[FM23] Another Island Life - Green Lion Pride - A Guernsey FC Youth Story

[Punch]

Just now, Pearomaniac said:

This was close brother, i thought u had it

Even when you win, sometimes you lose...ah the beautiful game

[Pearomaniac]

1 minute ago, Punch said:

Even when you win, sometimes you lose...ah the beautiful game

No reason to get depressed, u have ur Island boys behind u, ur not alone

[Punch]

31 minutes ago, Pearomaniac said:

No reason to get depressed, u have ur Island boys behind u, ur not alone

I've actually been really impressed with the way the kids have been playing so far this season, with the help of the few remaining older heads.

But the schedule has just been brutal.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2024 - FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round - Vs Sporting Khalsa FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A sleepy first half, exploded into a domination in the second half as the visitors were blown away.

A brace each to Hickinson and Docherty, along with another for Jaenicke blasted us through to the next round.

 

 

 

3rd Qualifying Round Draw

Spoiler

We host Stafford in the next round.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 13th place Beaconsfield.

[Punch]

    

 

SEP 2024 - Match Day 11 - At Beaconsfield Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A scoreline that looks pretty dominant, but we were made to work hard for the three points.

Scores still level until late in the match, but we finally wore them down with two late goals to seal the deal.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jumped to 4th, but there are teams with a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...a tough match as we host 2nd place Gosport.

[Punch]

    

 

SEP 2024 - Match Day 12 - Vs Gosport Borough FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A season high over 900 in at Footes Lane for what we knew was going to be a tough match against Gosport.

However, we were no match for The Boro as they ran riot through us, for a comfortable win.

It's a shame we saved one of our worst performances, for one of the most important games.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Such a close table that a loss takes us from 4th, out of the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round as we host Stafford.

[Pearomaniac]

8 hours ago, Punch said:

 

SEP 2024 - FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round - Vs Sporting Khalsa FC

 

Match Report

  Hide contents

A sleepy first half, exploded into a domination in the second half as the visitors were blown away.

A brace each to Hickinson and Docherty, along with another for Jaenicke blasted us through to the next round.

 

 

 

3rd Qualifying Round Draw

  Reveal hidden contents

We host Stafford in the next round.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 13th place Beaconsfield.

In Serbia we call this a firecracker  When u beat someone 5:0

[Punch]

 

SEP 2024

A mixed bag as we went two wins, two losses, and a draw in the League, but we did win both out FA Cup games.

 

 

We sit just out of the play off spots.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

 

 

We will kick off our Trophy campaign at home to Farsley.

 

Another busy month incoming.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2024 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round - Vs Stafford Rangers FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid defensive performance, and two first half goals were enough to get the job done.

Not a great performance, but it's enough to send us through to the next round.

 

 

 

4th Qualifying Round Draw

Spoiler

Another home games as we get Beckenham.

 

 

Up next...Our FA Trophy campaign kicks off as we host Farsley Celtic in the 3rd Qualifying Round.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2024 - FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round - Vs Farsley Celtic FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance as we run riot over Celtic at The Lane.

Two goals in each half, including a brace from the ever green Ross Allen, along with a clean sheet, send us through to the next round.

 

 

 

1st Round Draw

Spoiler

We make it through to the 1st Round proper, where we are drawn against Ware.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we 10th place Maidenhead.

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2024 - Match Day 13 - At Maidenhead United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant performance as we soaked up the early pressure before running away with the three points at York Road.

A brace to Docherty the highlight as he continues to lead the line well, although keeping a clean sheet was also a great result.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We sit 7th, but our Cup games have left us a game behind the field.

 

 

Up next...a shot at the 1st Round proper of the FA Cup goes on the line as we host Beckenham in the 4th Qualifying Round.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2024 - FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round - Vs Beckenham Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A heart breaker at The Lane as our bid to reach the main draw of the FA Cup falls short for the third straight year.

We dominated the match, creating a host of chances, but we just couldn't find a way past their keeper, and when we did, we struck the timber work on no less than three occasions.

 

 

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 12th place Chippenham.

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2024 - Match Day 14 - At Chippenham Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We brush off the disappointment of our FA Cup exit, and in some style, blasting the Bluebirds off the park in the first half.

An early goal to Docherty, followed by a brace for Kirkpatrick was enough to secure the points.

Another clean sheet was also pleasing.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We move into the play off spots, but we also have one and two games in hand over some of those around us.

 

 

Up next...a tough match as we host 2nd place Salisbury.

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2024 - Match Day 15 - Vs Salisbury FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough fight at Footes Lane as we go down to the now League leaders.

Quality chances were tough to come by for both sides, and it was an early goal to The Whites that settled the difference.

A good effort against a quality side, just not the result we wanted.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop out of the play off spots, but still have games in hand.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 1st Round as we host Ware.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2024

It was so close to being a great month, but for a pair of 0-1 losses that dumped us out of the FA Cup, and in the League at the end of the month against top of table Salisbury.

 

The Analyst is happy as we score more, and concede less than expected.

 

We sit just outside the play off spots, but we do have games in hand.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Jones had been struggling a bit, but his performances this month have been much improved.

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

The press linked me to the Bolton job, and The Board were very happy that I wasn't interested.

 

York and Bolton both came with offers, so I think I am up to 7 or 8 now.

 

The Cup games helped us turn a decent profit this month, but will be interesting to see how we go now we are out of the FA Cup.

 

Ross Allen has decided to call it a day at the end of the season.

After over 300 games and over 280 goals, a club foundation player finally says good bye.

 

A busy month as we continue our FA Trophy run, and face a tough League run.

[Blarney]

Right in the thick of things again and job offers galore.

Doing quite nicely.

[Punch]

8 hours ago, Blarney said:

Right in the thick of things again and job offers galore.

Doing quite nicely.

It's a very competitive League, so going to be tough to get out of.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2024 - FA Trophy 1st Round - Ware FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Ware gave us a tough fight at Footes Lane as both sides struggled to make chances.

Docherty teed up Allen for the only goal of the game to send us through to the next round.

 

 

 

2nd Round Draw

Spoiler

We host division rival Basingstoke in the next round.

 

 

Up next...another tough match up as we return to League action against 4th place Wimborne.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 16 - At Wimborne Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We expected The Magpies to be tough, and they were.

A tight arm wrestle resulted in a scoreless first half, before the hosts broke the deadlock just after the break.

We battled away before Yates, who has been playing in the 18s, but got a chance due to needing to rest players, smashed home a Salmon cross to get us a share of the points.

We almost took all the points with Ross Allen missing a late chance.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We find ourselves 5 points adrift of the play off spots, so winning our make up game will still leave us trailing.

 

 

Up next...the tough matches keep coming as we host 7th place Frome.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 17 - Vs Frome Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough fight against a resilient Robins outfit, as we scored a dramatic late equaliser to snatch a share of the points.

We had to chase the game after the visitors score on the half hour, but chances were tough to come by.

Deep into injury time, Docherty turned home a cross to finally breach their defences, but we were forced to share the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop a place to 7th.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 17th place Taunton.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 18 - At Taunton Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The Peacocks have been struggling and it was important to make the most of our make up game, but this was out of the blue.

I am not sure we were that much better than the hosts, we only put 5 shots on target, but 4 of them went in.

Keeping them scoreless, and not allowing a shot on target was satisfying as well.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A win in our make up match takes us back to 6th, but still 4 points out of the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...we host 18th place Tiverton.

[Hootieleece]

C'mon Guernsey!

 

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 19 - Vs Tiverton Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

In the face of a card happy referee, still not sure how both side ended with 11 players on the field.

This was a messy game with a lot of fouls, and while the xG suggest we should have lost, an early 2nd half goal was enough to secure us the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still 6th, but we did make up some ground on the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...another tough match as we face top of the League Truro on just two days rest.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 20 - At Truro City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After just two days rest, a tired team, put in a tired performance, and were punished accordingly.

We just never got anything going, and spent so much time defending, that we didn't have the energy left to mount any meaningful attacks.

We didn't play well, but to be fair to the League leaders, they didn't let us play very well.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We didn't lose any places as the teams around us struggled as well.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 2nd Round as we host division rival Basingstoke.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2024 - FA Trophy 2nd Round - Vs Basingstoke FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We shook off the midweek disappointment to run riot over The Dragons, but it took us a while to get there.

A tight first half ended with a goal each, but we finally wore them down, and ran away with the game in the second half.

 

 

 

3rd Round Draw

Spoiler

Should be a pretty even fight as we draw Northern Premier League Southport in Round 3.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 20th place Poole.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2024 - Match Day 21- Vs Poole Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We survived another card happy referee, 3 in the first 13 minutes, and 6 overall, to put in a great performance over The Dolphins.

A first half brace to Kirkpatrick, and a second half sealer to Cotterill, along with another pleasing clean sheet, and we secure the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still sit just outside the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...we host 16th place Hendon.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2024

A hectic month in the League as we play 6 games, along with two Trophy games, with just the Truro match blemishing the unbeaten record.

 

A happy Analyst as we are performing above expectations.

 

With half the season now done, we sit in 6th place, just one point out of the play off spots.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Despite our FA Cup run ending, we still managed to turn a small profit this month.

The decent crowds, combined with them buying lots of pies, because our match day income is huge, are certainly a big plus at this level.

 

The Board agreed to send me on a course to upgrade the licence again.

 

They also decided they wanted to keep me around for another couple of years, giving me a £50 a week pay rise as well.

The Board is happy, the fans are happy, I am happy...so much happiness

 

December is normally a brutal schedule, so I was very pleased to see just four League games and a Trophy game on the cards next month. We have some tired players in the squad.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2024 - Match Day 22 - Vs Hendon AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid performance at The Lane as a goal in each half was enough to secure the three points.

An attacking performance match only by the defensive performance to shut down the visitors attack, and a pleasing clean sheet.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We fall into the play off spots on goal difference.

 

 

Up next...we host 9th place Merthyr.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2024 - Match Day 23 - Vs Merthyr Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Merthyr Town have been a bogey team for us in the last few seasons, and so it proved again.

Even though we got more shots, and more on target, we struggled for quality attacks, and couldn't beat their keeper.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 5th, but this result could hurt us as we are now a game ahead due to our FA Trophy fixture next week.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 13th place Hungerford.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2024 - Youth Intake Preview

A pretty decent looking intake, with a lot of players in positions we use.

If we get lucky like last year, and some of those wide/defensive midfielders can be trained in the center, then it could be a very promising intake.

 

With this being the last season that we have the original players in the squad, some of the current 18s will have to step up, so there should be plenty of opportunities for this intake to get development time in our 18s next season.

 

Lets see what March brings.

Edited February 9, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2024 - Match Day 24 - At Hungerford Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Ouch! A really disappointing performance as we get spanked by The Crusaders.

A cracking goal from Weir, and a great penalty save from Jones were about the only highlights from a match we'd rather forget.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay in the play off spots, but tams below us have a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 3rd Round as we host Southport.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2024 - FA Trophy 3rd Round - Vs Southport FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We turned around a run of poor form to edge out a tight fight over Southport.

A goal in each half was enough to get the job done, along with a solid defensive display to keep the visitors out.

 

 

 

4th Round Draw

Spoiler

We travel to Matlock for the next round.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 12th place Cirencester,

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2024 - Match Day 25 - At Cirencester Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A real tough fight as neither side could gain an advantage over the other.

We took the lead, but had to come from behind late to secure a point.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We fell out of the play off spots when everyone else played their make up games, and we stay 6th after this draw.

 

 

Up next...we host 21st place Swindon.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2024

Not a great month in the League as we win only one of our League games, although we did advance in the Trophy.

 

The Analyst is happy, as we continue to score more and concede less than expected.

 

We sit just outside the play off zone.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

Docherty clearly going to become the main target when Allen retires.

 

 

A big loss this month with not many games.

 

Similar to this month, fatigue should be easier to manage next month.

[Pearomaniac]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

 

DEC 2024

Not a great month in the League as we win only one of our League games, although we did advance in the Trophy.

 

The Analyst is happy, as we continue to score more and concede less than expected.

 

We sit just outside the play off zone.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

Docherty clearly going to become the main target when Allen retires.

 

 

A big loss this month with not many games.

 

Similar to this month, fatigue should be easier to manage next month.

Good **** brother, im also just outside of the playoff zone, just on the other side of table

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Pearomaniac said:

Good **** brother, im also just outside of the playoff zone, just on the other side of table

Our defence has improved a lot this season, just need to get some of the young forwards to keep up with Docherty to give me more choices.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2025 - Match Day 26 - Vs Swindon Supermarine FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The match started in a flurry with both sides scoring a goal before most punters had finished their first beer.

From there we ran away with it scoring two more goals in the first half, and rounding it out with a fourth to seal the points in the second half.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We climb back into the play off spots on goal difference.

 

 

Up next...a tough match as we host 4th place Totton.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2025 - Record breaker

Early goals galore in our last game, but Easter blazed our fastest ever goal, just 14 seconds.

That's a record that will take some beating.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2025 - Match Day 27 - Vs AFC Totton

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We took a lead into half time, but were unable to hang on as Totton ran over the top of us in in the second half.

The visitors were heavy favourites, but we did give them a good scare, but just couldn't make enough of the few chances we did create.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

This one hurts a little extra as we are now a game ahead of a few teams in front of us, but stuck at least two points out of the play off spots.

 

 

 

Up next...not an easy assignment as we travel to 10th place Basingstoke.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2025 - Match Day 28 - At Basingstoke Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We expected a tough fight and we got it.

We took the lead, and Jones came up with a massive penalty save to preserve the lead at the break.

A goal each in the second half, as the arm wrestle continued, but we managed to hang on to collect the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump into the play off spots, but we are still a game ahead.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 4th Round as we travel to Matlock.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2025 - FA Trophy 4th Round - At Matlock Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as we thrashed The Gladiators, to advance to the next round.

It was a great performance up and down the pitch, although it took us a while to put it beyond doubt in the second half.

 

 

 

5th Round Draw

Spoiler

We travel to Maldon & Tiptree, who play at the same level as us, but different League.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 12th place Bedford.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2025 - Match Day 29 - Vs Bedford Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A really tight battle at Footes Lane as we come from behind to beat The Eagles.

The visitors scored an early goal, but we managed to withstand the early onslaught to limit the damage to just the one goal.

In the second half we managed to create a few more chances, while keeping them at bay.

Cotterill scored to bring us level, before Allen came off the bench to strike the winner and secure the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

After dropping out of the play off spots during our FA Trophy match, we have now jumped back in.

Looks like it's going to be a tight run to the line though.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 9th place Dorchester.

[Stuniverse]

On 19/01/2023 at 07:23, Punch said:

Home games are played at the 5,000 capacity (700+ seated) Footes Lane.

A multi use stadium with a natural grass surface.

Sorry, @Punch. I’m a bit late to this one and catching up.

That’s some stadium for this level of football.

[Punch]

Just now, Stuniverse said:

Sorry, @Punch. I’m a bit late to this one and catching up.

That’s some stadium for this level of football.

Certainly helps financially when we are pulling 700-900 to a home game, while other teams are under 500.

But it is a very cool stadium to have at this level.

[Jtomsett11]

Another really tight season it's looking like! You're doing well to even compete considering you're youth only. Fingers crossed for a good youth intake!

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Another really tight season it's looking like! You're doing well to even compete considering you're youth only. Fingers crossed for a good youth intake!

I said previously the kids in defence have really improved this season.

If we can get the same improvement from the forwards, we will laugh through this League next season.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2025

We win three out of four League Matches this month, and advance in the Trophy, the only blemish coming in the loss to Totton.

 

The Analyst is happy again this month.

 

It's a tight battle but we find ourselves in the play off spots.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

The bank balance continues to dwindle.

 

Another very fatigue management friendly month coming up.

A big game at the end of the month at Gosport, which could go a long way towards deciding the final play off spot.

[Punch]

   

 

FEB 2025 - Match Day 30 - At Dorchester Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A goal-fest at Dorchester as both sides threw defence out the window.

Three different goal scorers had us up 3-0 at the break, before both teams went on a combined four goal shoot out in the second half.

Two goals in the second half completed a hat-trick for Kirkpatrick, who also scored a perfect rating for the match.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Totton drew, so we jumped over them to 4th place, which is our highest position since Match Day 6.

 

 

 

Up next...we host 15th place Beaconsfield.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2025 - Match Day 31  - Vs Beaconsfield Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An important match as this is our make up game in advance for when we are playing in the FA Trophy next week.

It was a lot tighter than the final score looks as we held a slender lead into the final 15 minutes.

After they had a player sent off, we scored two quick goals to seal the points, and keep our play off hopes gaining momentum.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump to 3rd, but only because the teams around us haven't played yet.

This result really puts the pressure on the teams below us, as we are now 7 points clear of 6th place.

 

 

Up next...another must win game as we travel to last place Berkhamsted.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2025 - Match Day 32 - At Berkhamsted FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A lot tighter than it should have been as we dominated the match.

It took two late goals to seal the points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our winning run has taken us to 2nd, but we are still a game ahead of the pack.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 5th Round as we head to Maldon & Tiptree