Guernsey FC Coach Describes 3-3 Draw at Ascot United as “Painful” After Losing Three-Goal Lead

Guernsey FC coach Kevin Gilligan characterized his team’s 3-3 draw against Ascot United as “pretty painful,” particularly as the islanders relinquished a 3-0 lead within the final 15 minutes of a match that brings their season record to two wins and 11 losses from 17 games. Matt Loaring initially put Guernsey ahead in the 11th minute, followed by record goalscorer Ross Allen extending the lead to 2-0 just a minute later. Loaring then secured his second goal three minutes before halftime, establishing a 3-0 advantage for the island side. However, Ascot, who had previously secured victories in their last seven Isthmian League South Central fixtures, mounted a remarkable recovery. Ben Harris reduced the deficit to 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining, then scored his second goal two minutes thereafter. As Ascot intensified their offensive pressure, Khalid Simmo delivered the equalizing goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, disheartening Guernsey. The outcome of the draw sees Guernsey FC ascend to third from the bottom of the league standings, remaining nine points adrift of safety. Gilligan, who is currently managing the team alongside Steve Sharman while manager Tony Vance recovers from an accident, commented on the match, stating, “It’s the standard drama. I’m sure for supporters it’s very enjoyable to watch but for us on the sidelines, it’s pretty painful,”. Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, Gilligan further elaborated on the game: “Coming into it we wouldn’t have expected to be 3-0 up at half-time, we were delighted we were,” he said. “The guys played really well, followed the game plan, got some fantastic goals and rode our luck a little bit at times.” He continued, discussing the second half: “Then obviously we came into the second half and we knew they were going to have to make a change.” He noted Ascot’s tactical shift: “They took defenders off and I think they were playing with about five forwards for pretty much the whole of the second half so it was a lot for the boys to deal with.” Concluding his remarks, Gilligan stated, “It’s very disappointing but we can’t fault the effort of the team.”