Winning return would be Rihoy's ideal gift

EX-NORTHERNER Dave Rihoy is hoping for an extra special early birthday present win when he faces his former club for the first time in a Bels shirt at Northfield tonight. A big crowd is expected to watch the two clubs meet head-on in the top-of-the-table Priaulx League clash.

'It's going to be a little bit strange, but I'm in a Bels shirt now so I'm out to win and want to beat them,' said island star Rihoy yesterday.

He had been at North all his career before his summer switch from the reigning Priaulx champions to Bels.

'I have had no regrets and I'm enjoying myself more than last season. People are saying they can see it in my game, which is a good thing,' he said.

He is looking forward to the challenge against many of his former teammates.

'Bels-North are always big games and it's the biggest game of the season so far. It would be a nice birthday present to win,' said Rihoy, who will be 23 on Monday.

North are currently three points clear of both Bels and St Martin's with a third of the season gone, so tonight could prove to be a huge psychological boost should either side be able to muster all three points.

Both have been without key players due to injuries and suspensions recently.

He believes Friday night games are a good move, especially for players with girlfriends and families as it normally leaves the rest of their weekends free.

'It's not a bad idea and I prefer playing at night.'

Bels coach Micky Ogier said Paul Ramsden was the only player likely to be missing due to a knee injury.

'Other than that, everyone else is fit,' he declared.

Island striker Marc McGrath has recovered from his metatarsal injury and Neil Clegg is back.

'It's a big game for both sides - if they beat us they go six points clear and if we beat them we go equal top. It's very important for us to win and I'm hopeful we can get a win,' said Ogier.

North coach Mick Le Prevost has no special plans to combat Rihoy's threat, not that he was revealing publicly anyway.

'I can't worry about other people. Dave is a good player, but I will worry about my players and we will prepare properly. We will be ready for it,' he promised.

'It's a big game for both clubs and whoever performs well will probably go on and win the game. I hope it turns out to be a good game, but the pitch will be very wet and the weather conditions could stop it being a really good game of football,' he believed.

'I hope a lot of people come and see the game - it's going to be two good sides playing.'

The chocolate-and-blues should be close to full-strength barring Simon Tostevin and AJ Saunders, who are both battling back from long-term injuries, and Jon Loaring, who is expected to be out for a few weeks with a groin injury.

Island player Kyle Stone could boost them by returning from injury.

'We had a good squad the other night against Vale Rec and we should be up and running near to full strength,' said Le Prevost.

He paid tribute publicly to the roles of assistant coach Carl 'Toots' Bush and goalkeeping coach John Cortez for their roles this season.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm.

* Fourth meets fifth tomorrow as Rangers entertain Sylvans at St Andrew's while St Martin's travel to the Corbet Field to meet struggling Vale Rec. Both start at 2pm.