Guernsey FC denied win at the death by Horndean

Horndean (13th) are 12 points above Guernsey (19th) in the Isthmian South Central table

Guernsey FC failed to hold on for victory as they drew 2-2 at home to Horndean on Wednesday night.

The Green Lions were hoping to bounce back following Rayners Lane's 5-1 thumping at Footes Lane on Sunday and were on the cusp of victory but the visitors struck a late equaliser to share the points.

Guernsey recorded their first win of the season in the reverse fixture and broke the deadlock as they did four months ago, albeit it was Ross Allen who opened the scoring this time not Sam Murray.

Charlton Gauvain smartly disguised a free kick effort, feeding the Castel-born striker into the Horndean box rather than clipping the ball, and he made no mistake sweeping it into the far corner at the 19th minute mark.

Guernsey were in control for half an hour but an early shoulder injury for Horndean's Adam Keates brought a long stoppage, lessening the hosts' momentum.

His replacement Daniel Sibley then levelled the score just minutes after he came on, with the midfielder's shot taking a huge deflection to sail past the helpless Guernsey keeper Josh Addison.

In the second half, manager Tony Vance changed his side's tactics as they opted for directness rather than on the ball play and it paid off at 72 minutes.

Addison played a ball over the heads of everyone including the unfortunate Horndean defender Jay Williams who mistimed a header and let Gauvain slot home his sixth league goal of the season.

Struggling to retain possession, however, made for a nervy ending for Guernsey fans and they finally conceded when Horndean skipper Ethan Robb beautifully hit a low volley from the edge of the area into the corner.

Matters could have been worse for the Islanders as Zachary Willett hit the foot of the post following a free kick in the final minute of injury time.

A draw means Guernsey FC are now 19th in the Isthmian South Central.