WHAT a cruel way to lose a match. With just one minute left of yesterday’s fifth place play-off at the Kresmasti Stadium, a deflected shot off Guernsey defender Gemma Crouse found it’s way into the back of the net.

It was a crushing blow for the Sarnians who had given their all in the stifling heat and had come close to scoring themselves in the second half.

‘It was a game we could have won but we couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net,’ said Guernsey’s assistant coach Jarrod Avery.

‘We should have won if we had taken our chances. But they’ve done well considering the conditions.

‘It’s been a good experience and they’ve really applied themselves well.’

The Isle of Wight had the rub of the green in the first half although the greens defended resolutely and kept things tight into the second half when they put their foot on the pedal.

On the hour mark, Guernsey midfielder Rochelle Vaudin, who looked the best player on the park, had an effort from 30 yards out that the Isle of Wight keeper Megan Alder had to stretch to keep out.

Shortly afterwards at a corner, centre back Vicky Rang hit a stinging volley that just went over.

Into the last 10 minutes, Natalie Grainger really should have got the greens a goal when she intercepted a poor back pass but she dilly-dallied and was put under pressure by the Isle of Wight defence to force her shot behind for a corner.

From this Guernsey had a shot cleared off the line.

Then came the sucker punch.

Samantha Hayles’ shot was going straight at Kayleigh Marquis but deflected off Crouse’s leg to wrong foot the Guernsey keeper.

The Sarnians could not believe it.

Within 10 seconds of the restart, the referee blew the final whistle. Guernsey now face Greenland today in the seventh spot playoff.

‘Hopefully we can beat them and leave on a high,’ said Avery.