GUERNSEY FC 3 STEYNING TOWN 2
Attendance 911
Well where do you start on yesterday‘s game. First of all we had a fantastic day and were looked after incredibly by our hosts at Guernsey FC who have a fantastic facility full of great volunteers. A big thanks to Dave Rowland for arranging everything behind the scenes.
As for the game it’s hard not to be walking away feeling like we should’ve had at least a point, if not three from this top of the table clash.
Over the course of the afternoon Steyning’s chances ran well in to double figures but we only scored two goals whereas Our hosts had probably four chances and scored three goals.
On top of this add in a missed penalty, a shot that came back off the wheel arch of the goal so it was over the line, a late and contentious disallowed goal, a red card for the hosts that saw an outfield player going goal, it gave everyone more than enough to dissect in the bar afterwards.
That said some days you get the rub of the green and some days you don’t. We’ve had days recently where we’ve probably had victories that could’ve easily been draws or defeats so you just have to accept yesterday was just one of those days and these things even themselves out over the course of the season.
For the supporters it was a hugely entertaining game between two sides at the top of the table and everyone who attended the match will go home feeling that they’ve seen a proper game.
The hosts had raced into a two goal lead in the first half before being pegged back by Alex Brewer‘s goal shortly before halftime. Before Brewers goal he had in fact scored another goal that came back off the wheel arch inside the goal but incredibly, despite protests, neither the ref nor his assistants spotted this.
In the second half Steyning were camped in the opposition half for long periods looking to force the equaliser. However, they were caught on the break and conceded a sloppy goal to go 3-1 down. A well taken goal one must add. Most people thought that might have been it. However, the last 20 minutes was nothing but crazy.
Soon afterwards, Harry Heath was pulled down as he went through on goal meaning a straight red for the Guernsey keeper and an outfield player going in goal. Shortly after this, a penalty was awarded and the reliable Stan Bridgman stepped up but blazed it over the bar.
Next Marcus Allen pulled a goal back for Steyning, side footing home from close in. Then a very controversial moment as Harry Heath followed up a shot from outside the box the poke home the equaliser, or so we thought. However it was not to be as a linesman deemed him to be offside, and talking to fans after on both sides the general opinion was he was well onside. There were a number of other of chances that came and went in the final few frenetic minutes but ultimately Town could not find the equaliser they deserved and the hosts held out for a valuable three points.
It was time to take a breath. If only football was that entertaining all the time. The magical 18 game run is over and it’s time to go again.
Thanks to all the supporters who came over. The island made everyone very welcome and the bars in St Peter Port were rammed as everyone enjoyed a night out. Thankyou Guernsey. You didn’t disappoint despite the result. Well played to the team, you did us proud as always.
Line-Up: 1 Bromage 2 Blencowe 3 Honore 4 Finn DY 5 Lats 6 Allen 7 Plummer 8 Worrall 9 Brewer 10 Jarvis 11 Heath
Bench: 12 Freeman 14 Rance 15 Dowdell 16 Bridgman 17 Hoarty
