Wars go down fighting

Combined Counties League - Division One – Saturday 13th August 2011
Guernsey F.C. 3 Warlingham F.C. 0

After last weeks disappointing draw at home to Frimley we travelled to the Island of Guernsey in anticipation of an exciting afternoon and weekend. The weather was poor as we left at 6am to travel to Gatwick and it didn’t get any better as the journey unravelled and Guernsey was close to being fog bound as we came into land.

Our hosts really looked after us up until kick off but with a fantastic crown of 1441 and 3 points at stake we knew that would not continue for the 90 minutes.

Manager Giles had talked beforehand about not giving free kicks away in the last third and give Guernsey’s 3 free kick specialists a free shot a goal. Within 16 seconds of the start we did just that and again after 2 minutes and we really knew we were in for a tough game. Time and again in this early period we were forced to concede free kicks and make desperate clearances and the Guernsey goal scorer Ross Allen shot wide of the far post after 7 minutes when he really should have done better.

Slowly we managed to find our passing game and we relieved the pressure for a brief period before again the free licks began to build up as first Gladwin was booked and the resultant free kick slammed against the bar with the excellent Coots well beaten. And then Baker at right back conceded and the wall managed to stand firm. Somehow we had managed to get through 20 minutes without going behind largely as a result of superb performances from Nicoli and Coote in goal.

At last some action up the other end as after 25 minutes debutant Stripp crossed from the right with Penfold knocking the ball back across to Dias who should have scored at the far post but somehow the Guernsey keeper kept the ball out. Within minutes we had our first free kick which Baker sent into the box finding the head of Newman who deflected the ball wide.

After 29 minutes Guernsey went in front after an amazing goal mouth scramble with shot after shot being blocked before finally Angus Mckay scored from close range.

Guernsey 1-0 up.

Guernsey were playing an excellent passing game and the Wars players were largely chasing shadows put could not be faulted for their effort and application. The onslaught continued right up until half time. After 31 minutes Allen had a shot deflected. Coote saved from the resulting corner and managed to get a kick in the head for his trouble. Then again a chance came our way and after good work by Macca Dias again had a good chance but could not convert.

For a short period it was end to end with the game getting stretched. Jacko had a half chance and then managed to get himself booked by the referee, Richard Hailstone who gave into the baying Guernsey crowd.

After 46 minutes Christos Nicoli capped an excellent first half performance with another crucial intervention to stop what looked like a certain goal.

Half time 1-0 down

During the half time break we were entertained by the Guernsey Chairman, Steve Dewsnip and Mark LeTissier and the rest of the Guernsey management team. We were made to feel very welcome and it seemed just a little strange to be discussing the game with the Guernsey Government, Minister for Culture and Sport – not the sort of thing that happens every Saturday in the CCL!

He was kind enough to point out that at 1-0 we were still in it and anything could happen. After the battering we had taken in the 1st half it didn’t feel much like it.

Into the 2nd half I found myself looking at my watch after just 5 minutes praying the final whistle would come quickly as the onslaught continued. In the first minute Guernsey put the ball clean across our 6 yard box but nobody was on the end of it. After 2 minutes Coote made an excellent save. 4 minutes and Gladwin makes a last ditch tackle to keep us in the game and seconds later Coote makes another excellent save and it seems he is all that stands between Guernsey and a hatful of goals.

Then we break out and get a free kick but Guernsey break away and Coote saves twice but can’t in the end stop Dyer putting the ball into an empty net.

Guernsey 2-0 up and the crowd enjoying themselves.

Still Wars tried to get a foothold in the game and managed to create some action up the Guernsey end shortly after the goal with a Dias shot deflected for a couple of corners which we didn’t make the most of.

Meanwhile the injured Newman had been replaced by the experienced Weeks and shortly afterwards Baker gave the ball away to the onrushing Dyer who was through on goal despite a desperate lunge from Weeks. Dyer gave Coote no chance and Guernsey were 3-0 to the good after 67 minutes.

The rest of the game was a bit more balanced with a Dias run and shot and a Stripp curling shot that didn’t quite curl enough. In between were yet more crucial interventions from Coote who was enjoying his banter with the Guernsey crowd.

As the game drew to a close Christos again intervened to stop a certain goal as he cleared off the line and with a combination of a Jacko header and Coote save we managed to keep Guernsey out and the game finished 3-0.

MOM – Christos Nicoli had an excellent game and was everywhere putting out fires and refusing to give into the constant pressure. Danny Coote had his best game for the club in goal and I have no idea just how many saves he made throughout the game that would otherwise have resulted in yet further goals. These two were so outstanding it has to be a joint award this week.

Finally I would like to thank the Guernsey Chairman Steve Dewsnip and Secretary Mark LeTissier and all the Guernsey people for looking after us so well during our time on their beautiful island. Leaving the result to one side we very much enjoyed the experience.

Watch the match video at: http://www.guernseyfc.com/matches-fixtures-and-results

Check out the Guernsey photos at:www.gsyphoto.com