Arresting times for island hoppers ...

Whitstable Town Chairman Gary Johnson reckons the rest of the Ryman League's clubs are guaranteed an arresting time in Guernsey whether they win, lose or draw!

The Oystermen, beaten 2-1 on Saturday in Ryman South, were even befriended by gun-toting officers before they'd taken off at Gatwick. And according to Johnson, the most unusual away trip the club has ever undertaken only got better when they touched down in the Channel Islands on Friday night.

After hailing the Ryman's high-profile newcomers as a 'credit to the league', Johnson insisted the trip had also banished any lingering fears he still harboured over the logistics involved for Ryman clubs travelling to Guernsey.

Whitstable's Luke Watkins, kit man Gary Nelson, Scott Heard, manager Nicky Southall, Secretary Phil Gurr, Johnson and assistant manager Jason Lillis are pictured at Gatwick with their unofficial 'police escort' and the Oystermen's Chairman said: "Guernsey's officials, together with our own, did a fantastic job organising the trip. From start to finish, the professionalism involved was clear to everyone and it was fantastic for the players to experience.

"To be honest, when we had Guernsey coming into the competition I was one of those who had considerable doubts about it but I have to say now that they are a credit to the league in every way.

"I can tell the clubs looking forward to going out there that they will look after you, you'll play at a super stadium in front of a great crowd and have a great day, even when the result goes against you like us!"

Johnson, whose side welcome Guernsey to the Belmont Ground in February in the return fixture, added: "Their officials and supporters make you very welcome and again I have to say - they and the whole club are a credit to the league."

Image courtesy of Les Biggs