Marlow a measure of Green Lions’ progress
MARLOW can be Guernsey FC’s own barometer today to see just how far the Green Lions have come in three months.
The last time the two sides met, in November, ended in a 6-0 defeat for Tony Vance’s side and the GFC manager yesterday admitted ‘we were lucky it was only six’, but he is not at all daunted by the challenge they face this afternoon when they make their long-awaited return to Footes Lane.
‘There are one of only two teams who have been well and truly better than us, so I am quite excited about playing them again to see if we can get near them this time,’ Vance said of seventh-placed Marlow, who are only three points off the top three in Isthmian South Central.
‘On that night their forward line was dynamic and a class above us, but it was all areas of the pitch where we were second best by a long way. Except for Ross [Allen], we had one of the strongest groups we have taken away for that game, so we had no excuses.
‘We have to stand up to them and face the challenge and that’s what I’m looking forward to seeing us do, hopefully.’
Allen is available for today’s return fixture, which comes three days after his 35th birthday.
‘He has had an amazing career so far and he is in a position where he can carry it on because he does look after himself well and, as we still see, he has outstanding ability,’ said Vance.
While Allen has long been a fans’ favourite at Footes Lane, today the Garenne Stand faithful will get their first sight of young goalkeeper Lucas Hanley, who will make his home debut despite having been a regular in the side for more than a month.
‘It is a game he and his family are looking forward to being involved in. He has done really well for us recently and for Lucas to have that home game experience will be great for him,’ the GFC manager said.
GFC will be without both Ben Acey and Keene Domaille, however, as they are on Junior Muratti duty this weekend.
‘At the end of the day, when your island calls that has to come first,’ added Vance, whose son Seb will captain that Guernsey U18 side in Jersey tomorrow.
Guernsey FC v. Marlow kicks off at 2pm today at Footes Lane.
Guernsey FC squad
Hanley, Kelly, Marsh, McKane, Dodd, Fallaize, Le Tocq, Jackson, K Mahon, Gauvain, Loaring, Allen, Rihoy, Fazakerley, Skillen, Le Tissier.
