Scott Bradford brushes up on his ball skills in the Croatian sunshine. (Picture by Matt Bunn/Pinnacle, 1032136)

EXPERIENCE looks to be the way forward as Guernsey finally end the waiting and kick off their European adventure later today in Croatia.

Ever since Ross Allen’s wonder goal sealed the FA National League System Cup triumph back in May, local football has been counting down the days until Tony Vance’s men pull on an England shirt in the Uefa Regions Cup.

That day comes as the team, led by new permanent skipper Sam Cochrane, takes on the host nation’s region, Dalmacija, in Dugopolje with the emphasis being on not losing the opening game, seen as critical to the entire campaign.

With that in mind, Vance looks set to name a new-look, experienced and certainly more solid side to the ones that fired their way to glory last season.

• Follow the team’s progress with Simon Tostevin’s daily reports, here.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details