Guernsey FC to contest play-off final at home

Guernsey FC beat Horsham YM 3-0 in their play-off semi-final last Saturday [Fran Torode]

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 for the fixture.

The Southern Combination Football had League 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,” Guernsey FC 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 after beating seocnd-placed Haywards Heath Town 1-0 in their semi-final last week - Guernsey beat Horsham YM 3-0 in the other semi-final.