Following an Easter Monday loss against promotion chasing Kingstonian, Guernsey FC are in need of back to back wins in their final two games, and for the Metropolitan Police to lose their final game of the season, to avoid relegation.
Out of the four sides in the relegation zone currently, GFC are the only side that could swap places with the Met Police, even though Guernsey currently sit below the already relegated Ashford Town.
That is only thanks to a game in hand which offers the Green Lions a slim and thin, but still present, lifeline.
The Easter Monday loss
Guernsey FC slipped up against Kingstonian in Easter Monday’s home game at Victoria Park.
In what was a very close and competitive match, a brace of goals from the visitors within eight minutes of each other, and an injury time knockout blow kept the pressure on the Green Lions.
First conceding in the 32nd minute to a bundled in corner, the visitors wasted no time in doubling their lead with a quick and decisive counter-attack. The final blow wouldn’t arrive for some time though. Guernsey rallied in the meantime, trying to break through the Kingstonian defence, but unfortunately were unsuccessful, with a 93rd minute, injury time goal arriving just before the end.
The 0 – 3 loss at Victoria Park means Kingstonian can continue to push for a potential play off promotion, but it also leaves Guernsey FC with a mathematical challenge to overcome in their efforts to remain in the Isthmian South Central Division for another year.
6 points from safety, 6 points left to fight for
The Metropolitan Police are the only side that can swap places with Guernsey as it stands, and out of the four sides in the relegation zone, Guernsey are the only ones who can escape it.
Five points currently sit between the sides, with the Met Police having only one game left to play.
They can secure their place in the Isthmian League for next season by just winning the game against second bottom side Sutton Common Rovers. However, if the Met Police slip to a draw or loss, the Green lions could use that to their advantage in their fight for survival.
A draw for the Met Police, and Guernsey wins against both Binfield and Harrow Borough would put the sides in an interesting position, with both relegation rivals on the same amount of points. Guernsey would then need to win their remaining two games with a total goal difference of 16 – 0 to remain in their league, or they’ll be destined for the drop due to their points difference.
A more straight forward route to survival for the Green Lions would be by winning both their remaining games, firstly against Binfield this Thursday (24 April, 14:00 kick off), and then against Harrow Borough on Saturday (26 April, 15:00 kick off) AND the Met Police losing their match.
Should the Met Police be successful against already relegated Sutton Common Rovers, Guernsey will likely be playing their football one tier lower in the league’s next season.
With a little luck, and a lot of fighting spirit, the Green Lions could continue taking on the challenge of the Isthmian South Central.
