FA Vase Reflections as Green Lions Prepare for (All-Weather!) Clash at Victoria Park

Saturday marks another thrilling milestone for Guernsey FC as they host their first FA Vase tie at Victoria Park, but few longstanding fans will have forgotten the last time they competed for the illustrious trophy…

Rewind over a decade, and the date of the Lions’ last Vase game is forever etched in Guernsey FC history. Pitted against Spennymoor Town on 23 March 2013, a semi-final win would take the Lions all the way to Wembley, and the excitement was insatiable.

Rewind over a decade and the date of the Lions’ last Vase game is forever etched in Guernsey FC history

However, there was just one problem; the pitch at Footes Lane was in serious doubt - waterlogged, battered, virtually unplayable. Just one plea on social media changed everything, with islanders answering in true Guernsey style. Armed with forks, grit, and Green Lion spirit, teams of volunteers descended on Footes Lane. Some were forking the turf until midnight, others worked tirelessly through the night, trying to drain the surface.

Then came the extraordinary moment that sealed the day in Club history: a helicopter was called in on the morning of the match, hovering just above the pitch to use its downdraft to blow away the surface water. All the effort paid off. The game went ahead and more than 4,000 islanders streamed into Footes Lane to witness one of the biggest fixtures in the Club’s history.

Fast-forward to Saturday and, thanks to Victoria Park’s all-weather pitch, hopefully, muddy boots (or helicopters) won’t be needed, but a win against Croydon FC would take the Lions an enticing eight games away from Wembley, and another step closer to making history.

Be part of the action – book your tickets now!

Guernsey FC v Croydon FC kicks off at 2:00pm at Victoria Park on Saturday 20th September. Get your tickets now