Loaring set for 400th appearance as GFC host ex-Liverpool winger

While Ross Allen goes into the clash needing just one more goal to reach 300 for the club, record-appearance holder Matt Loaring will rack up his 400th GFC game with manager Tony Vance believing his midfielder is arguably at the peak of his powers.

‘400 games is incredibly impressive and huge kudos to him for that – but also his family and his employers as well, because they are a big part of it and let’s not forget those in the background,’ Vance said.

‘To get to that number requires incredible staying power, incredible resilience, as well as ability and drive.

‘I have said it before, but the thing I respect most about Matty is he has reinvented himself a few times because he has had setbacks that I and other coaches have basically inflicted upon him in the past when tactics have dictated that he has missed out – but I’m man enough to admit we got them wrong.

‘He is now playing some of his best football and making more consistent contributions to the game than I’ve seen before.

‘He really is a leader, in and out of possession, has an excellent understanding of the game and he has still got a few years left in him if he wants – you have only got to look at his numbers in terms of GPS stats as well as goals, assists and chances created to see that, because he is always near the top.’

While Loaring deserves his moment in the limelight today, GFC face another important game and they are set to come up against a 28-year-old opponent who has 119 Premier League games under his belt.

Jordon Ibe made a name for himself at Liverpool before moving to AFC Bournemouth in 2016 for a then-club record fee of £15m.

He subsequently had spells at Derby County and then in Turkey before taking time away from the game.

Ibe joined National League club Ebbsfleet last season and signed for Hayes & Yeading last month.

He scored in their 3-2 win over Hartley Wintney last week.

‘I have not come up with anything to deal with him specifically – but what have they come up with to deal with Jacques Cauvin and Fin Du Port?’ said Vance wryly.

‘It’s ridiculous isn’t it that we are coming up against someone like that – but it sums up the surreal nature of non-league football. We have moved a player on [via Bristol City] to Bournemouth while Hayes & Yeading have brought one in – that’s the reality of it.

‘They are another team who shouldn’t be in this division, but we have shown we can compete against these teams and we just have to focus on us and our very different project.’

Guernsey FC v Hayes & Yeading United kicks off at 2pm today at Footes Lane.