Reality check for the Lions
AFTER their triumphant homecoming last week, Guernsey FC got a reminder of the tough task they face this season, slipping to a 3-0 defeat at Chipstead in their first away league game since the pandemic.
‘They’re probably 10-plus games into the season, this is our second – we are off the pace, absolutely,’ said manager Tony Vance after seeing his side struggle to make a big impact against their optimistic opponents.
The hosts, who climbed to seventh in the Isthmian South Central after the win, went in 2-0 up at the break, with GFC goalkeeper James Walker – on short-term loan from Bristol City – taken off at half-time with a head injury before going to hospital to be checked over.
Whether the Green Lions will be able to call on the youngster again in the next few weeks remains to be seen, Jordan Kelly stepping in confidently but unable to stop Chipstead adding a third in the second-half.
Charlton Gauvain produced Guernsey’s best moments going forward, coming within inches of halving the deficit after the break, but finding his path to a simple goal blocked well on the line by a battling defender.
Ross Allen, always Guernsey’s go-to man up front, could not build on his Footes Lane brace and hampered somewhat by a hip complaint, he was subbed off midway through the second half, presumably with one eye on the trio of home clashes to come.
