Saints to march back onto the pitch

In stark contrast to their inaugural campaign, the club is undergoing a real test of strength both on and off the pitch this season and with several games in December and January postponed, the champions looked almost down and out of the Hampshire Solent League.

However, one of those postponed games against Portsmouth Seconds has been rearranged and will take place this weekend at the KGV.

'This season has been really tough,' Bell said.

'It's been no secret we have struggled financially after an unexpected rise in our travel costs. However, we have thankfully managed to obtain a reduction in the travel costs for the remainder of the season, and the club is work exceptionally hard to raise the funds required to complete as many games as possible throughout the rest of the season.

'As a club we have really pulled together, we had an open meeting and asked ourselves do we still want to compete at this level, and continue to challenge ourselves, or would we rather just give up?

'The answer was clear, everyone wants to be playing in a UK league, and they know in order to do that we all have to do more for the club, including raising more funds for the club.

'Since then everyone has got behind the club and is working to ensure that is exactly what happens.

'It is really nice to be able to get a game on though for the players, our supporters and our generous sponsors, as a reward for the hard work of everyone recently.

'It's not going to be an easy game against Portsmouth, but we are looking forward to it.

'We are a very proud club and we want to get back to our best, and that starts on Saturday.'

St Jacques v. Portsmouth Seconds kicks off at 1pm.

• More in Thursday’s Guernsey Press.