Guernsey FC battle back to continue winning run

Guernsey FC manager Tony Vance praised the character of his side as they came from a goal down to beat Little Common 2-1.

The victory was the Green Lions' fourth consecutive Southern Combination Premier Division win and moved them up to fifth in the table.

Sam Ellis had given Little Common a first-minute lead as he beat the offside trap and finished past Seb Sheppard.

But Fin du Port equalised three minutes later when he lobbed the goalkeeper and Archie Drillot got proved to be the winner seven minutes into the second half as he reacted quickest to Will Fazakerley's saved shot.

"It was good character from the boys - to go in [at half-time] 1-1 was probably a bit harsh on us and fortunate for them because we had all the pressure, we were pushing them back and we had some good quality at times, but the end product wasn't quite there," Vance told BBC Radio Guernsey.

"It was about being patient, but efficiently patient, and we were hoping for better things second half - but it didn't really happen and the good thing was we got an early goal, good quality from Faz and then Archie following it up.

"You want to push on and we made offensive substitutes to do that, but it wasn't a great watch second half if I'm honest, so I'm glad the whistle went and we got three points - that was the main thing."

Having previously had injuries to a host of key players, Guernsey's squad is now all but fully fit - only influential midfielder Charlton Gauvain and defender Niall Hainsworth are still out.

Vance knows his side will have to be at their best when they travel to league leaders Haywards Heath Town next week.

Haywards Heath have won 10 of their 13 games and are two points clear at the top - Guernsey were beaten 6-1 in the same fixture last season.

"We've had some good results, good performances and a little bit of momentum, but that's a different kettle of fish now," added Vance.

"Haywards Heath away, I remember last year it was horrible, we were terrible and they absolutely battered us, so hopefully we don't have that again.

"I'm glad we've got our squad back and we're able to look at that game and try to get something, but it will be a completely different level of performance required, that's for sure."

Meanwhile Guernsey FC Women are still waiting for a first home win of the season after they lost 3-0 to AFC Stoneham at Victoria Park.

Molly Pinnick gave the visitors a 26th-miunte lead before Chloe Marshall doubled the tally 13 minutes later.

Eleanor Fitzgerald ensured all three points would head back to the mainland when she scored Stoneham's third three minutes into the second half.

The loss sees Guernsey drop to 10th place in Southern Region Women's Football League Division One South.

They are two points and one place above the relegation spots with one win and four losses from their six matches.