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

[Punch]

42 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Wow! Flying high, @Punch. Hope you can keep the momentum going.

We sure have gotten off to a flying start.

Fatigue is already becoming an issue though, so now I need to hope that the rotation players can maintain the rage and keep us going.

The ever present shadow of Hayes & Yeading is also looming large.

Their wage bill is over £200k, our is £63k

[Blarney]

15 hours ago, Punch said:

 

AUG 2025

That's some start to the season as we go 7 games undefeated, making a mockery of our predicted relegation so far.

 

Those are some pretty impressive numbers shown by the Analyst, confirming our brilliant start to the season.

 

We hold first place, but Hayes & Yeading are going to be tough to beat. They started slowly drawing their opening two games, but have been on a tear ever since.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Sejdini has been in great form to start the season, justifying his choice as number 1.

However, he will miss our next few games, as his form has been so good, he's been called up for Albania U21s, so it will come in very handy to have Jones step straight into goals.

 

Defenders

The number of games has resulted in plenty of players getting time here, with the numbers being put up very pleasing as well.

 

Midfielders

The midfield has been really dominant since since the departures of the originals.

 

Forwards

Kirkpatrick and Docherty have well and truly stepped out of the huge shadow cast by Ross Allen.

 

 

The crowds and match day income have helped limit the damage to the bank balance so far.

 

An enormous level of support at this level.

 

A big month coming up, with the FA Cup kicking off, and a monster clash away to Hayes & Yeading.

That is how you start.  Plus you're not only winning, you're just demoralizing your opposition.

[Punch]

30 minutes ago, Blarney said:

That is how you start.  Plus you're not only winning, you're just demoralizing your opposition.

Hayes & Yeading match in a few weeks will be a massive test of how we are really going.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2025 - FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round - Vs Bamber Bridge FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A good crowd in at Footes Lane to watch us play a highly attacking game, but ultimately struggle to convert our chances.

A goal each in the first five minutes, before we settled, creating chance after chance, but just couldn't get the second goal.

It was then left to Cotterill to come off the bench and drive home a low screamer from out side the box to secure our passage to the next round.

 

 

 

2nd Qualifying Round Draw

Spoiler

Drawn at home against a one division lower opponent.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 21st place Frome.

[Punch]

    

 

SEP 2025 - Match Day 9 - At Frome Town FC

 

Badgers Hill - Frome

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The hosts hung in for as long as they could, but we ran them ragged all over the park.

By the time they hit back after the hour, they were cooked, and we ran over the top of them in the final 20 minutes.

Sejdini was back from international duty with the Albanian U21s, and went straight back into the starting line up.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

H&Y were held to a draw so we gained a point on them, but we meet in the next match.

 

 

Up next...a massive clash as we head to Hayes & Yeading for a top of the table blockbuster.

Edited February 20, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

SEP 2025 - Match Day 10 - At Hayes & Yeading United FC

 

Beaconsfield Road - Hayes

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

United were run away favourites to take the title at the beginning of the season, and with a wage bill more than three times our own, we knew we were up against it.

The hosts midfield and defence were just a brick wall allowing us no time on the ball, and we could get nothing going in attack.

We did manage to hold them out for over an hour, but two goals in seven minutes was enough for them the take all three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

An impressive run to start the season, but now we need to start again.

 

We stay top, but United cut the lead to a single point.

 

 

Up next...we head back to Footes Lane for the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round as we host Gorleston.

[Blarney]

2 minutes ago, Punch said:

 

SEP 2025 - Match Day 10 - At Hayes & Yeading United FC

 

Beaconsfield Road - Hayes

  Hide contents

 

 

Match Report

  Hide contents

United were run away favourites to take the title at the beginning of the season, and with a wage bill more than three times our own, we knew we were up against it.

The hosts midfield and defence were just a brick wall allowing us no time on the ball, and we could get nothing going in attack.

We did manage to hold them out for over an hour, but two goals in seven minutes was enough for them the take all three points.

 

 

 

Table

  Reveal hidden contents

An impressive run to start the season, but now we need to start again.

 

We stay top, but United cut the lead to a single point.

 

 

Up next...we head back to Footes Lane for the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round as we host Gorleston.

Tough match

[Punch]

22 minutes ago, Blarney said:

Tough match

Yep, we didn't play our best either, but we knew they were going to be tough.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2025 - FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round - Vs Gorleston FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another dominant performance through the middle to our forwards, just running amok, causing havoc for the visiting defence.

Docherty had us in front after three minutes, and two up by the break, before Hickinson added the sealer before the hour.

A solid defensive display limited the visitors chances, resulting in a clean sheet.

 

 

 

3rd Qualifying Round Draw

Spoiler

I had to look this one up, and this could be possibly the longest domestic away trip we can do.

West Allotment are way up there, north east of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

That's going to be some road trip.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 9th place Dorchester.

[Punch]

    

 

SEP 2025 - Match Day 11 - Vs Dorchester Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We made hard work of it, blowing plenty of chances to score more.

An early goal was all it took, but we put on a good defensive performance to keep them out.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We hold on to first for now.

 

 

Up next...a tough assignment as we host 3rd place Chippenham.

[Punch]

    

 

SEP 2025 - Match Day 12 - Vs Chippenham Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A season high crowd packed The Lane to witness one of the more ridiculous games I've ever seen.

The visitors would score first in the second minute with a cracking free kick. It would be their only shot on goal for the entire game.

Our attack ran riot for the rest of the game, but other than Docherty smashing home a volley to level on 52 minutes, we could not find a way past their keeper.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay top as Hayes & Yeading suffered a shock loss to Poole.

 

 

Up next...one of the longest domestic away trips we can make as we head way up north to take on West Allotment in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2025

Despite our first loss we had a good month, winning 3 of 5 League games, and winning 2 FA Cup games.

Massive support for the club continues as we have 900-1,000 attending League games, compared to the 200-300 at away games.

 

A happy Analyst that still thinks we are over-achieving.

 

We hold first place, with a brilliant goal difference as well.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Sejdini still performing brilliantly, while Jones performed well while Sejdini was on international duty.

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Those crowds done wonders for our bank balance this month.

 

The Board gave me a contract extension. No pay rise this time though.

 

A busy month as we begin with a massive road trip for our FA Cup tie, while the Trophy kicks off as well.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

 

Druid Park - Newcastle

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The attack finally clicked and we managed to find the net seven times from none shots on target.

A hat-trick to Docherty was the clear highlight, but it was a great performance all over the field.

 

 

 

4th Qualifying Round Draw

Spoiler

We host Guiseley in the next round, looking for a shot in the 1st Round proper.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 22nd place Bideford.

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 13 - At Bideford AFC

 

The Sports Ground - Bideford

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We made hard work of it against the side coming last in the League, but done just enough to take all three points.

A first half brace to Cotterill was enough to cover the late goal they scored.

Our shooting is still a bit wild, with over 30 shots on goal, and less than 10 on target.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

All stays the same, H&Y still hot on our heels.

 

 

Up next...our FA Trophy campaign kicks off as we travel to Basildon.

We will also have to manage the next few games without our number 1 keeper, has Sejdini is off to play for Albania U21s again.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025 - FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round - At Basildon United FC

 

Gardiners Close - Basildon

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A heavily rotated squad took to the field, with debuts for a lot of the Class of 25.

It produced a game that won't be remembered by anyone, with just a single goal on the hour proving the difference.

 

Four players end up making their debut for the club in this one.

 

 

 

1st Round Draw

Spoiler

A tough match up in the 1st Round proper.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 9th place Gosport.

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 14 - Vs Gosport Borough FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another tough one against Boro, as they continue to be a bogey team for us.

We created plenty of chances, but this will be another game that won't go down in many peoples memories.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay top, and actually gain a point, as United are beaten at home by Hendon.

 

 

Up next...The FA Cup rolls into Footes Lane as we host Guiseley in the 4th Qualifying Round.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025 - FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round - Vs Guiseley AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We've done it! We have qualified for the 1st Round proper of the FA Cup.

We shocked the favourites with an early goal, and they never really recovered.

Docherty put us two up by the break, before Easter sealed it, completing his brace in the second half.

 

 

 

1st Round Draw

Spoiler

The 1st Round Draw gives us every chance of making the Second Round, as we are drawn at home to fellow Tier 7 team, Alvechurch.

 

 

Up next...back to League action with a tough away match at 6th place Totton.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 15 - At AFC Totton

 

Testwood Stadium - Totton

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tired result, maybe a slight FA Cup hangover, as we really struggled to make any meaningful impact against The Stags.

We always seemed to be chasing the game, and were unable to create enough pressure to run them down.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The only good news, H&Y, Chippenham, and Bedford all lost as well.

 

 

Up next...we head back to Footes Lane to host 15th place Poole.

Edited February 22, 2023 by Punch

[Pearomaniac]

Whats with the "23d", "24f" etc. in your players name? Whats the meaning of it? @Punch

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Pearomaniac said:

Whats with the "23d", "24f" etc. in your players name? Whats the meaning of it? @Punch

The number is the year they came out of the academy - 23  is 2023, 24 is 2024 etc.

The letter ranks their potential - a has the highest potential from each year, b the next highest and so on down the line.

[Pearomaniac]

1 minute ago, Punch said:

The number is the year they came out of the academy - 23  is 2023, 24 is 2024 etc.

The letter ranks their potential - a has the highest potential from each year, b the next highest and so on down the line.

aaaaah damn, ur a genius 

[Punch]

22 minutes ago, Pearomaniac said:

aaaaah damn, ur a genius 

Nope, just something I seen other people doing, and borrowed

[Punch]

    

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 16 - Vs Poole Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance as we run riot over The Dolphins.

After they had a player sent off, three different goal scorers sent us on our way to the win.

It could have been so much more though as we hit the posts at least three times as well.

 

It wasn't all good news though as we lost young defender McPherson for a month.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We maintain our three point gap at the top.

 

 

Up next...another tough one as we travel to 8th place Wimborne.

[Pearomaniac]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

    

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 16 - Vs Poole Town FC

 

Match Report

  Reveal hidden contents

A dominant performance as we run riot over The Dolphins.

After they had a player sent off, three different goal scorers sent us on our way to the win.

It could have been so much more though as we hit the posts at least three times as well.

 

It wasn't all good news though as we lost young defender McPherson for a month.

 

 

 

Table

  Reveal hidden contents

We maintain our three point gap at the top.

 

 

Up next...another tough one as we travel to 8th place Wimborne.

Island boys are a no joke man, this might be THAT season!

[Punch]

44 minutes ago, Pearomaniac said:

Island boys are a no joke man, this might be THAT season!

Some tough teams sitting just behind us, but it's been a great start.

Although we just copped our first major injury for the season. Lets hope that doesn't become a trend.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025 - Match Day 17 - At Wimborne Town FC

 

New Cuthbury - Wimborne Minster

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as we blasted the hosts off the park. We dominated every area, and just never gave them an inch.

Our Captain leading from the front, literally, scoring a hat-trick, while Cotterill chipped in with a goal as well.

This was the Green Lions at our brutal, attacking best.

 

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Draws and losses for the team below us allow us to put a bit of a buffer at the top.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 1st Round as we travel to Corinthian Casuals.

[Stuniverse]

Almost halfway through the season, @Punch and looking good so far.

I’m sure you can keep the momentum going for a successful season.

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞.

[Punch]

5 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Almost halfway through the season, @Punch and looking good so far.

I’m sure you can keep the momentum going for a successful season.

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞.

Thanks @Stuniverse, we've gotten off to a great start, and some of the other teams are starting to wobble, so lets hope we can keep the pressure up.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2025

We manage to maintain the rage through October, just the one loss and draw, among six wins.

 

Still performing well, but the Analyst thinks we are conceding slightly more goals than we should.

 

We hold a three point lead at the end of the month.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Cup runs lead us to a healthy profit for the month.

 

Well! Well! Well! It's November and we are still in the FA Cup, in the 1st Round for the first time, with a good chance of reaching the 2nd Round.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2025 - FA Trophy 1st Round - At Corinthian Casuals FC

 

King George's Field - Tolworth

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A really tough, end to end match with both sides creating chances, but struggling to hit the target.

Neither side could find a goal, so we went to penalties, and the hosts held their nerve, only just, to hang on for the win.

After reaching the Semi Final last season, it almost seems like a let down to go out so early this season. But still, it was a solid effort by our kids, against a very solid Corinthian side.

 

 

 

Up next...back to League action, and back to The Lane as we host 11th place Hendon.

Edited February 23, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

NOV 2025 - Match Day 18 - Vs Hendon AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

It was an ugly win, but we got the points as a great defensive performance held out The Greens.

A second half goal was all we could manage as our spluttering offence struggled to take the chances we created.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We extend our lead further due to being the only game played.

Everyone else plays when we are in the FA Cup on the weekend.

 

 

Up next...we make our debut in the FA Cup 1st Round as we host Alvechurch.

[Hootieleece]

Keep up the pace in the League. An FA Cup run is nice for the coffers, but being promoted as Champions is more important. Because promoted Champions often do better than just promoted sides.

[Punch]

48 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Keep up the pace in the League. An FA Cup run is nice for the coffers, but being promoted as Champions is more important. Because promoted Champions often do better than just promoted sides.

We just need to keep up our consistency, and let the teams below us keep tripping over each other.

See the League update in my next post.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2025 - FA Cup 1st Round - Vs Alvechurch FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We expected a tough match against The Church, and we sure got it.

A bruising encounter that was short on chances, but full of entertainment, yet it was just a single headed home corner that sent us through to the 2nd Round.

 

A monster payday for the club, combined with the gate takings, basically doubled our bank balance.

 

 

 

2nd Round Draw

Spoiler

Our first venture into the 1st Round leads us into the 2nd Round, where we have been drawn against our affiliate club Bristol.

We will travel to Ashton Gate, so hopefully they pack the place and we get another decent payday out of it, because I don't like our chances of beating a high League One team.

This also means we now have another game on November.

 

 

League Update

Spoiler

 

While we were busy with our FA Cup heroics, the League played their games to catch up to us.

 

The clubs around us seem to keep tripping over each other, as Chippenham were beaten, H&Y were held to a draw, meaning we keep our 6 point gap at the top, without playing.

 

 

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

[Blarney]

Yeah just an amazing season so far.  Keep pushing until the end.

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Blarney said:

Yeah just an amazing season so far.  Keep pushing until the end.

Thanks @Blarney, we keep finding ways to win

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2025 - Match Day 19 - At Barton Rovers FC

 

Sharpenhoe Road - Batron-le-clay

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning attacking performance as we run riot over the Rovers.

A mistake from keeper Jones, in the team for Sejdini on international duty, allowed the hosts their only goal late, but otherwise had a good game.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We keep our six point lead at the top.

 

 

Up next...we host 11th place Hamworthy.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2025 - Match Day - Vs Hamworthy United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

One of our most dominant defensive displays, as we limit The Hammers to just two shots, none on target.

We create enough chances, and managed a goal in each half, which was enough to collect the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

 

The teams below us keep stumbling, while we are on a five game winning steak, allowing us now a 7 point gap at the top.

 

 

Up next...we travel to the 16th place Basingstoke.

[Punch]

    

 

NOV 2025 - Match Day 21 - At Basingstoke Town FC

 

Winklebury Football Complex - Basingstoke

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another dominant performance from the defence, giving The Dragons no room to move.

The attack was free flowing in the first half, sending us three up by the break, allowing us to coast through the second half.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We were the only game today, as this was our make up game for our upcoming FA Cup tie.

Our 6th straight win allowed us to open up a 10 point lead at the top, putting the pressure on those below us to catch us if they can.

 

 

Up next...a massive day as we head to Ashton Gate to take on our affiliate Bristol in the FA Cup 2nd Round.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2025 - FA Cup 2nd Round - At Bristol City FC

 

Ashton Gate - Bristol

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brave effort by the Green Lions, but Bristol were just too good for us.

Four divisions above us, their class showed as they were always comfortable.

Captain Docherty got to add to his career highlight reel with a consolation goal.

 

Not much prize money, but the £170k for our share of the gate is more money then we have ever seen.

 

 

 

League Update

Spoiler

While we were at Ashton Gate, the rest of our League was playing their match day 21 fixtures.

H&Y beaten again, this time by Chippenham, allowing us to build a 9 point buffer over the field.

 

 

Up next...back to League action, as we head to 16th place Merthyr.

Edited February 24, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

 

NOV 2025

We book end the month with exits from both Cups, but won all four League games, and are now on a six match winning streak.

 

A happy Analyst again this month.

 

Six wins in a row has taken us to a 9 point lead at the top, half way through the season, as those below us fall over each other.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

First time I have been linked to a job, no offer arrived yet, but the Board were happy that I wasn't interested.

 

Another licence ticked off.

 

A monster month, with a big pay day from our trip to Bristol. Might be time to see if I can get the Board to agree to anything.

 

With no Cup games left, the schedule almost looks pretty quiet. Hopefully this helps with fatigue.

[Punch]

 

The Footes Lane effect

One of our biggest improvements has been our form at home.

Footes Lane has been turned into a fortress, as we have won 9 out of 11, while drawing 2 and losing none.

But the defence has been so much improved, conceding only 6 goals in those 11 games.

 

Clubs will not be relishing a trip to our island.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2025 - Match Day 22 - At Merthyr Town FC

 

Loadlok Community Stadium - Merthyr Tydfil

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough fight in Merthyr as we go down to The Martyrs.

An unfortunate early own goal put us behind, and from there it was an arm wrestle, with a goal each in the second half.

After our great run, we struggled to take our chances again in this one.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our firs loss after 6 straight wins.

 

 

Our lead is cut to 6 points.

 

 

Up next...another tough match up as we host 4th place Bracknell.

[Punch]

 

DEC - Spending the FA Cup earnings

It took some haggling, but I finally got the Board to agree to increase the Youth Recruitment.

Better Youth Intakes can only help us in the future if we manage to get promoted.

 

There was no argument on this one though, as they agreed to increase the coaching budget.

 

Then finally, the big one...

We had a Youth Facilities rating of 1, which is basically to say that we had no Youth Facilities.

With the youth being the main focus of this save, it made sense to invest in getting their facilities upgraded.

Although this took pretty much all of our earnings from the Bristol match, and then some, I think it will be worth it in the long run.

 

[Pearomaniac]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

 

DEC - Spending the FA Cup earnings

It took some haggling, but I finally got the Board to agree to increase the Youth Recruitment.

Better Youth Intakes can only help us in the future if we manage to get promoted.

 

There was no argument on this one though, as they agreed to increase the coaching budget.

 

Then finally, the big one...

We had a Youth Facilities rating of 1, which is basically to say that we had no Youth Facilities.

With the youth being the main focus of this save, it made sense to invest in getting their facilities upgraded.

Although this took pretty much all of our earnings from the Bristol match, and then some, I think it will be worth it in the long run.

 

Jesus, i never had all that accepted at once. I hope youth facilites do the trick.

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

We had a Youth Facilities rating of 1, which is basically to say that we had no Youth Facilities.

With the youth being the main focus of this save, it made sense to invest in getting their facilities upgraded.

Although this took pretty much all of our earnings from the Bristol match, and then some, I think it will be worth it in the long run.

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Pearomaniac said:

Jesus, i never had all that accepted at once. I hope youth facilites do the trick.

I thought they might fight me on the Youth Facilities, given the massive expense, but it was accepted without question.

They actually only fought me on the Youth Recruitment, but I just whinged until they gave in

 

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞

Thank you! We won't see any any benefit this season, but hopefully it helps us in the future.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2025 - Match Day 23 - Vs Bracknell Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Was a tougher match than the scoreline suggested, but we done enough to take the points off the Robins.

A screamer of a free kick, from distance, for Salmon  in the first half, followed by a rocket from outside the area for Cotterill, got the job done.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We push our lead out to 9 points, but we were the only game playing.

This is a make up game for about a week or so's time when Bracknell are playing in the FA Trophy.

 

 

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

[Punch]

 

DEC 2025 - Youth Intake Preview

No wing backs or defensive midfielders, which is fine because we don't use them anyway.

We do have a lot of potential in some important positions that we do use.

 

When this intake arrives, it will also give us 54 players at the club.

If we manage to get promoted to the National Leagues next season, then it might be time to consider an U21s team.

If the Board won't come to the party for that, then we may have to consider either sending a lot of players out on loan, or letting some of the lower potential players move on.

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2025 - Match Day 24 - Vs Hungerford Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A bit of a frustrating game this one as we were probably the better team, but a few mistakes cost us.

We ended up having to come from behind with a late Docherty goal, snatching a share of the points, and rescuing our unbeaten home run.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Match Day 23 for everyone else as we are a game in front due to Bracknell playing in the FA Trophy next weekend, when the rest of the League will catch up.

Chippenham were beaten, allowing us to push the lead back out to 10 points, pending what happens next weekend.

 

 

Up next...we get a full weekend off, which will be great for recovery and fatigue management, which will come in handy as we face a tough next opponent, traveling to 4th place Bedford.