Smith's welcome back

IT IS great to see Ollie Smith back at football matches. Ollie, 16, a St Martin's junior player, has been a frequent visitor to Blanche Pierre Lane in the past two weeks, having returned after being in Southampton General Hospital for nearly six weeks.

Ollie, who underwent brain surgery after collapsing while training with Southampton's football academy youngsters, has been a regular at BPL on training nights and has integrated with his pals in the newly-refurbished clubhouse.

The improvement in his health has been staggering but the only thing he wanted to talk about was his football, rather than his illness.

'I miss playing, of course, but I realise I have to be patient. I have short-term symptoms like the shakes and trying to remember the odd word but this is due to the drugs I am taking.'

A bright and likeable youngster, he was taken ill in December, three days after playing for Southampton's academy team against Watford.

He was due to play again that same week in a fixture against Fulham but collapsed during a training session at Southampton's academy in Marchwood.

Two years ago, Ollie was a member of the schoolboy Muratti team that drew 2-2 at Springfield.

He thought he had scored the winning goal, but a late strike from Jersey ruined his day.

He is at present building up his fitness and is grateful to Colin Fallaize who has worked out a light programme for him at the Fitness Factory.

He hopes to return to school in the next three months and is indebted to the staff and the surgeon - Owen Sparrow - at Southampton Hospital and the staff of Southampton Football Club who were regular visitors.

Ollie's father, Glyn, is returning to his duties as Youth Two coach at St Martin's and his position as island under-16 coach.

Ollie will play football again, though not until next season at the earliest, and he is very positive about the future. It will be an emotional moment for everyone when he finally kicks a ball again, but his family will just settle for him continuing to regain his full health.

n?Blake Smith was the goal-poacher-in-chief as Youth One leaders North hit nine past Vale Rec last week at the Corbet Field without reply.

Smith notched four, Jason Boscher three and Jack Isabelle and Kyle Stone one each, and they were responsible for denting the confidence of a young Vale team which, under new coach Rob King, are improving as a unit, which was evident in the first 45 minutes.

The yellow-and-greens kept the ball well and retained a good shape and King's influence will be a key factor in the future improvement of these youngsters.

That said, when North are in that mood, few teams will stop them.

Belgraves are staring up the table at North, as they dropped vital points in a 1-1 draw against a determined Rovers side. The Port Soif side scored first with a fine goal by Sam Claxton.

Goal-machine Marc McGrath equalised but Rovers held on for a well-earned point.

Meanwhile, on the same evening at Youth Two level, St Martin's also ground out a 1-1 draw against ever-improving Sylvans at Blanche Pierre Lane. Luke Vidamour netted for Saints and Rob Wakeham replied for the westerners.

The same teams met again four days later at St Peter's and Sylvans won the battle 4-1

Wakeham found the net again twice, and further goals from skipper Kris Moherndl and a great volley from Mark Priaulx were enough to give the points to Martyn de Garis' young soldiers.

Belgraves are looking good at the top of the league and another goal from John Gauvain gave them a 1-0 home win.

North were the latest victims of Martin Totty's team and he has assembled a squad worthy of the title this season.

Totty has spent many years involved with junior teams at his beloved Bels and is finally getting some credit for the hours he spends there.