Jersey stand in way of national cup last four place
Guernsey's eyes are on the prize rather than the opposition when they face an old foe on Sunday.
A place in the semi-finals of the EH Men’s Tier Two Championship is at stake at Footes Lane where the opposition are traditional rivals Jersey, just six days before the inter-insulars at the same venue.
‘The focus for us is not that we are playing Jersey – although that is an exciting and eye-raising draw for the fans – but it is the quarter-final of a national cup that we want to progress in and, ultimately, win,’ said Guernsey head coach Andy Good.
‘The fact that it is against Jersey adds a bit more spice, but it is a cup game and we would be excited for it whoever we were playing.'
Podcast: Listen to a full interview with island men's coach Andy Good on the latest Guernsey Press Sport Podcast
Guernsey have beaten Crawley 4-0 and the University of East Anglia 7-4 to reach the last eight of the competition, while Jersey came through a dramatic tie with Woking, which went to penalties after the game ended 4-4, in the previous round, having beaten Slough 4-2 away from home in their first contest.
‘Obviously, we know Jersey really well and they know us well,’ said Good.
‘With the threat of the Millar brothers, who are very good players, and the likes of Si Hurry, who has played lots of inter-insulars and at a high level, we know they have an experienced and strong side.
‘They got to the semi-finals of this competition last season, so they have pedigree in this knockout like us.’
Guernsey have been forced to make one change to the squad who beat UEA, with Andy Whalley away on England Masters duty.
Steve Eulenkamp returns to the match-day 16 in his place.
‘Training has been really good, intense,’ Good said.
‘We have focused a lot on our attacking play. A strength of ours is scoring goals, we have scored 11 in two games in this competition so far this season, so we are looking for a continuation of that.
‘Tactically we have been looking at some pressing and counter-pressing situations. Defensively we are looking at being a bit stronger, but part of that is keeping the ball better – being a bit more diligent in possession.’
Guernsey will also be without their head coach this weekend as Good is on tour with the Elizabeth College Year 8 hockey team, means Kevin Smith takes the reins.
The Guernsey v Jersey quarter-final starts at midday on Sunday.
Guernsey men’s squad:
Jake Le Marchant, Adie Peacegood, Tom Still, Jonny Clark, Steve Eulenkamp, Alex Bushell, Sam Watson, Zak Damarell, Ant Stokes, Matt Stokes, Tom Cashin, Tim Ravenscroft, Sam Dawes, Sean Donaldson, Josh Kendal, Cameron Rivers-Moore.
