NOT before time, many would argue, but the fourth staging of Guernsey’s answer to the FA Cup finally comes alive this weekend. The quarter-finals of the richest competition in Channel Islands football have thrown together four fairly unpredictable ties and those who love an underdog are well served by the presence of the Rocquaine United old boys and top Sunday League outfit Indian Cottage.
Island manager Steve Ogier admits the unseeded competition has been slow to take off this year, but will be keeping his diary free this weekend.
Ogier, who wants the bigger clubs kept out of the competition until the later stages, has been disappointed by the number of cricket scores in the first couple of rounds.
‘Correct me if I’m wrong but the FA Cup in the UK is [sort of] seeded in that the big teams are kept out until the third round.
‘The Priaulx teams need to be introduced later on. Let’s get the other sides playing each other for the chance to progress.’
Nobody sees more football than GFA fixture secretary Garry Cortez, who predicts at least one non-GFA league side will make it to the semis.
He tips a shock at St Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon in the fourth and last quarter-final.
‘As much as I’d like to see Rangers get through, I’ve got a sneaky feeling the United old boys might roll them over.’
Cortez believes all four ties are hard to call.
‘Now the cup has come to life,’ he added.
In contrast, the island boss predicts no shocks and expects to see four of the five top teams in the Priaulx in the hat when the semi-final draw is made on Monday.
Article posted on 4th January, 2008 - 12.00am
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