Guernsey FC played their final matches of the season this weekend. The men faced a must win against Harrow Borough in the bid for fourth tier survival, whilst the ladies had zero pressure in seeing off the Sports Club of Jersey, having already claimed the league title last weekend.
It was an example of the highs of championship celebrations, and the lows of a hard fought, but ultimately unsuccessful, push for survival.
Guernsey FC face their first ever relegation;
Since forming in 2011, the Green Lions have been on a promotion push to make any Islander proud.
Back to back promotions in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons were almost met with a third, when the club tasted how bitter a play off loss can be. Since then they’ve been a stalwart in the Isthmian South Central Division – the fourth step in non-division football, on the way up the English Football pyramid.
They’ve dabbled near the drop before, but have never been demoted. The fashion in which they fought for that survival should be something of pride for the Green Lions, and their faithful following.
Going into a week which saw the prospect of needing back to back wins away from home, the Men’s side delivered on what was asked of them, dispatching Binfield 0 – 2, and then seeing off Harrow Borough 0 – 3.
Sadly their fate was taken out of their hands. Unfortunately, whilst Guernsey were doing everything required of them, the Metropolitan Police scored two late goals in their game, sealing Guernsey’s fate.
It means GFC will be playing in Step Five of the English non-league pyramid next season.
It’s not yet confirmed whether they will return to the Combined Counties League or be placed in another league at that level, however they’re not shying away from the next challenge, and the chase to push from promotion again. In their post match report, a club statement reads;
“The club is devastated to have finally fallen through the trapdoor after a proud record of 12 years at this level, but the Green Lions must turn this setback into a positive – a chance for our young players to develop in a less harsh environment, and the Victoria Park crowd hopefully witnessing a significantly higher proportion of wins.”
Lioness send 11 past Sports Club of Jersey;
Whilst the men tasted defeat, the Guernsey FC Women played their final match of the season against bottom of the table side, Sports Club of Jersey, with the Lionesses having already sampled the highs of championship success the previous weekend.
They continued their impressive season by not just winning, but carving through to win 11-0.
Isla Anderson and Calleigh Hedley both scored hat-tricks, with Anderson bagging four goals in total. Gracia van Zutphen, fresh from scoring the first ever hat trick at Guernsey’s new Victoria Park, scored two goals, whilst both Aimee Ogier and Katie Robert got on the scoresheet with one a piece.
The Dominant performance was the perfect end the season, as the Green Lionesses finished the season in emphatic style with the massive 11-0 victory in front of their home fans, and it brings their season total to an incredible 80 goals in just 14 games.
In a post match report, Guernsey FC admit they may be just too good for this level, (the JFA Combination League), with their report clearly stating that the team is too strong for their current league;
“Guernsey FC Women rounded off their season in style in front of their own supporters, putting 11 past Sports Club of Jersey. It is clear Gauvain’s side are too good for this level and can hopefully make the step up into a UK league next season.”