Integrating youngsters is GFC’s success story
A SEASON that ended with Guernsey FC in 14th in Isthmian South Central with nine wins and the same number of draws – as well as the odd sight of Glenn Le Tissier in goal.
The Green Lions had to overcome many obstacles to complete their campaign, including the loss of goalkeeper Lucas Hanley to injury in the 4-1 defeat away to Hanwell Town on Saturday when, with the Island men’s squad in Alderney for the Muratti semi-final, there was no natural replacement to don the gloves on the bench.
Hanley, who GFC reported was able to go home after being checked over having left the ground by ambulance, took a knock in the process of Hanwell equalising Seb Skillen’s first-half opener. That goal from Sam Saunders plus two from Gareth Chendlik and one from Dernell Wynter saw the host take the three points and a place in the play-offs, despite the valiant efforts of Le Tissier between the sticks.
As for Guernsey FC, manager Tony Vance believes his side actually underachieved during the season, even though they faced many issues over the course of the campaign.
‘I wanted to finish higher and we were probably one or two results away from being really satisfied, especially given the logistical problems we have faced – all the midweeks, and our late start to the season,’ he said.
‘Eight away games in a row put a significant strain on resources.
‘And it has been a transitional season which has seen a number of teenagers integrated and that has definitely been a major success.
‘It’s probably about the third transition we’ve had, and bringing in youngsters and seeing them make an impact is really refreshing, not only for ourselves as coaches, but also for the senior players.’
