‘Relief’ as Green Lions finally get some reward
A thrilling second-half comeback meant Guernsey FC picked up their first point in over two months on Saturday afternoon with a 4-4 draw at Hanworth Villa.
The Green Lions came into the clash looking to avoid setting a new record at the club for most consecutive defeats, and Tony Vance’s men put in a spirited display to claim a draw in stoppage time after going 3-0 down in the first half.
‘The main word to describe how we’re feeling is relief,’ said Vance.
‘I am so pleased for the players, they have deserved something positive for many games now.
‘Of course it’s only a draw but after going down like that it really does feel like a moral victory for everyone.’
Listen: Harry Jones joined this week's Guernsey Press Football Podcast to talk through an extraordinary game
Hanworth Villa got off to a flyer in Saturday’s affair as Kyen Nicholas chipped Josh Addison within the first 10 minutes to give his side the lead and the forward doubled his tally midway through the first period by turning home from a cross.
Sam Merson, son of former Arsenal striker Paul Merson, then made it three with a wonder goal, as his volley from all of 35 yards went over Addison and into the back of the net.
The Green Lions seemed to be down and out already, until Matt Loaring gave his team hope by getting on the end of Sam Murray’s cutback to find the roof of the net with just moments to go in the first half.
Guernsey were the better side after the restart, and Dave Merris scored his first goal for the club with a 30-yard screamer to make it 3-2.
Hanworth Villa were not finished at the other end, though, as a moment of genius from Merson saw him score a free-kick from long-range.
Guernsey seemed to be staring in the face of yet another loss on the road, but Ryan-Zico Black reduced the deficit again to give his team hope.
The Green Lions then won a penalty in injury time and Loaring made no mistake from 12 yards, slotting into the bottom-left corner.
‘We always looked like conceding on Saturday but I always felt we had a goal in us because they were weak at the back, so 4-4 was probably about the right result,’ said Vance.
‘Getting that goal back before half-time was key – the momentum swing was so important and it was crucial that we grabbed it.
‘Matt Loaring has been a proper leader this season and yet again his levels were high.
‘Doddy was also excellent – he led really well, too.
‘There’s elements of our game we’re looking to improve on significantly and I think we showed glimpses of quality that need to be developed further.
‘I am always realistic and will never let myself get carried away, but we hope this is something to build on.
‘There’s still 30-odd games to go and we have to grab this opportunity now, because there is some frustration that we have not done better in terms of our results.’
GFC team
Addison, Hainsworth (Black 69), Dodd, Alvarez, Vaudin, Vance, Merris, Wallbridge (Gauvain 52), Murray, Domaille, Loaring.
