De Garis gets nod

STEVE OGIER has dropped Jody Bisson from the island's starting line-up for their South & West Counties Championship match with the RAF tomorrow night. The Vale Rec goalkeeper has been the Guernsey number one since 2001 but, in a surprise move, the coach has replaced him with Sylvans shot-stopper Paul de Garis.

The 32-year-old's last Muratti cap was in 1996.

'Digger deserves a go. He's been working hard and he's put in some good performances. Let's see what happens.

'All in all, the way they've both played this season, Digger deserves a go.'

Ogier has also handed debuts to Kevin Graham and Simon Tostevin.

St Martin's captain Graham, in his first season back in local football for 10 years, has been a rock in the centre of the Saints defence.

The 6ft 5in. Tostevin has also been a revelation since his move from Rovers to North in the summer.

The 23-year-old has banged in 24 goals so far this season and he will partner Bels livewire striker Marc McGrath up front.

The door was opened for Tostevin after Neil Clegg had to pull out after suffering a burst blood vessel on his shin during Bels' Priaulx match with North on Saturday.

'He deserves his chance,' said Ogier.

There were no surprises in the defence as Ogier named North pair Darren Martin and Ollie McKenzie as fullbacks and Bels captain Leighton Chainey joining Graham in the centre.

In Matt Warren's absence due to knee cartilage problems, Chainey will wear the skipper's armband as well.

Across the midfield, December player of the month Dave Rihoy starts on the left wing, with Sylvans' Tom Duff on the opposite flank.

North's Gavin Le Page and Bels' Scott Bradford will combine together in midfield.

The five substitutes will come from Bisson, Alex Le Prevost, Sam Matthews, Joby Bourgaize, Chris Mauger and Jon Veron.

With Muratti stars Ryan Tippett and Dom Heaume back in the island, Ogier faces a selection headache in forthcoming months. Bels defender Sam Cochrane is also due back soon from the UK.

'It's looking pretty healthy for us,' said Ogier.

'There's real competition all over and it's good to have all these guys available. It's nice to have selection problems.'

* DUE to a waterlogged pitch at Foote's Lane, the match has been moved to Blanche Pierre Lane. Admission is free and spectators are requested to park in the St Martin's school car park.

Kick-off is at 7.30 and there will be a golden-goal competition with prize money of £50. All proceeds will go towards the women's football team going to Rhodes in the summer for the Island Games.