This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mollet

A LATE winner from Robbie Williams capped off an outstanding all-round team performance for Guernsey U-18s in their 3-2 county cup win against Berkshire & Buckinghamshire. The reward for coach Paul Ockleford’s talented youngsters is an away trip to face Dorset in the semi-finals of the Mick Parry Trophy in February.

‘It was a really, really great performance all round from everyone,’ said Ockleford.

Goalkeeper Scott Rowe was strong, assured and organised and the defensive quartet of Simon Shaw, Aaron Wilkie, Brady Lesbirel and Danny Giles were well disciplined.

The midfield comprising Matt Loaring, Tom de Garis, Matt Le Prevost and James Mullen were solid and creative going forward and competed for everything.

Guernsey played in a 4-4-1-1 formation against a strong and determined outfit, with Wayne Bishop furthest forward and Scott Bougourd tucked in the hole behind.

‘Matt Loaring was instrumental on the day and whenever he got the ball he looked dangerous,’ said Ockleford.

Bishop and Loaring scored the island’s first two goals before substitute Williams’ last-gasp winner.

‘We certainly took the game to them and apart from a 15-minute lapse in the second half when they controlled it and got one back, we were generally well on top,’ said the coach.

Guernsey conceded a soft goal with just four minutes left to allow Berks & Bucks an equaliser but commendably struck back to put their name into the hat for the next round.

Williams had replaced the injured Le Prevost in the 80th minute and he looked sharp immediately with his movement.

A surging run by Bishop ended with Williams getting in a great position across a defender for a side-foot finish.

‘The players knew they had to fight for everything and they did and they were ecstatic at the end of the day,’ said Ockleford.

He is optimistic this group of lads can progress in the competition that a Guernsey side has entered for the first time.

‘I think we stand every chance. It all depends on what side [Dorset] can put out - they are a massive county. It would mean a lot and it would be good for the likes of Guernsey to reach the final and I think we are capable.’

Earlier on Saturday Guernsey’s U-16 side lost to Berks & Bucks in the South & West Counties Champion-ship.

‘The 3-0 scoreline flattered Berks & Bucks,’ said Ockleford.

‘It took us a while to get going and the U-18s were more used to playing at that level. There are places we realise we need to work harder, but overall I was pleased with them all.’

Rolling substitutes ensured the whole squad were given a run-out.

‘Everyone who went on the pitch gave their all - the only disappointing thing was the outcome,’ he said.

‘The players all worked hard and had a great attitude and it was just not to be in the end. They were unfortunate on the day and it was a good development game.’

Guernsey were only 1-0 down with 10 minutes remaining.

The starting line-up was Will Jarrold, Sam Norris, Adam Dunne, Jack Domaille, Greg Roland, Adam Martel, Ben Youlton, Dan Ozanne, Jack Tostevin, Kane De Carteret and Daena Bodie.