GFC need to summon strength from within
GUERNSEY FC have been boosted by the availability of Jacob Fallaize and Keanu Marsh for today’s crucial home clash with Sutton Common Rovers.
Bottom hosts 17th at Footes Lane with the Green Lions desperate for a win or else they are in danger of becoming cut adrift at the foot of the Isthmian South Central table and the visitors are one of just two sides Tony Vance’s men have beaten this season, following their dramatic late winner on the road in September.
The scorer of that goal, Ross Allen, is now back in the island having been away to Canada over Christmas and could be involved in some capacity this afternoon, too.
‘Jacob is available, although he is not 100%, and Keanu has passed the FA protocols to be able to return,’ said GFC manager Vance on the two defenders who went off injured during last weekend’s home defeat to Thatcham Town.
‘Ross has returned to training after a lengthy absence, but he is probably about a week away from fitness,’ he added.
The Green Lions, who will be without the suspended Kieran Mahon, are still looking for their first home win of the campaign and have lost their last four, but Sutton Common Rovers are currently on a worse run, having lost nine in a row.
Vance is under no illusions as to the importance of this encounter.
‘Last week’s dismal loss has made it even more important than what it already was and on the scale of importance it was high,’ he said.
‘I just worry about us, and when I say that, I do worry about us. We have been really poor and something’s got to change.
‘Unfortunately, the situation is so difficult [due to the injury problems] that we’re not able to work on anything constructive. We have not been able to put anything together that has been good enough to justify the level of football we are playing at – and that’s my single biggest frustration.
‘What we are actually looking for is some inner strength and a mentality to come from within because our preparation is not at the level it needs to be at.
‘There is an element of hope because it is certainly not as if people have not been trying, but there’s trying and then there’s doing the right things, which is the combination that needs to happen.’
n Guernsey FC v Sutton Common Rovers kicks off at 1pm today at Footes Lane.
