IOW 2011 Eastleigh match upset for Falkland's footballers

The members of the Falkland Island's football team who have so far made it to the UK played a warm-up match this afternoon against Eastleigh FC. The match resulted in a 6-0 loss to the Falklands team.

While such a result might have been expected against a semi-professional side, what is worse for the prospects of our team in the Island Games, is that three players sustained injuries. 

Defender, and Chairman of the football club Ian Betts, has broken his patella (his knee cap) after jumping for the ball, and landing awkwardly. Subsequently he was taken to hospital, where his injury was sufficiently serious to require an operation. His future participation in these games can be ruled out. Less serious injuries, but potentially as damaging to the team's chances were sustained by midfielder Daniel Biggs, and Aaron Franks. Both ended the match with swollen and painful knees.

Falkland's team player Kyle Biggs, reports that the score line does not reflect the total run of a game in which the Falkland's team showed good organisation and spirit, only failing to make most use of several chances in front of the Eastleigh goal.  

At the moment of writting this report, 8.20pm Stanley time, the football team has still not arrived at the team accomodation at Cherverton Copse holiday park, but are expected shortly. More information as to the players condition will be available tomorrow. 

The football team's first match in the Island Games is on Sunday against Guernsey. 

Also still to arrive at the team's accomodation are swimmer Sorrel Pompert-Robertson and her mother Janet, and golfer Carol Lee and her husband Rodney, also the golf team manager.