Gauvain returns – Tobin banned

Back in early December GFC won 3-2 at The Oakwood, Matt Loaring cooly slotting home a stoppage time penalty in grabbing a brace, that day, but winning in front of their own crowd has proved a big problem for Tony Vance’s men this season.

‘It’s been a real disappointment for us this season,’ he admitted.

‘If we hadn’t had that [issue] we wouldn’t be where we are now.

‘I’m not going to shy away from the fact that [the position] is a worry. We just haven’t been good enough at home.’

VCD Athletic, who sit eighth in the Bostik South East League table, eight places and 12 points ahead of GFC, have won more away games than Vance’s men have achieved at home, five to three on that score.

Charlton Gauvain also netted at The Oakwood and the good news is that the 18-year-old Bristol City trialist is back in the 16-man squad.

‘’Fal’ has been doing some work with him the last three weeks and he has told me that Charlton is ready to play. He trained with us twice this week,’ so he’s in.

‘Having him and Kez Mahon back makes up for the loss of Frank Tobin probably.’

Tobin is suspended after his sending off in the last home game, but he won’t go without a game today as he is in the Manzur squad to play Sylvans in the FNB Priaulx league, as is, once again, Craig Young, who is nearing full fitness.

Jamie Dodd, who was 30 earlier this week, will lead the side out and his coach has paid tribute to his influence, which will be vital in Tobin’s absence.

‘He is loving it and been inspirational with the youngsters. He’s been our ‘’silverback’’.

Dodd’s main task today will be to silence the former Brentford striker Charlie McDonald.

GFC squad:

Cal Stanton, Keanu Marsh, Simon Geall, Jamie Dodd, Tom de la Mare, Thomas Dodds, Glyn Dyer, Dave Rihoy, Kieran Mahon, Liam Mahon, Charlton Gauvain, Matt Loaring, Seb Skillen, Paris Pereira, Carlos Canha and Will Fazakerley.