Before they left, the inaugural away-day squad posed for a picture at the airport: back row, left to right: Simon Geall, Ross Allen, Dominic Heaume, Ollie McKenzie, Matt Warren, Alex Le Prevost, Jacques Isabelle and James Hamon. Front row: Angus Mackay, Dave Rihoy, Matt Loaring, Ryan-Zico Black, Sam Cochrane, Glyn Dyer and Kieran Mahon. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 1169481)

Hartley Wintney 2, Guernsey FC 2
IT MAY well be an old cliche, but last night saw the ultimate game of two halves as Guernsey FC came away with a potentially valuable point after a thriller in Hampshire.

That Martin Williams’ 94th minute pile-driver of a free-kick was the last action of an enthralling second-half devastated GFC, but, in truth, a draw was the fair result after a fiery encounter.

And for that, the visitors could thank Ross Allen, who came off the bench from injury after an hour, scored twice in a quite sensational cameo display and almost single-handedly dragged his side from doom to a quite improbable victory.

Dean Peltohaka’s goal for the home side was the difference at the break, although it could and should have been worse for GFC, had it not been for the excellence of 16-year-old goalkeeper James Hamon.

With GFC regularly overrun in midfield during the first 45, Hamon denied Ryan Stephens twice in impressive fashion, while his point-blank save from Jack Coventry’s header was the pick of the lot, as he produced a heartening debut display.

When he was finally beaten, it was as Peltohaka did well to divert a Nick Kingston mishit into his top corner, a deserved strike for the home side whose only main early worry had been when Kieran Mahon’s looped effort hit the crossbar for GFC.

Dom Heaume did have a clear chance later on, though, as his angled shot from close range was well kept out by Lee Allen, the stopper having initially turned away Dave Rihoy’s low effort.

Despite that, GFC will have been relieved to be only one down at the break, but they came out a different team after the break, the attacking threat looking more substantial and consistent.

That was helped almost immediately as the home side were reduced to 10 men, Chris Paterson being given his marching orders for hauling down Dom Heaume, who had been released by Glyn Dyer.

In fairness, there was cover and Paterson will feel slightly aggrieved at the decision, but it was only the first of a series of questionable calls by referee Corrin Readett.

Ryan-Zico Black’s subsequent free-kick was kept out, but it was not long before GFC came close again against the 10 men, through the most bizarre passage of play.

Ollie McKenzie’s ball forward to Rihoy was nearly perfect, but Allen was off his line quickly to tackle, but only into the path of the advancing Heaume.

With an open net some 40 yards away, Heaume surged forward rather than go for an ambitious strike, only to be taken out by a tackle that connected with man, ball and, indeed, referee, eventually ricocheting into the path of Rihoy.

But Allen was back into position to keep Rihoy’s one-on-one effort out with his feet, not the first time he would be Rihoy’s nemesis, although the next time the chance would come about with the aid of Guernsey’s own Allen, who was now introduced to the fray.

Just three minutes after his entrance on the hour mark, GFC were level in brilliant fashion, showing that their attacking flair is seriously enhanced with Allen’s presence.

Heaume’s diagonal through ball dissected the home defence, allowing Allen to sidestep the defence and keeper and slide his side level, the GFC hitman showing no sign of the thigh strain or stomach bug that had so far sidelined him.

He was in the action again on 77min. as GFC looked to have snatched an extraordinary comeback win, amid controversial moments, which ultimately affected the final outcome.

Rihoy’s ball into Allen’s path down the left was perfect, but it was the first touch that put Allen into contention, cutting Kingston out of the game as he bore down on goal.

The only choice for the defender was to bring Allen to the ground before he let fly, but Readett inexplicably allowed Kingston to remain on the pitch this time, issuing only a yellow card instead of the expected red.

But Allen did not let that bother him as he took the penalty, beating his namesake who went the right way but could get nowhere near the effort that found the bottom corner, the visitors now in total command.

It should have been game, set and match with four minutes remaining, Allen getting to a loose ball first on the halfway line and bearing in for another hat-trick, with only the keeper to beat.

That effort was well kept out, the loose ball landing at Rihoy’s feet at the far post, with the three points now appearing a certainty.

But that second strike was kept out as well by the stopper’s feet, with no one truly aware yet of the impact that would have on the evening.

It was shown eight minutes later as Hartley Wintney won a free-kick 20 yards out after Heaume had uncharacteristically handled while jumping, although it appeared he might have received a push beforehand.

Regardless of the decision, Williams made his own and his side’s point with a ferocious effort that barely left the ground, but gave Hamon and his wall no chance as it smacked into the bottom corner.

For GFC, it was heartbreak, but for any neutral watching, they must be glad of the entertainment the second-placed Sarnians are already adding to this league campaign.

n Bedfont Sports beat South Kilburn 3-0 in last night’s other CCL Division One fixture.Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Division One: Guernsey FC held to draw