Whyteleafe FC very nearly caused a considerable upset in the FA Vase last Saturday 13th October, facing the formidable Guernsey FC in front of the largest crowd seen for some years at Church Road.

Guernsey TV, BBC Radio Guernsey and a large number of Guernsey supporters travelled up from the Channel Islands to help provide a joyful big match atmosphere. At first, the Leafe seemed overawed by their opponents, many of whom had played full-time professional football, and soon went two goals down, following defensive mistakes. Although Leafe then tightened up, a third goal for the visitors just before half time seemed to put the game well out of Leafe's reach.

The second half was to prove totally different in what became the classic 'game of two halves'. Judicious substitutions and more adventurous tactics almost turned the game round and the second half belonged almost entirely to Leafe.

It was not until 15 minutes from the end, though, that they clawed the first goal back and then, in the last minute of normal time, the Islanders' captain turned a fierce centre into his own net to make the score 2-3.

There were still seven minutes of injury time to play and the illustrious visitors were reduced to blatant time wasting to hold on for the narrowest of victories in a game that had been played in the best of spirits.

Leafe supporters were disappointed by the final score, not least because they had been hoping for a trip to Guernsey for a replay, but they had been heartened by a spirited display by their own side.

Attention now turns to the less glamorous, but arguably more important, aim of winning promotion in the League.

The next home match will be on Saturday 27th October, against Dulwich-based Fisher, kick-off 3 p.m.

For more information about Whyteleafe FC go to www.theleafe.co.uk