Lions Fail To Regain Spark - Guernsey vs. South Park

Sheltering from the jolly inconvenient shower just before kick off

For my birthday this year, my Dad got me the excellent present of vouchers for money off a ferry trip to Guernsey with view to catching a game. This weekend I utilized this fantastic gift. Guernsey have enjoyed themselves since joining the English League System in The Combined Counties League Division One winning consecutive promotions to get where they are today in The Bostick Division One South. This season has been a struggle, with the club being on a six game losing streak but were hoping for a change in fortunes. It would be tough however against a South Park team who were on a four game unbeaten streak and were in fourth place in the table. South Park themselves had also won promotion from The Combined Counties in recent times. When I first saw them, they were playing be in the FA Vase against Hayes Gate which I remember being the windiest game I've ever been at. Then later that season I saw them playing in Division One at Chobham. 

Main stand at Footes Lane

In the heavy rain, Guernsey create the first chance as a bending cross to the back just eludes the diving attacker at the back post. South Park then have the first effort on target and after the Guernsey keeper does well to save the first effort, he is quickly back up to block the follow up. It is then the South Park keeper's turn to make a one on one save. Guernsey break out quickly allowing the forward to get on goal and the visiting keeper does well to keep the shot out. The opening goal comes when the South Park winger is able to get to the byline from where he squares the ball to the on rushing forward who slots home. There is time before half time for the Guernsey to make a great save from a cracking half volley from the edge of the area. 

A first half South Park corner

The second period has an edgy start with both sides misplacing passes. This is reflected in the Guernsey equalizer. Under very little pressure, the South Park goalie kicks the ball straight to the Guernsey forward who runs in on goal and slots home the equalizer. They then have a great chance to take the lead as they get in over the top but the South Park goalie redeems himself with a good block. South Park take the lead much to the annoyance of the hosts. A corner finds it's way to the back post where the ball is forced in from close range and the Guernsey players are adamant there was a handball in the build up. This frustration boils over as the Guernsey player is sent straight for a dangerous tackle. South Park now pile forward and the Guernsey keeper makes a succession of great saves to keep them in the game. He is however powerless to stop the third goal which is almost a perfect of the first one to seal the three points.    

A South Park cross in the second half

If you flew from Gatwick then you probably could the trip in a day. The flight takes just under an hour and there are buses from the airport to close to the ground. However, I recommend taking the ferry from Poole and spending a few days on the island. There is plenty to see just in St Peter Port and and you can take another boat to one of the other islands - Sark was fantastic. In St Peter Port there a couple of belting pubs. The Cornerstone had a good choice of ales including some from The White Rock Brewery as well as the sports channels. Just across the road there is a similar scenario in The Cock and Bull. To get to the ground from the bus terminus, you can catch the 51 / 52 bus to right next to the ground but these buses are infrequent. I took the bus to The Doghouse on Rhoais and a couple of routes stop on Rohais going back into town. With singles only costing a pound, it is the best way to get around. The clubhouse had a good selection of beers and can offer a view of the action. It is really is worth the effort as the club and the island itself is extremely welcoming and fantastic to explore.

Guernsey wing play in front of the stand