Well, they got a warm welcome at least; The Islanders had a torrid time getting to the Oval Arena after getting stuck in the same accident traffic that Caused Brighton's late kickoff at the Amex. So it was that the match eventually got under way fifteen minutes later than the advertised time, in bright sunshine and with another bumper 300 plus crowd. In recent months the United faithful have become accustomed to the high pressure early onslaught, but this was a different affair. With no Dan or Ollie Hull, Sam Scott or Jordan Ray, who pulled up in the warmup, it was the worst possible moment for Anthony Storey to give full debuts to Charlie Purvis and Jack Freeman, and only a second ever start to Alfie Gander.

It was apparent straight from kick off that Guernsey hadn't come all this way fro a friendly catch up. Well disciplined and physical, they set out to test the teenage United defence. Any home crowd nerves ere dispelled as soon as Gander crashed through the Guernsey right winger like a seasoned pro, not just clearing the danger, but hooking up the channel to scare the Guernsey defence into a slight retreat. It was a first half of tactical probing; the Islanders having two or three good opportunities dealt with well by Seckha, and Prodger timing a last minute block to perfection. Up the other end, Ball, Ovenden and Creese all had chances saved, keeping the Guernsey defence honest. Overall the crowd went off for a bacon butty well entertained at the break, with a crucial second half awaiting.

The Second half started at a higher tempo, which definitely suits United. The keeper couldn't hold Joe Overy's effort, United however could not capitalise on the resulting corner. It was starting to look like a single goal might decide this battle of the playoff candidates - Seckha made another good save before Creese's shot was parried for another United Corner, again without reward. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and on the hour, as is so often the case, it was Charlie Ball who was fastest to pounce on a Guernsey mix up, his goal greeted with an absolute roar from the home support, releasing a breath that they didn't even know they were holding! Guernsey knew that it was now or never and pounded the United youngsters, who held very firm indeed. The superb Freeman picked up a yellow for his efforts, but I doubt it will faze him. on Seventy minutes, Mason Creese did the hard work to lay off to Joe Overy - his shot was parried, something you should never do when Charlie Ball is around, he smashed it home and everyone knew that it was game over. Anthony Thomas came on to reinforce some tired legs, every making way, and with a minute left, T'yano Wilson replied Charlie Ball, who took the opportunity to enjoy the adulation of the crowd.

Almost immediately Wilson reminded the Guernsey defence of what he can do, and was unfortunate not to score with his first touch. However, a minute later he made no mistake, breaking through the Islanders defence on a solo run and scoring in the bottom corner for 3-0.

In the dying moments of injury time, Guernsey finally got one past the Excellent Seckha, only for it to be cleared off the line by Centre Forward James Hull. Yes. The number 9. There's a reason why United are top of the current form table; very single player putting in 100% effort for the whole game.

United back to Sixth, and that 5th playoff place looking back on the agenda. It's no coincidence that the very next day, several of the youngsters featured for the under 18s as they thrashed Jarvis Brook 7-0, and becoming League Champions. The future is indeed very bright.

Next Saturday it's back to the traditional 3pm kickoff at the Oval Arena as United take on Midhurst & Easebourne in the hunt for three crucial points.