Guernsey Press

Home comforts for GFC on opening day

GUERNSEY FC have been handed a home fixture to begin the 2022-23 Isthmian South Central campaign.

Published
Ross Allen in action for GFC against Thatcham Town at Footes Lane in November 2021. (Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin )

Thatcham Town will be the visitors to Footes Lane on the opening day of the season, Saturday 13 August, with a trip to Sutton Common Rovers coming just four days later for the Green Lions.

‘For as long as I can remember we have started the season away, so it will be important to use the support and hit the ground running with momentum for the rest of the season,’ said GFC manager Tony Vance, whose side drew the corresponding fixture 2-2 last season.

The Green Lions begin their preparations for the new season in earnest this afternoon when they play against Stansfeld in the first of their three pre-season friendlies. The match will now be played at the Corbet Field, kicking off at 3pm.

There are several new faces in the squad for today’s game including Muratti goalkeeper Jason Martin as well as his St Martin’s and Guernsey teammate Jake Lowe.

Others getting a run-out include young centre-backs Tom Vaudin and Ben Solway, prolific Northerners striker Sam Murray, and midfielders Seb Vance and Brandon Wallace.

‘The games will be difficult because we won’t have everyone available, but it’s important to get used to a competitive environment and aim to build up football fitness,’ said Vance.

‘It’s very early on and we don’t usually get a pre-season, so its fantastic to get the option.

‘Teams from the UK usually get nine or 10 so it’s very important we get some games.

‘Having three pre-season games makes the start of this season a completely different ball game to last season, with no excuses.’

Guernsey FC squad to face Stansfeld today at the Corbet Field, 3pm kick-off:

Jason Martin, Tyler McKane, George McNeela, Tom Vaudin, Ben Solway, Joe Alvarez, Jake Lowe, Thomas Dodds, Seb Vance, Brandon Wallace, Kieran Mahon, Liam Mahon, Charlton Gauvain, Glenn Le Tissier, Robbie Legg, Sam Murray, Keene Domaille.

GFC’s first six Isthmian South Central matches in 2022-23 (subject to change)

Saturday 13 August – Thatcham Town (h); Wednesday 17 August – Sutton Common Rovers (a); Saturday 27 August – Southall (a); Monday 29 August – Tooting & Mitcham Utd (h); Saturday 17 September – Leatherhead (h); Tuesday 20 September – Merstham (a).