GFC lose nine-goal thriller to close out season

Monday 29 April 2024

A Guernsey FC fightback was doused in the dying minutes of their clash with Raynes Park Vale.

Along the way to the 5-4 loss, Sam Murray grabbed his first hat-trick for the club in their final Isthmian South Central league outing of the season.

Vale, who's hopes of promotion had been extinguished earlier in the week, opened the scoring through Jordan Gallagher within four minutes.

They went on to hit the post in a busy opening 10 minutes and then a frantic period of goal action unfolded.

The home side doubled their lead on 23 minutes through Charlie Penny from close range after Stepny hit the bar.

The Green Lions were back in the game just a minute later when Owen Wallbridge also scored from close range.

But only a minute after that Vale scored again as Jermaine Green found the roof of the net.

Just two minutes into the second half, Murray scored from the edge of the box to bring the game back to one goal difference.

Midway through the half Gallagher had his second to stretch Vale's lead again, but with just over 10 minutes to go Murray was on the end of Dave Rihoy's cross to put GFC firmly in the match.

They were level with only five minutes left, Murray heading in a Jacques Cauvin cross.

But it was Vale who had the final say.

Substitute Tom Barnes headed in at the far post for a late victory. GFC finished the season in 18th place on 34 points.