Guernsey FC 5, Frimley Green 0
IT MAY not have been their greatest showing, but how critical can you be when Guernsey FC still netted five without reply against a spirited Frimley Green?

True, the visitors to Footes Lane should have left with a strike or more themselves, but it speaks volumes of the standards these Green Lions are keeping that there was an air of disappointment despite the result.

Indeed, with better finishing it could have been an even bigger rout in the later stages, as a much-improved second-half display followed a lacklustre first 45 minutes when Frimley were well in the contest.

GFC coach Tony Vance made changes to the winning team from the midweek cup tie, with left-back Ollie McKenzie surprisingly only on the bench, while Jacques Isabelle and Matt Loaring were both sidelined through injury.

It gave Scott Bradford the chance to start after an encouraging performance in midweek and he justified his place by winning the man-of-the-match award.

He was probably the pick of an average bunch in the first half but saying that, it was still 2-0 by the break, with the first opportunity coming as early as the third minute.

A long throw by Jamie Dodd and good work by Dom Heaume and Angus Mackay allowed Heaume to get a shot away, which was well turned behind for a corner by keeper James Markham.

The resulting short corner routine saw Markham alert again to keep out Ross Allen’s low effort.

But that aside, it was a largely frustrating opening period for the Lions, whose tempo was noticeably down on previous performances and were sloppy in possession around the park.

However, they were still given the lead on 20min., their 100th league goal of the season coming through the unlikeliest source, right-back Simon Geall.

He did well to rise highest and turn in a tricky header from Ryan-Zico Black’s whipped corner. It was also Geall’s first goal for the club.

Despite the scoreline, Frimley were looking threatening themselves, but their own waywardness in the final third cost them, GFC keeper Chris Tardif not having too much work to do despite a number of good chances being created.

His opposite number Markham was being kept busier, Allen’s mazy run and shot well blocked, with the rebound from Glyn Dyer magnificently kept out at full stretch.

Allen himself went close twice in the half’s closing stages, before the lead was doubled through Black, who lit up the contest with a moment of pure class.

Some cracking one-touch football in a crowded penalty area from GFC lacked a cutting edge, until the ball fell to Black on the edge and he rifled in a glorious volley, giving Markham no chance.

That would have made Vance’s half-time team talk that bit easier and GFC were improved after the break, although they had to withstand a nervous few minutes and were thankful to Tardif almost immediately after the restart.

A zipping low effort from range by Luis Coutts seemed certain to find the bottom corner, but at full stretch Tardif produced a stunning stop to turn it around the post.

It was part of a spell of 10 minutes or so where Frimley were on top and looked capable of getting back into it, but were caught with the ultimate sucker-punch on 55min.

On the break, Heaume’s low cross into the box from the right headed towards Allen, only for the striker to collide with the retreating Ryan Page, which saw referee Ryan O’Sullivan point to the penalty spot, a decision that looked more than a tad harsh.

Saying that, as soon as the foul was given, a red card seemed the only option for Page, who got off lightly with a caution.

Allen stepped up and found the top corner, beating the stationary Markham, to all but guarantee another three points for the table-topping Lions.

Their job was made that bit easier five minutes later, when Page was sent off for a second bookable offence, as he jumped into the back of Jason Winch in mid-air.

While Page could have some grievances about the award of the earlier penalty, he can have no complaint about the second caution, as the challenge was needless and reckless.

In fairness, Frimley still tried to play their football and were actually awarded a penalty themselves midway through the half, this one also questionable.

Tardif came out to easily claim a floated free-kick, but O’Sullivan spotted something in the box, presumably holding on by a GFC defender.

Jack Keenan stepped up, but his effort was low and far too close to Tardif, who held on to the ball going down to his right.

That was the visitors’ last real resistance and with GFC introducing McKenzie in place of the injured Jamie Dodd provided a more attacking formation, with just three at the back and Winch pushed further forward.

With the extra space now on show, Frimley could not get near the excellent Dyer, who they later admitted was a class above, and his glorious through ball found Allen, whose effort was cleared off the line.

Allen was certainly not his usual clinical self in front of goal, missing a string of excellent chances, either shooting straight at Markham or not finding the target.

But he still managed to grab an assist on 83min., unselfishly sliding across the box to Heaume after getting into another good position, his strike partner calmly finding the open net.

With four players now on a goal apiece for GFC, it was Heaume who grabbed a brace deep into stoppage time, again having the simple task of side-footing home after Dave Rihoy’s shot was kept out.

It capped yet another five-star showing for the Lions, who are now at 116 goals in just 30 games for the season, with the guarantee of plenty more to come.