Guernsey FC to contest play-off final at home

Guernsey FC will host their Southern Combination Premier Division play-off final with Peacehaven and Telscombe on the island.

The tie was due to be played on Sunday, 10 May, but Guernsey's Liberation Day celebrations led to difficulties arranging flights for their opponents.

The Southern Combination Football League had decided to strip the Green Lions, who finished third in the division, of home advantage.

They ordered the game to be played on the English mainland on either Tuesday 12 or Wednesday, 13 May.

But, following discussions between the two clubs and the League, the game will now be played at Victoria Park on Saturday, 23 May at 13:30 BST.

"From the unforgettable scenes of jubilation last Saturday to the frustration, disappointment and disbelief that followed, it has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone connected with Guernsey FC," club director Nic Legg said.

"But now our focus turns firmly towards what lies ahead.

"A play-off final at Victoria Park in front of our island community is exactly what we set out to achieve when this season began.

"The players have earned this opportunity. Our supporters deserve this moment. Now it is time for the whole island to come together once again and turn Victoria Park into the fortress we all know it can be."

The initial decision to move the game led to Guernsey manager Tony Vance saying he was "dumbfounded" by the decision.

Fifth-placed Peacehaven qualified for the play-off final by beating second-placed Haywards Heath Town 1-0 in their semi-final last week, while Guernsey overcame Horsham YM 3-0 in the other semi-final.

The winners will earn promotion to the eighth tier of English football - with Guernsey hoping they can bounce back at the first attempt after relegation last season.

"There is something incredibly special about the prospect of competing for promotion on home soil," added Legg.

"These are the occasions football is all about. The atmosphere, the emotion, the sense of community and togetherness.

"It has all the ingredients to become one of the most memorable afternoons in Guernsey FC's history."