Guernsey clear first hurdle in their national KO campaign
Guernsey have made a New Year resolution to go as far as they can in the EH Women’s Tier Three Championship having cleared their first obstacle on Saturday.
Bex Hubbard’s side fought back from conceding a goal within the opening 90 seconds to deservedly beat Ashford 4-2 at Footes Lane with two goals from Mali Smith and one each for Amy Sharpe and Katherine Bushell.
‘Overall, we thought the middle part of the game was really strong – we played really well,’ said Guernsey captain Tash Symes.
‘Obviously the first 10 minutes or so they got a quick goal in and caught us off guard a bit. In the last 10 minutes, with a bit of a game management, I think we let ourselves down. But lots of really good take-aways in between that – a strong sort of 50 minutes in between.
‘So, all in all, relatively happy, but we definitely think we can do better, so happy we’ve got another round to have another crack.’
Symes added that it is important for the Island squad to know they have the next tie to focus on after Christmas.
‘For the last couple of years we’ve made the first two or three rounds,’ she said.
‘I think this year we’ve got strength on the bench, so I think we’re all pretty confident in going through.
‘Now it’s just a case of hopefully staying injury-free and keeping the squad together. Obviously we want to go all the way because we’re quite competitive, so we’re going to work hard and see if we can make it.’
Later in the day, Guernsey men won 3-2 away at Sutton Coldfield in the EH Tier Two Championship.
• Match report in Monday's Guernsey Press
