Guernsey Press

Late push cannot conjure a leveller

GUERNSEY FC are still waiting for their first win of 2022.

Published
Guernsey FC striker Ross Allen tries to beat a Westfield opponent. (Picture by ESA Photos, 30445630)

The Green Lions put in a battling performance at Westfield on Saturday afternoon, but they went down to the solitary goal of the game to make it back-to-back Isthmian South Central defeats in the space of four days.

Tony Vance made five changes from his starting line-up against Binfield, with the expected returns to the XI for goalkeeper Callum Stanton, Charlton Gauvain and teenager Ben Acey, fresh from his successful trial at Bristol City.

Keanu Marsh and Ben Le Tocq also came into the side.

However, GFC were forced into an early change as the injured Thomas Dodds was replaced midway through the first half by Tom Jackson.

Ten minutes later, the Green Lions found themselves trailing as Salhin Abubakar fired into the roof of the net after good pressing from Westfield to dispossess GFC deep in their own half.

Ross Allen had the ball in the net at the other end shortly afterwards, but the offside flag had been raised and it remained 1-0 until half time.

GFC improved after the interval and pushed for an equaliser in the last quarter-of-an-hour with substitute Dave Rihoy forcing a save out of Westfield goalkeeper Callum Backhurst, Acey’s brilliant cross evading everybody and Jacob Fallaize having a header well held all in the space of three minutes.

But the visitors were unable to conjure a goal as the hosts held on to take all three points.