EG Mens 2s Secure T2 Cup Progression

Guernsey away! After 10 years of National Cup draws, including a handful of home draws against Guernsey, East Grinstead finally had their dream draw of playing Guernsey away.  Click through for more

After successfully checking in, and surprisingly everyone being on time or early, the team boarded the 122-seater plane for the short 45-minute flight to Guernsey. Upon arriving at the hotel, a brief walk and a couple of refreshments followed, allowing the team to settle in for an early night ahead of the crucial last 16 tie in the EH Tier 2 Cup.

An early team breakfast, accompanied by coffee, and a captain's walk along the seafront, set the tone as the team made their way to Footes Lane Sports Complex, where Guernsey had a bumper 'Super Saturday' of sport lined up, featuring rugby and hockey.
Following a rousing team talk by captain Jordan Torrilla, a warm-up led by Laurence Richards, and the wise words of a few senior players, it was time to kick off in front of a partisan crowd.
East Grinstead began the game strongly, dictating the speed of play. Despite several half chances for both sides and some impressive saves from both keepers, including a crucial goal-line clearance from Martyn Collins, the score remained 0-0 after the opening quarter of an hour.
The deadlock persisted throughout the first 20 minutes, with East Grinstead unable to convert a few short corners and both teams receiving a green card. However, Guernsey seized the opportunity of a counter-attack, resulting in their first short corner. With a pinpoint injection and an impressive flick into the top left-hand corner, the home side took the lead 1-0.
Following the adage that one brings two, Guernsey swiftly capitalised on their momentum, securing another precise flick into the bottom right-hand corner from their next corner, extending their lead to 2-0.
Despite East Grinstead's efforts and some commendable saves from stalwart Jack Edgerton, the first half concluded with Guernsey leading 2-0, leaving much to discuss for East Grinstead ahead of the second half.
Buoyed by positive memories of recent comebacks, including a 3-2 win against Reigate Priory with two goals in the last 3 minutes, East Grinstead emerged for the second half, determined to turn the tide.
The second half began similarly to the first, with East Grinstead controlling the tempo. However, Guernsey remained a threat on the counter and down the flanks. East Grinstead's persistence paid off with a corner routine resulting in a goal from Keith Turner, narrowing the gap to 2-1 with 27 minutes remaining.
As the game progressed, East Grinstead's superior fitness began to show against opponents who had played fewer competitive games. East Grinstead continued to dominate, eventually equalising with a high, fast flick from Keith Turner, making it 2-2 with 12 minutes to play.
The last 10 minutes of the game saw the home side facing relentless pressure, as they defended against wave after wave of East Grinstead attacks, punctuated by a few spirited counterattacks. With 5 minutes left on the clock, the final round of substitutions brought East Grinstead back to their starting lineup. All that remained was the need for one opportunity, whether it be a corner, a stroke, a counterattack—just something to turn the tide!
That opportunity presented itself when Jordan Torrilla's excellent pressing forced a wayward pass from Guernsey along the sideline. A quick sequence of play involving Freddie Cable and Will Denny saw a backhand pass find its way through to Laurence Richards, only to be blocked by a Guernsey defender's foot. This resulted in a crucial short corner for East Grinstead with just 3 minutes remaining. Keith Turner then did what he does best, to give East Grinstead a late lead and ultimately, a hard-earned victory.
A special mention goes to the younger members of the team, who displayed composure and maturity well beyond their years.
A heartfelt thank you to our hosts; we eagerly anticipate welcoming them to Saint Hill in the near future.
Looking ahead to the next round of the cup, the Quarter Finals, East Grinstead will host Jersey at Saint Hill. The date and time will be communicated nearer the time through the club's social media accounts.