2pm 28 March 2026
Southern Combination League, Premier Division
Guernsey 6 Peacehaven and Telscombe 0 (att 1,553)
Some grounds are more challenging to visit than others. Getting to Guernsey isn't difficult, but it is costly and takes some planning to reduce the risk of fixture changes or late postponements.
I picked late March hoping that the worst of the winter weather would be over, and that distractions such as the FA Vase or FA Cup wouldn't mean any late rescheduling of matches.
Guernsey's Victoria Park only opened a year ago. Unlike its Footes Lane predecessor, which I visited the last time I was on the island in 2011, it has an artificial surface, which meant the risk of rain was one less thing to worry about.
Apart from a brief shower ahead of kick off it was dry on Saturday afternoon, with just a strong and chilly wind to contend with. It rained goals though, and the visitors from Sussex were on the receiving end.
Guernsey and Peacehaven are both likely to be in the end-of-season play-offs. The ease by which the home side won this game could be an important psychological blow if they do meet again with promotion at stake.
They scored early, and extended their lead to 4-0 by half time. With the game won, there was some respite for Peacehaven after the break as they conceded just two more goals.
To be fair to the away side they created chances. In the first half a goal-bound effort was cleared off the line, and the Guernsey keeper made some good second half saves to keep them out.
The game coincided with the first anniversary of the opening of Victoria Park, and attracted Guernsey's biggest crowd of the season. The ground is to the north of the island's main town, St Peter Port. It is impressive, and wouldn't be out of place at higher levels of the pyramid.
There are three seated stands, a pair either side of the players' tunnel on one side, and a single one on the opposite touchline. Both ends have covered standing and some shallow terracing. There's a large scoreboard, merchandise and refreshments are available, and there's a very positive vibe about the whole set up.
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