Stalemate at Port Soif had everything but goals

THERE are times when a

0-0 draw can be the dullest match ever. And then there are matches such as the Youth One clash between North and Belgraves at the Track.

With vital points at stake in the hunt for the title, it was a passionate stalemate from the first whistle and the opening 20 minutes were littered with fierce tackles from both sides.

At the end of 90 minutes, referee Peter Davidson had five names in his book.

Davidson controlled the game well when at times it looked as though it could turn into a very physical battle if it were not for his stern authority.

These sides have met each other in top-of-the-table clashes in the past two seasons, but North coach Mick Le Prevost would have been pleased with his side's well-earned point.

The early exchanges were equal in this exciting game and both goalkeepers played well throughout.

North's diminutive William Woodford pulled off a series of fine stops: the chocolate-and-blues have unearthed a fine prospect for the future.

The first real chance of the game fell to Bels' Billy Page, who miscued his shot in the penalty area and as the play broke to the other end of the pitch, Kyle Stone played Blake Smith in with a great reverse ball but Rhys Gower foiled his attempt.

A sizeable crowd saw Paul Ramsden go close with a free kick for the home side as his shot sailed past the post.

North's Ollie McKenzie tested Gower with a wicked free kick but the keeper was equal to it as he tipped it over the bar.

Both teams trudged off the pitch at half-time wondering how they could break the deadlock and the second period sprang into life with plenty of goal attempts at both ends.

Smith went close with three good half-chances and Joby Bourgaize did the same for the blues.

A 30-yard drive from Craig Young stung the fingers of Gower late in the game and as the time elapsed, it was North who were content with a point in their quest to retain the title.

Bels and Rangers will have to hope North drop points over the coming weeks to stand a realistic chance of representing Guernsey in the Portsmouth Trophy on Saturday 1 May.

There is still plenty of football to be played in the next couple of months but I will stick my neck out and say North have already one hand on the trophy.

n?SYLVANS picked up maximum points against a much-improved Vale Rec team at St Peter's, winning 2-1. Danny Watts and Aaron Ferbrache were on target for the westerners and Matt Chester replied for Vale.

Meanwhile, at Port Soif Brent Marquand added to his goal tally with two more in a 4-2 win for St Martin's against Rovers.

Craig Farnham and Ben Thompson scored a goal apiece, while Tom Druce and Sam Claxton hit the net for Rovers.

In the Martyn Le Prevost Memorial Cup semi-final, Youth Three team Rangers came away from Port Soif 3-0 victors. The goal scorers were Taylor, McClean and Loveridge.

Last week's only Youth One game resulted in a 6-2 win for Rangers against Vale Rec. Will Tostevin (3), Ross Allen (2) and Arrian Green were responsible for the rout, while Ben Whitchurch and Matt Chesters replied for Vale Rec.

In the Youth Two game. John Loaring scored a brace in a 2-2 draw for North against St Martin's. Peter Le Hegarat scored both of Saints' goals.

Sam Norris scored two well-taken goals for Vale Rec. in a friendly match involving his side and the island under-11s on Sunday morning.

Liam Barley added the other.

Glenn Le Tissier was on hand to pop one into the net for the under-11s in an entertaining match.

There was some good build-up play involving Jacques Ogier and Sam Le Huray resulting in Norris scoring the goal of the game.

Last year's under-11 Muratti star, Norris looks a fine prospect.