GFC pleased to take a point at Uxbridge

The result means that Tony Vance’s men move a point clear of Ashford Town into 15th, although another win at the weekend for Merstham means that the gap to the relegation play-off spots is now just three points.

‘We are really pleased with a point, especially since Uxbridge were on a high after scoring six in midweek, but we have to keep pushing,’ said Vance following the game.

Matt Loaring and top scorer Ross Allen were rested for the away fixture, but the returns of Tom Dodds, Will Fazakerley and skipper Jamie Dodd meant that the Green Lions boasted one of their strongest squads on the road this season.

Charlton Gauvain also made the starting XI for the first time this campaign after returning from injury, and it was the attacking midfielder who had the first notable chance of the game, firing over the bar with a half-volley from inside the box.

Brandon Wallace looked a constant threat during the first-half from his new left wing-back role, and he also had a good opportunity to make it 1-0, with the ball coming all the way across the box onto his favoured left foot, but his effort went just wide of the post.

Uxbridge looked the more comfortable side in possession during the first period but struggled to create chances, as the back three of Fallaize, Dodd and Tom Vaudin held firm to ensure it was goalless at the break.

The home team had their best chance to open the scoring just minutes after the restart, as forward Alex Witham skipped past two Guernsey defenders before shooting from inside the box, but goalkeeper Josh Addison made an impressive stop to deny his powerful effort.

GFC soon made Uxbridge pay for their missed chance, as Dave Merris’ inswinging corner found its way to the back stick, where centre-half Jacob Fallaize connected with a beautifully-timed right-foot volley and put the ball into the back of the net.

The Green Lions’ lead would only last five minutes, though, as Joe Jackson got on the end of a corner at the other end to slot home, making it 1-1 in the 67th minute.

Uxbridge had their tails up after equalising, putting the visitors under a mountain of pressure during the last 20 minutes, and top-scorer Anthony Mendy looked set to find the winner for his team before Fallaize made a last-ditch recovery.

Mendy had one more late chance to hand his side all three points but sent the ball out of the stadium with his strike, and the Green Lions held firm to take home a valuable point.

‘Our whole team contributed – the backline were very solid, Charlton played well on his full return, Brandon Wallace had a great game, and everybody did their job,’ said Vance.

‘I took a bit of a risk resting Ross and Matt, but they needed a chance to freshen up and in the end it worked out very well.

‘Depth is what we need over the next few weeks and ultimately there will always be some people left frustrated.

‘It’s so important we use the whole group, especially after such a tough couple of months.

‘The guys who were fighting when we were really on the canvas deserve a bit of a rest now but we are still not out of the woods and need to keep picking up results.

‘Merstham are finding some real form, which is frustrating, but Ashford have now been dragged into it as well.

‘The main thing for us is that we get a few more wins on the board, and we will do that by focusing on ourselves and fighting for everything.’

Guernsey FC are at home to Chipstead this coming Saturday.