U18s start off with tough test in the Stranger Cup

The squad met for their first training session since the GFA announced the new management last night ahead of tonight’s clash against North.

Speaking yesterday, Meakin said he was looking forward to making a start with the U18s.

‘It’s all happened really quickly, so we have put a squad together and we are looking forward to getting started with them all,’ he said.

‘It doesn’t get much tougher than facing North, but facing the top teams is exactly what we want. We want to have as many difficult games as possible in the lead up to the Muratti.’

Meakin added that getting in as many competitive games as possible with the U18s was the priority in their Stranger Cup campaign.

‘Success in the cup for us means getting as many games as we can and as far as we can,’ said Meakin.

‘We would like to get out of the group stage for sure.’

Away from the Under 18s, Meakin’s St Martin’s side started their Stranger Cup campaign with a convincing 7-0 win over Belgrave Wanderers on Tuesday night.

‘It was a good performance all round, we could have been more clinical at times, but it was a comfortable win,’ said Meakin.

A hat-trick from Cal Le Lacheur, a brace for Lucas Meza and a goal each for Tito Guimaraes and Tom Solway secured victory.

Saints were without a goalkeeper on Tuesday night with George Mason and Simon Geall both playing a half in goal.

‘We have three goalkeepers – Seb [Sheppard], Jason Martin and Max Wall. It’s difficult now because we are juggling two teams as Max is involved with the U18s so was not eligible on Tuesday night,’ said Meakin.

‘Seb looks like he will be playing a bit more for GFC as I believe Josh [Addison] has taken a knock so he will be playing more with GFC in the immediate future so we were protecting him for that. Jason was working, but hopefully by Tuesday we will have that sorted,’ said Meakin.

Saints will be back in Priaulx League action on Tuesday night as they look to continue their unbeaten run at Northfield.

Vale Rec start their defence of the Stranger Cup tonight as they face Rovers at the Corbet Field in Group B, kick off 7.30pm. North host the Island U18s at the same time across Grand Fort Road.

Sylvans entertain Rangers tomorrow afternoon at St Peter’s in this weekend’s other Stranger Cup match, which kicks off at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Offshore Commercial Guernsey FA Cup first round belatedly gets under way tomorrow when Bels face CF Independant at the Track at 2pm. Last weekend’s FA Cup fixtures were all postponed due to waterlogged pitches.