AT LEAST one Priaulx League team will fall at the first hurdle, after the draw for the inaugural Fletcher Sports Guernsey FA Cup was made live on television. Bels and Rovers were paired against each other in the first round of matches which otherwise was kind to the ‘big guns’.
‘It’s just what I said to the boys before the draw was made: we expected a Priaulx team and that’s what we’ve got,’ said Bels coach Ray Queripel.
‘But it doesn’t matter - at least we know what we’re up against. And there’s no pressure on us: if we go out in the first round at least it’s to another Priaulx side, while some of the other [Priaulx sides] might be a bit worried.
He said that being drawn against Rovers would at least save him the trouble of scouting the opposition and that his squad would prepare as if it were any usual league match.
‘We should have met them once or twice already by then anyway,’ he said.
Bels’ preparations are going well, the coach added: ‘We’ve just beaten Rozel 5-3 in Jersey; that was their fourth pre-season match and we could have scored double that.’
Opposing coach Graham Hockey of Rovers echoed Queripel’s sentiments.
‘I’m not all that worried. To win a competition like this, you have to play this type of team sooner or later anyway. It’s better the devil you know. And with some of the teams in the draw, there’s always a risk you could get kicked off the park.’
The draw was made live on CTV’s Report Sport, with GFA president Dave Dorey and Terry Ferbrache, of sponsor Fletcher Sports, joining Richard Pallot in the studio.
In the grand tradition of cup competitions, the two guests reached into a velvet bag to draw the sides, Mr Dorey picking a green disc first for the home teams, Mr Ferbrache next for the away.
First out was the only school side in the competition - Elizabeth College. They will play Alternative Solutions Wings.
Then came three consecutive Priaulx sides: the Rovers and Bels clash, followed by North, who will play Royal Bank of Canada.
Sark will make the trip to Guernsey to face Mooring’s Bar, which should be an easier tie for the Sarkees than their Island Games exploits last year.
Defending Priaulx League champions St Martin’s were drawn away to Business League outfit Close FC.
There will be an intriguing clash in Alderney. Bavaria Nomads will play Long Port, who have a fine record in Business League football.
Article posted on 17th August, 2004 - 12.00am
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