GFC defenders need an ‘Ansah’ to striker threat
HERNE BAY boss Ben Smith told Kent Online sport this week that everything will be in GFC’s favour when the two sides meet at Footes Lane today.
Despite his team surprisingly losing at Ashford last weekend, Smith’s side are seventh in Isthmian South East and level on points with Sevenoaks, who occupy the fifth and final play-off spot.
‘It’s a difficult place to play [Footes Lane] because everything is in their favour and we’re expecting a tough test from a good footballing side,’ he said while praising his own side to the nines.
‘They have been outstanding recently and performing well above expectation, so we don’t dwell on the loss, we move forward.
‘All of the positives that we have been talking about are still relevant and our league position is better than what we hoped for at this stage of the season.’
Herne Bay’s main man is striker Zak Ansah, who lies joint second in the Isthmian South East division’s scoring charts with 16 to his name.
The English-born Ghananian, now 25, was once on Arsenal’s books and as an 18-year-old was named as a substitute for the Gunners’ Champions League group stage match against Olympiacos.
His career at Arsenal went downhill after suffering a tear of his ACL in July 2013 that ruled him out for eight months, the second time he had suffered the injury.
He then joined Charlton Athletic on a two-year deal, before moving to Plymouth Argyle where he scored on his debut.
His knee issues returned at National League side Woking but since moving to a lower rung on the ladder, first with Hythe Town and now Herne Bay, he is showing the goalscoring form which won him England representation at U16 and U17 levels.
Tony Vance knows all too well his defenders will have to keep a tight rein on Ansah.
‘He’s got a good pedigree and scored goals against us before. He’s quick, a good finisher and plays on the shoulder of defenders. We’ve got to be wary of it.’
The bad news for the Green Lions is that both Charlton Gauvain and Kez Mahon picked up knee injuries in last week’s home defeat and will be out today.
The prognosis on both men is unclear as the GFC medical team wait for the swelling to go down on their damaged knees.
On the plus side, Will Fazakerley and Thomas Dodds are close to returning and the latter is most likely to be available next weekend.
It was at the away game at Herne that Fazakerley dislocated his shoulder, a disappointing day all round for GFC. ‘We didn’t play well,’ said Vance.
In the meantime, Seb Skillen and Steve Renouf return to the squad.
Vance laments the loss of Gauvain so soon after Alex Scott heading off to Bristol City.
‘It doesn’t help us with the creativity but we might have to look at different solutions. It is not ideal, but injuries are part and parcel of the game.’
SQUAD
Cal Stanton, Keanu Marsh, Jamie Dodd (captain), Tom Strawbridge, Frank Tobin, Harry Tobin, Louis Graham, Tyler McKane, Tom de la Mare, Liam Mahon, Carlos Canha, Steve Renouf, Seb Skillen, Matt Loaring, Ross Allen and Robbie Legg.
Kick-off is at 2pm.
