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FA Cup fever is about to descend on Victoria Park

Tomorrow marks another milestone moment in the short history of Victoria Park as Guernsey’s new home of football hosts its first FA Cup tie when the Green Lions welcome Bedfont Sports in the extra-preliminary round.

GFC training this week ahead of making their long-awaited FA Cup return.
GFC training this week ahead of making their long-awaited FA Cup return. / Guernsey Press/Tony Curr

The club are returning to the competition after a nine-year sabbatical and manager Tony Vance reported that it has ‘added to the buzz’ within the squad during pre-season.

‘We’ve talked about the game-changer of being here [Victoria Park] and another reason is we’re able to go into competitions like this and the FA Vase or FA Trophy, whatever level we’re at,’ he said.

‘This venue and the way we can sustain the club now allows us to compete in this iconic tournament.

‘It’s exciting and, thinking about it, Matty [Loaring] and Ross [Allen] and Doddie are probably the only players who have experienced the FA Cup before.

‘Everyone who loves football and has watched Match of the Day has watched those those moments where you’ve got the tin foil FA Cups and stuff like that, and it’s real now for these people.

'So it’s a new breed of supporters, if you like, new youngsters that are able to experience the FA Cup as well as the players.

‘Of course, we’re in the very early rounds and anything can happen.

‘We’ve got a fairly tough draw. It’s great that we’re home, but we’re playing a team who are one league above us, so we’re going to have to be at our best.’

Guernsey FC against Bedfont Sports kicks off at 2pm tomorrow.

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