Domaille strikes twice to send North into FA Cup final

Jose Alvarez’s side were unbeaten in 11 coming into the fixture and second-half strikes from Guernsey FC forward Keene Domaille were enough to ensure they extended their run.

North were the brighter of the two teams in the opening exchanges at Blanche Pierre Lane, as Sam Murray went close on the quarter-of-the hour-mark before George McNeela’s effort from the edge of the box hit the crossbar.

Stuart Simon’s men began to grow into the game midway through the first period, as they tested Josh Addison’s goal on a number of occasions.

Brent Marquand’s attempt from close range forced a last-ditch intervention from Tom Vaudin and the resulting corner led to Brandon Wallace having to clear off the line to keep the score at 0-0.

Bels continued to provide a tough test to one of Guernsey’s form sides and were unlucky not to go into the break with a lead, but eight minutes after the restart teenager Domaille left Simon’s side ruing their missed opportunities as he made it 1-0 North with a tidy finish.

Wanderers were not out of it yet, though, as Jack Domaille went near to levelling in the 68th minute as he had a free header at the back post, but Addison kept his effort out.

Steve Renouf was next to force a stop out of North’s number one, as he was played through on goal before being denied by Addison with a smart stop down to his left.

Proceedings began to turn sour in the final 10 minutes at Blanche Pierre Lane, as Domaille scored his second goal of the evening to double North’s advantage in controversial circumstances.

Bels believed there was a foul in the build-up to Domaille’s strike, although the referee waved away the appeals and allowed the youngster to go through and seal a major victory for his side.

Following the goal Damien Le Tocq was sent off for his protests.

A further sin-bin for Simon’s side meant they had to play the final few moments with just nine men on the pitch, and North managed to see home their advantage and secure qualification to the Guernsey FA Cup final.

Bels coach Simon felt his side had opportunities to win the game themselves.

‘The youngsters who have stepped up into the squad have done really well and it’s great that they’re showing their worth and playing their part,’ he said, adding that Jack Welsh ‘looks a real talent’.

‘The more experienced guys all did their jobs well, too, it was a proper collective effort and we were unlucky.

‘Keene Domaille was the difference, he’s got absolutely everything and is a real quality player.

‘Apart from that we were very even and I think we could have easily taken it to extra time.’

North will also compete in the final of the Stranger Cup, as they take on the Guernsey U18s next Tuesday at BPL.

They will play the winners of Rovers and St Martin’s in the final of the FA Cup, who meet on the same day as the Stranger final at the Track.