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

[Punch]

 

NOV 2027 - FA Cup 2nd Round - Vs Gillingham FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive crowd packs into Footes Lane, a record for any competition since I came on board, as we cause a massive upset over The Gills.

We came from behind twice, scoring two late goals in two minutes to stun the highly favoured visitors.

They were not able to recover, as we ran over the top of them, sending the massive crowd home very happy.

 

A massive boost to the finances.

 

 

 

3rd Round Draw

Spoiler

A mighty challenge as we draw Premier League Fulham in the 3rd Round.

While it may not be the dream draw against one of the big six, it's still going to be a massive moment from our club.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 22nd place Ramsgate.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2027

What a stunning month. Rotation was key as we went four wins and a draw in the League, advanced twice to the FA Cup 3rd Round, and also advanced in the FA Trophy.

We scored a massive 21 goals, while conceding only 5.

 

As you would expect with those results, the Analyst is extremely happy.

 

Our impressive form has sent us up 8 places to 4th this month, as we enter the play off zone for the first time this season.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Jobs for days

 

Linked with and offered plenty of jobs this month, as it seems I have become a very popular target for a lot of League Two teams.

 

Because everyone else was offering me a job, Guernsey decided to as well.

I get a small pay rise and a two year extension.

 

A monster month financially especially from bumper gate receipts, and unexpected prize money from the FA Cup.

Might soon be time to hit the Board up for another round of upgrades.

 

Another massive month coming up with a packed schedule to finish out the year.

 

 

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 20 - At Ramsgate FC

 

WW Martin Community Stadium - Ramsgate

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

It was a dominant performance as we completely blunted the Rams attack.

A goal in each half sent us on our way and secured the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still sit in the surprising heights of 4th place.

 

 

Up next...we return to the Lane to host 11th place Dartford.

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 21 - Vs Dartford FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A match that never reached any great heights, but we come from behind to secure a draw.

While we had the share of possession, The Darts probably had the better of the chances, and we were lucky to hang on in the end.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We manage to stay 4th, although H&Y have caught up to us.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 13th place Braintree Town.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2027 - Youth Intake Preview

 

I give up.

These previews are a basket case

The overall rating says that it's an excellent intake, but then individually proceeds to pan every single player, in every single position, as not good enough.

 

So I guess come March we will receive the best intake we have ever seen

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 22 - At Braintree Town FC

 

Cressing Road Stadium - Braintree

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A really tired looking performance as the last few months hectic schedule is taking it's toll.

We again dominated possession, but could do little with it as we managed only one shot on target.

While the hosts managed a few more shots, they couldn't get passes Sejdini, so the points were shared.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 4th, as not all teams we in action today.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 3rd Round as we host Dulwich Hamlet.

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - FA Trophy 3rd Round - Vs Dulwich Hamlet FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic battle at The Lane as we need penalties to sort this one out.

The visitors scored early, and we battled through some tough patches before finally managing to level late.

With neither side being able to find a winner, it went to a shoot out, with our boys holding their nerve to score all five, while Sejdini came up with the all important save, sending us through.

 

 

 

4th Round Draw

Spoiler

We face another division rival in the 4th Round.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host 7th place Dag & Red.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 23 - Vs Dagenham & Redbridge FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An entertaining match at the Lane as we hold off the favoured Daggers to record an unlikely point.

Down two goals early, we fought our way back to be level by the break.

The visitors took the lead again after the break, but the match took a turn in our favour when they had a player dismissed a few minutes later.

Pepe headed home an equaliser, just after the hour mark, and we were able to hold off the visitors raids to secure a point.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Only a few sides in action, make up games for the upcoming Trophy and Cup matches, and we stay 5th.

 

 

Up next...we host 13th place Worthing,

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 24 - Vs Worthing FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another day, another draw, as we couldn't be separated from the Mackerel Men.

The xG suggests we should have won, but we were probably lucky not to lose, so a draw is probably a good result.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We gained a place to 4th, but we are a game ahead of the teams around us.

 

 

Up next...just one days rest, before we host 15th place Welling.

[Punch]

    

 

DEC 2027 - Match Day 25 - Vs Welling United FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A heart breaker at the Lane as our 11 game unbeaten run comes to an end.

We kept battling away, and had a late chance to draw level, but saw our spot kick saved.

We couldn't make the most of our chances, but at the same time, were probably lucky not to be further behind.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We fall to 5th, but if the teams below us were to win their make up games, we will fall out of the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 13th place Eastbourne Boro.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2027

A strange run, as before the Welling game, we were 11 games undefeated, and after it, we are now 5 games without a win.

It's easy to say we should have turned some of these draws into wins, but to be fair, some of them we were just barely hanging on.

 

Despite an average month results wise, the Analyst is still pretty happy with our form.

 

We dropped to 5th, but are in danger of falling further when the other teams play their catch up games.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

A great month financially on the back of strong match day income.

 

I had to haggle a bit, but the Board have agreed to give me another recruitment upgrade.

 

After knocking me back on the youth coaching last time around, they accepted without argument this time around.

 

A lightly less hectic schedule at the moment, but that may change depending on Cup/Trophy results.

A massive moment for the club as we take on Premier League Fulham in the FA Cup.

[dtown1414]

I like your board. Ask and ye shall receive! Good season so far!

[Stuniverse]

Looking good going into January, @Punch

[Punch]

3 hours ago, dtown1414 said:

I like your board. Ask and ye shall receive! Good season so far!

Well they did this season, last season they rejected the junior coaching, but accepted the recruitment...go figure

 

8 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Looking good going into January, @Punch

We had a tough December, but hopefully the less congested schedule will help us out.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 26 - Eastbourne Borough FC

 

Priory Lane - Eastbourne

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough loss against The Sports as we struggled to create chances, despite a flood of possession.

We conceded early, before fighting back, but we let our guard down just before the break to trail at half time.

It was a tight second half as neither side could take advantage of the chances they created.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Back to back losses, and 6 without a win drops us out of the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...a massive day for the club as we travel to Fulham for the FA Cup 3rd Round.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028 - FA Cup 3rd Round - At Fulham FC

 

Craven Cottage - London

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We were looking down the barrel of getting blown off the park as The Cottagers scored two early goals.

We settled into the game, a highlight for Docherty as we managed to pull a goal back, before they scored a sealer.

While we were well beaten, but not embarrassed.

 

Only a small amount of money, but we did collected over £260k as our share of the gate, which is a massive boost for the club.

 

 

 

Up next...back to League action, as we travel to 12th place Dulwich Hamlet.

[Hootieleece]

Just start counting the money for the trip to Craven Cottage! It should keep you afloat for a season or two!

In another save I made over $1M playing against Tottenham in London as Welling United in the FA Cup.

[Punch]

6 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Just start counting the money for the trip to Craven Cottage! It should keep you afloat for a season or two!

In another save I made over $1M playing against Tottenham in London as Welling United in the FA Cup.

Yes, that nearly doubled the money in our bank account.

Now to decide if I hit the Board up for training improvements, or wait for a while.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 26

 

While our players were having their dream career day at Craven Cottage, the rest of the League was playing their catch up matches.

 

Spoiler

The results see us fall to 9th, but now we are on equal games, and still in striking distance of the play off spots.

 

 

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028 - Another personal milestone

 

Our upcoming trip to Dulwich Hamlet sees me reach the 300 game milestone.

 

 

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 27 - at Dulwich Hamlet

 

A washout, but kind of a blessing as it gives us a few extra days off after the FA Cup match.

 

It does make the schedule a bit tighter, later in the month.

 

Table

Spoiler

While we got to rest, a few other matches went ahead, with results dropping us another place to 10th.

 

 

Up next...we turn our attention to the FA Trophy as we host division rival Carshalton in the 4th Round.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2028 - FA Trophy 4th Round - Vs Carshalton Athletic FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Finally getting to celebrate my 300th game in charge, and we do so in style with a comfortable win over The Robins.

A tough fight in the first half, be we really clicked into gear for the second half, being up 2-0 ten minutes in, before Docherty completed his brace late to ice the win.

 

 

 

5th Round Draw

Spoiler

We draw another division rival for Round 5, facing Hemel Hempstead.

 

 

Up next...A return to League action as we host 16th place Truro.

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 27 - Vs Truro City FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Another match that we took a while to warm into, but when we finally got going, our attacking game clicked into gear.

Our defensive performance was solid all through the match though as we didn't allow a single shot on target.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our first win in six games and we gain a place to 9th, with our washed out game against Dulwich still to make up.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around as we travel to 12th place Dulwich, a make up game that was washed out a few weeks ago.

[dtown1414]

5 hours ago, Punch said:

    

 

JAN 2028 - FA Trophy 4th Round - Vs Carshalton Athletic FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

  Hide contents

 

 

Match Report

  Hide contents

Finally getting to celebrate my 300th game in charge, and we do so in style with a comfortable win over The Robins.

A tough fight in the first half, be we really clicked into gear for the second half, being up 2-0 ten minutes in, before Docherty completed his brace late to ice the win.

 

 

 

5th Round Draw

  Reveal hidden contents

We draw another division rival for Round 5, facing Hemel Hempstead.

 

 

Up next...A return to League action as we host 16th place Truro.

Aqua blue track. Interesting

[Punch]

5 hours ago, dtown1414 said:

Aqua blue track. Interesting

Yeah, it's only reasonably new, but it sure stands out

[Punch]

    

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 28 - At Dulwich Hamlet FC

 

Champion Hill Stadium - London

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough battle against The Hamlet, and when the dust settled, we couldn't be separated.

The hosts probably outplayed us, but we hung in through the first half.

They scored first in the second half, before an exciting moment as Alex Argent scored his first League goal to level the scores.

Dulwich pushed for a late winner, but we hung on to secure a a vital away point.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

This was the make up game for a washed out match a few weeks ago, so we were the only game played.

The point took us back into the play off spots.

A very tight table, and it's going to make for an interesting run home.

 

 

Up next...another tough away trip as we head to 4th place Maidstone.

[Stuniverse]

Moving on up, @Punch 😀⚽️👍

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

Moving on up, @Punch 😀⚽️👍

We are still hanging in there.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028 - Match Day 29 - At Maidstone United FC

 

Gallagher Stadium - Maidstone

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Well that didn't go well, as The Stones flexed their muscle and proved far too strong.

The hosts will spend the best part of £1 million on wages this season, we spend less that £200k, so that we hung in as long as we did was pretty amazing.

We held them to just the one goal in the first half, but could not create any pressure on them, and they over ran us in the second half.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The loss drops us out of the play off spots, in a jam packed table.

 

 

Up next...We stay on the road as we travel to 17th place Tonbridge.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2028

A poor month, book ended by League losses, we only managed one League win, we exit the FA Cup, although take a big financial gain, and advance in the Trophy.

 

Despite the poor form, the Analyst still thinks we are over achieving.

 

We currently sit 9th, among a massive log jam of teams fighting for play off spots.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

A monster month financially courtesy of our FA Cup exit at Fulham, putting us in a brilliant financial position.

 

Another busy month coming up.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 30 - At Tonbridge Angels FC

 

Longmead Stadium - Tonbridge

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough loss to the Angels as we really struggled to get anything going in attack.

The hosts headed home corner on the half hour, and that ended up being the only goal of the game.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Only a few teams in action as make up games for our up coming FA Trophy weekend.

It serves as a double blow though, as we miss the chance to make up ground on the play off spots, and are now a game, or even two games, behind those around us.

 

 

Up next...the task doesn't get any easier as we host 1st place Havant & W.

[Jtomsett11]

Real swings in form this season it seems,  do you think that's just the nature of having such a young team? You're obviously still doing very very well, but seems like you may need your team to mature a bit before being able to challenge in this league. Definitely seems harder to do youth only on FM23 which is also more realistic. 

[Punch]

12 hours ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Real swings in form this season it seems,  do you think that's just the nature of having such a young team? You're obviously still doing very very well, but seems like you may need your team to mature a bit before being able to challenge in this league. Definitely seems harder to do youth only on FM23 which is also more realistic. 

Yes, absolutely. I also think fatigue plays into it during a match as well.

When we put it all together, we can match just about any side in the League, but we have shown a struggle to do it consistently for a full 90 minutes.

It is a very young team, but I have also noticed they seem to develop at more realistic pace as well. There are some of our first intake (23) who basically haven’t developed at all, so I have to be aware of this and make sure there are players getting game time.

This season has helped with the addition of the 21s team, so am very keen to see what, if any, improvements that has made on the fringe/backup players, or if it will take a few seasons to see any benefit.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 31 - Vs Havant & Waterlooville FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We got thumped by a dominant Hawks outfit, who are leading the competition comfortable.

We had no answer for their attack, as they ran through us time and again, rattling up a 4-0 led just after the break.

The irony is, in this game at least, we didn't play that badly, they were just a class, or two, above us.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Three straight losses and we have fallen to 10th.

But it may end up worse as the teams around us have played less games.

 

 

Up next...FA Trophy 5th Round time as we host Hemel Hempstead.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - FA Trophy 5th Round - Vs Hemel Hempstead FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A crazy game at The Lane as we dominate the Tudors, but somehow managed to give up a two goal lead after the break.

We managed to stem the tide, and just when it looked like no winner could be found, Captain Docherty pressured the visitors defence into an error, and buried a winner, deep into injury time.

From a match where we were comfortable, then struggled, before showing the strength of character to stem the tide, and take the win, a very pleasing performance.

 

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

A monster clash at Meadow Lane against the Magpies.

We have one previous meeting, in the same competition four years ago, with Notts taking the win on penalties.

 

 

Up next...we return to League action as we host 10th place Weston-super-Mare.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 31

 

While we were on FA Trophy duty, a lot of the other teams were playing their catch up games.

 

Spoiler

Our poor run, and the results of the catch up games, drop us further down the table to 12th place.

 

 

[Stuniverse]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

A monster clash at Meadow Lane against the Magpies.

We have one previous meeting, in the same competition four years ago, with Notts taking the win on penalties.

That'll be a big game against Notts County.

Good luck @Punch

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

That'll be a big game against Notts County.

Good luck @Punch

Yep, pretty tough draw. Almost ridiculous that they are still in the National League.

Will be a good experience for the kids though.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 32 - Vs Weston-super-Mare AFC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

In reality, we have stolen a point here against The Seagulls.

The visitors completely outplayed us, but their shooting was woeful, as they struggled to hit the target, despite plenty of chances.

In return, we created very little, and leveled the scores late, with our only shot on target.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stopped our run of three straight losses, but without a win in five games, we have now fallen to 13th place.

 

 

Up next...it'd not getting any easier as we travel to 2nd place Yeovil.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 33 - At Yeovil Town FC

 

Huish Park - Yeovil

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We put in a brave effort, but were outclassed as The Glovers.

The scoreline was flattering to us, as the hosts dominated the match, but it won't go down in anyone's memory bank as a great game.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Now without a win in 6 matches, but we hang on to 13th place.

 

 

Up next...We are reaching a must win stage as we face 19th place Oxford at home.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 34 - Vs Oxford City FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Not our best performance, but given recent form, an important win.

We were brilliant defensively, allowing no shots on target, dominated possession, but struggled getting forward.

We did manage a goal in each half, which was, however, enough to secure the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A first win in seven games gains us a few places to 11th.

While we are a fair distance from the drop zone, our recent poor form as meant we are now 11 points adrift of the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...a quick turn around as we travel to 21st place Hemel Hempstead, looking for back to back wins for the first time since November.

[Punch]

    

 

FEB 2028 - Match Day 35 - At Hemel Hempstead Town FC

 

Vauxhall Road - Hemel Hempstead

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An uneventful first half before the match exploded into action after the break.

We took the lead just before the hour mark, before continuing to look good in attack, racing out to a 3-0 lead.

Another solid defensive performance, along with a massive penalty save, to keep our second straight clean sheet.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

This was the only match today, as it's a make up game for our FA Trophy match next month.

After a tough month, where we went 6 games without a win, we have put back to back wins on the board for the first time since November.

We have also gone past the magic 50 point mark, which is considered the safe point from relegation.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 11th place Carshalton.

Edited April 9, 2023 by Punch

[dtown1414]

Had a rough patch, but nice to see two wins in a row. 

[Punch]

28 minutes ago, dtown1414 said:

Had a rough patch, but nice to see two wins in a row. 

Yeah, good way to end the month, just need to learn how to beat some of those top teams.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2028

While we managed to advance in the FA Trophy, it was a pretty rough start to the month, as we went six games without a win, back to last month.

A major turn around to end the month as we not only put together back to back wins, for the first time since November, but we also had back to back clean sheets.

 

We are still performing above expectations, keeping the Analyst happy.

 

We finished the month in 10th, although due to our FA Trophy Quarter Final next month, we have played an extra match to everyone else.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

We turn a slight profit this month, on the back of impressive match day income.

 

A much less hectic schedule next month, although we have the monster clash coming up against Notts in the FA Trophy.

[Punch]

    

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 36 - At Carshalton Athletic FC

 

Colston Avenue - Carshalton

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough battle against The Robins as we hold out for a share of the points.

A Weir screamer from outside the box gave us a 2-1 lead at the break, but we were not able to hang on, with the hosts hitting back with 20 to go.

Neither side was able to find a winner though, and it ended all square.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We keep 10th place, although we are still a game ahead of the teams around.

 

 

Up next...Another tough match up as we host 4th place Hayes & Yeading.

[Punch]

    

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 37 - Vs Hayes & Yeading United FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We went down in a tight, but brutal battle at the Lane, as United hold us off to take the points.

It wasn't a particularly great game attacking wise for either side, but the referee was kept busy, dishing out 11 cards as the game threatened to turn into a midfield brawl at times.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 10th, but the rest of the League will play their catch up game in a few days when we play in the FA Trophy, so we may yet lose places.

 

 

Up next...a massive clash at Meadow Lane as we face Notts Co in the FA Trophy Quarter Final.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2028 - FA Trophy Quarter Final - At Notts County FC

 

Meadow Lane - Nottingham

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A crazy game at Meadow Lane as we come from behind, went goal for goal, took a late lead, before giving up an injury time equaliser.

We went to a penalty shout out, which took 18 shots to decide a winner, but the hosts blinked first as Sejdini saved their 9th penalty, before Baptiste buried ours to send us through.

An epic battle and one of our best performances against a higher division team, but also another example of our massive inconsistency this season.

 

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

Our third trip to the FA Trophy Semi Final in four seasons sees us host Rochdale at Footes Lane.

 

 

Up next...a return to League action as we host 16th place Bognor Regis.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 37

 

While we were performing our FA Trophy heroics in Nottingham, the rest of the League were playing their match day 37 games.

 

Spoiler

Results drop us to 12th place.

With 9 games to play, we are 10 points outside the play off places.

 

 

[dtown1414]

Obviously need a run of good games. Hopefully, the schedule will be kind to you.