Sylvans give Bateman his best win as a coach

SYLVANS upset the odds to sink Youth One title favourites North at St Peter's. Delighted westerners coach Clive Bateman earned the best result in his three-year tenure in charge - a 2-0 victory against the champions.

Two second-half Jamie Le Cheminant goals tipped the balance in their favour.

The first after 55 minutes was a lucky one as the 17-year-old chased down a ball and goalkeeper Tom Creed's clearance ricocheted in off the striker's backside.

And with five minutes left, Brady Lesbirel hit a free kick from the halfway line that soared over a defender's head and Le Cheminant kept his eye on the ball and volleyed home from 12 yards.

'It's a great victory for us but we have to remember it's only one game and there is a long way to go. I said to the lads it's probably the most effort a group of junior lads have given me in one game,' said Bateman.

'Our game plan was to get bodies behind the ball and frustrate them.'

Sylvans were indebted to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Ashley Williams, who pulled off a string of fine saves and was commanding and positive in everything he did.

Nigel Hutton struck the woodwork and Scott Bougourd had an effort cleared off the line from North during the first period and Williams saved brilliantly to deny Etienne Le Prevost from 20 yards.

'First half we set about our game plan and North were more on top and hit a post and had one cleared off the line. We were happy to go in 0-0 at half-time. Second half as the game progressed we frustrated them all over the park and our confidence grew as the game went on and a bit of belief started kicking in,' said Bateman.

'We had three or four lads ill from school during the week and they all played - everybody gave 110%. It was a brilliant team effort and everybody was superb.'

'We like to think we can be up there at the end of the season. I'm glad if North are favourites because it takes the pressure off us,' he said.

'We could not dream for a better start - three games, 15 goals scored and none conceded.'

Sylvans face St Martin's at home on Sunday and will be aiming to get their feet back on the ground.

They have been boosted by some potential new signings.

'It will be really good to have a nice strong squad and compete with North, Bels and Rec all season which is our aim. It's going to be a long, hard and interesting season in Youth One,' Bateman predicted.

North coach Ross Cameron was gracious in defeat his first in charge at Youth One level.

'As the game went on, they did grow in confidence and when the first goal went in, I just thought maybe it's not our day,' he said.

One of the team's star players Matt Loaring, who had been suffering from illness, had to finally withdraw from the game after 70 minutes with a dead leg.

'It was disappointing to lose but that might give us the kick up the backside we need. I always knew Sylvans and Bels would be the main contenders - Sylvans have a lot of senior-age players and we have only four. You have to take your hat off to Sylvans - Ashley Williams had a good game and made some cracking saves,' said Cameron.

He is looking for his side to bounce back against Rangers on the narrow pitch at St Andrew's on Sunday.

'We may have to change our shape to accommodate the pitch,' he admitted.

Bels beat Rangers 1-0 through a solitary Alan Opie goal - but could have scored seven or eight while goalkeeper Scott Rowe had only one save to make near the end.

The 17-year-old's mishit second half shot hit the ground and looped over the goalkeeper.

Bels Aaron Walden had an excellent game as he snuffed out the dangerous Dave Cusack for a much improved Rangers side.

Vale Rec beat Rovers 7-0 with two goals each from Daena Bodie, Jamie Gauvain and Dave Hooper and the other from Jamie Bougourd.