in August 2011 are in Vance’s squad, including the likes of Chris Tardif, Alex Le Prevost and Ross Allen.

But the fact that the majority of the Originals are still turning out regularly in domestic football suggests this contest is hard to call.

Vance reported that preparations have been going well and included a 4-4 draw with the Island Under-18s on the KGV 3G.

‘When the old boys played the Under-18s, it was a joy to watch. They are just so in tune with each other that even though some of them might not have played together for a number of years now, it was virtually instantaneous the way they gelled again.

‘In true GFC and Vance style, we were 4-2 up with a few minutes to go and gave away two goals trying to play out from the back.

‘In fairness, I was expecting a few people to last only 10-15 minutes at that pace, but they surprised me. I think adrenalin got them through.

‘Playing against the likes of Charlton Gauvain and Liam Mahon on Footes Lane, though, we are going to have to be tactically astute – I need to use my substitutions wisely.

‘But we have some good players and with the likes of Ross Allen, Jamie Dodd, Kez Mahon and Dave Rihoy playing for us, taking them out of the current GFC group, it’s a win-win for us.’

Tickets for the game have been selling well as GFC fans look set to make the most of a rare opportunity to see their favourites in action at Footes Lane this year.

‘There is a lot of interest,’ said Vance.

The match kicks off at 2pm on Sunday.