Guernsey players Damian Wallen, left, and Andy Alford both kept their head after having been felled by strong challenges against Eastbourne last weekend. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0419479)

GUERNSEY have been rewarded for their 4-3 ‘golden-goal’ defeat of Eastbourne in the HA Trophy with a home draw for the second round.

The Greens will face UCL Academicals at Foote’s Lane on Sunday 2 November, starting at 1pm. ‘It was a tough match against Eastbourne and the whole squad deserves great credit for the way they played,’ said Guernsey manager Rob Turville.

‘Now we have a chance to show our home fans what we can do. Hopefully we’ll get a full house for the match, as the atmosphere of a noisy crowd can make a real difference in a tight game.’

UCL Academicals, an old boys’ side of University College London graduates, were formed relatively recently, but have enjoyed a fair amount of success.

Promoted as champions from Division Two of the Surrey First XI League in 2004, they have never finished below fourth in the top flight and last season completed a league and HA Vase double.