Jersey born-and-bred former professional Brett Pitman has already scored six goals in six games for Midhurst & Easebourne, who he signed for in the summer having made his name initially at AFC Bournemouth who he joined in 2005 after scoring four goals against them for the Island U18s while a youth player with St Paul’s.
His pro career also took Pitman to Bristol City, Ipswich Town and Portsmouth among other clubs, but now at the age of 38 he is in line to face Guernsey FC this afternoon.
‘This is probably one game he has been really looking forward to,’ said GFC manager Tony Vance.
‘No-one can take away from him the career he has had by moving across the Channel. He has got everything and more out of the game, so credit to him for that.
‘He has been playing for this team this season – which is a bit of a shock, to be honest – and he has been scoring goals, so he is a threat, he is a concern and we would be mugs not to acknowledge that and it highlights we have to be on our game.’
Midhurst have won two and lost one of their three league games so far, as well as winning their opening games in the FA Cup and FA Vase, although they have since been knocked out of the former.
‘We want this game to be about us as well, but with the signings they have made, you would have thought they are going to be in the mix,’ Vance said.
‘They beat Roffey 3-0 and that result in itself proves we have to be wary of the opposition and very respectful of them.
‘They have been very active in their recruitment this year and this is going to be a difficult game for us, but we are at home and while we have some big players missing, we need to play on the front foot.’
Jacob Fallaize and Sam Murray remain among the absentees and have now been joined by Josh Addison, who suffered a broken finger and knuckle in last week’s hard-fought win at Roffey, which took GFC to second in the table, level on points with leaders Eastbourne United.
Also unavailable are Dylan Graham and George Goubert.
‘To have those players in this conversation shows how far they have come. They are exciting and they bring different dynamics to our team. They get us up the pitch and they play with youthful naivety, so we are definitely gointo to miss them.’
The Green Lions will have Will Fazakerley and Niall Hainsworth back, though, after they missed the rearranged trip to Roffey.
Guernsey FC against Midhurst & Easebourne kicks off at 1.30pm today at Victoria Park.
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