Sure to be fine thing

BELGRAVE Wanderers are not feeling under any pressure being labelled as favourites to lift the Priaulx League which kicks off today, rebranded and heavily sponsored. Having secured their first 'Sure Mobile' Priaulx title for 46 years two seasons ago, Micky Ogier's side have been installed as firm favourites to regain their crown from Micky Le Prevost's North.

The summer signings of arguably the Channel Islands' best player, Dave Rihoy, from the champions added to some extra bite from former Sylvans' midfield workhorse Matt Drillot has strengthened an already talented squad.

Bels face other pundits' top tip St Martin's in an appetising opener at Blanche Pierre Lane today.

'The boys think it's going to be quite an open league and Bels are not feeling any pressure with the favourites tag. Everybody thinks it will be between us, Saints and North. If we don't finish in the top two it will be a disappointing season,' said Bels skipper Leighton Chainey yesterday.

Bels have their eyes firmly fixed on a league and Fletcher Sports FA Cup double.

'I don't know if it will go down to the wire but the team that wins will be the one that is the most consistent and gets three points against the top teams,' said Chainey.

It is expected to be the most open league for years with many players switching clubs and evening out the teams more than in the past when there was a clear divide between the top and bottom clubs and too many easy and predictable games.

'North know they have nothing to lose and are building a squad. Saints have a few new additions and if they can gel quickly they will be a force.

For his own team he believes Rihoy is immense and gives them pace on the wing, Marc McGrath is playing some of his best ever football, Drillot will give them a strong base in the middle of the park with Joby Bourgaize and Scott Bradford can open up defences with his range of passing.

'I think we have a better squad than two seasons ago - we are more accomplished and have had a few seasons playing together and the new additions have settled in well,' he said.

'We have competition for places all over the place and if we can get off to a good start it bodes well for the season.'

Injury plagued youngster Billy Page is set to return from suspension shortly to provide a further boost.

Chainey believes Colin Fallaize's well-organised Saints will have something to prove after their 4-0 midweek Rawlinson Cup Final defeat and insists Bels will not be taking the game lightly.

North travel to St Andrew's to meet Rangers and Rovers head to St Peter's to face Sylvans in the other Sure Mobile Priaulx fixtures today.

Vale Rec are the only team to miss out on the triple-header opening weekend.

n The Guernsey Football Association leagues will be known as the Sure Mobile Priaulx, Jackson and Railway leagues this season. The youth and women's competitions will have similar titles.

It follows yesterday's announcement that Cable & Wireless has signed a two-year extension to its GFA sponsorship - a deal that guarantees £45,000 funding going into local football over the next two seasons.

Sure Mobile also backs the new Isle of Man Premier League.