U18s eyeing silverware as Sylvans await at the Track

The Junior Island side saw off Vale Rec and Priaulx League champions St Martin’s to top Group B while Sylvans emerged as winners in Group C after beating Manzur and Bels.

‘Obviously we’re expecting a tough game, I know Sylvans quite well and I like what Martyn De Garis is doing over there and the way he’s trying to play, so I am definitely expecting an entertaining game of football,’ said Mackay ahead of the clash.

‘They are a very good side and it is going to be difficult for us,’ he added.

‘The Track is quite a big pitch so it will be an interesting game, both teams will probably be able to have good spells with the ball. I’m not sure what the conditions will be like but hopefully it’s calm and dry – if it’s wet and windy it will be a bit different but I think it will be a decent game of football.’

The U18s will be without Fin Du Port due to Covid while Ben Acey is also unavailable as he is having his wisdom teeth removed.

Meanwhile, Sylvans come into the game off the back of a vital 4-1 victory against Alderney on Saturday.

‘It’s going to be tough, the U18s are a really good side and play some really nice football, they are coached well too, so we are going to have to be at our best to break them down and go on and win,’ said de Garis.

Sylvans rode their luck in the first half of the Alderney fixture, as Nick Batiste saved a penalty to keep the score at 0-0 going into the break.

The hosts capitalised in the second period and took the lead, although Alderney soon responded to level the scoring.

The introduction of Tim Ap Sion would swing the momentum back in Sylvans’ favour, as the youngster was brought down in the 18-yard box and won his side a penalty, which Euan Melrose converted to reinstate their lead.

Ap Sion continued to make the difference for De Garis’ side throughout the second half, as he set up Simon Arnold who would make it 3-1, before Euan Melrose struck from long range to make it four and seal a crucial three points for Sylvans.

‘The goals have definitely given us confidence going forward and there were really good cameo performances from Tim Ap Sion and Freddie Walker. We scored some really nice goals too,’ said the head coach.

‘They had their chances but I thought we defended quite well, Nick Batiste was outstanding again.

‘Miles Hardill and Louis Falla will be out for Tuesday’s game, Tiago Rodrigues as well.

‘Hopefully Tomos Ap Sion and Harvey Lihou will be back, we’re just waiting on fitness tests to come back for those two,’ added de Garis

Elsewhere in Stranger Cup action this week, Group A winners Rovers play against Group A runners-up North tomorrow evening at Blanche Pierre Lane, as Jose Alvarez’s side finished as the best second-placed side to claim the final spot in the last four of the competition.

Rovers beat North 3-0 in the group stages of the competition to secure automatic semi-final qualification, although Kevin Gillease’s men lost 2-0 to their Stranger opponents in the league earlier this month.

Stranger Cup semi-finals (7.30pm)

Tonight – Sylvans v Island U18s at the Track

Tomorrow – Northerners v Rovers at Blanche Pierre Lane