Key strikers sidelined
AFTER both falling to surprise opening game defeats, North and St Martin’s will look to get back on Priaulx League track in tonight’s double-header.
But after falling to Sylvans 4-2 and Rangers 3-2 respectively last week, the tasks do not look too much easier for either title challenger this time around.
Saints host Sylvans in what looks like the pick of this busy midweek quadruple-header, while North make the short hop across the road to Vale Rec.
North coach William Woodford is without Sam Murray and Tom Martin, while River Marsh is also an injury doubt, but he is able to welcome back Luke Mollet. He knows a quick response is important at the Corbet Field.
‘It is no different to any game we lose in that we want an immediate response the next game and we need to get off to winning ways as soon as possible,’ said Woodford.
Rec themselves are looking for a response after drawing 1-1 with Bels at the weekend, with their coach Jody Bisson questioning his team’s effort in that game.
Here, he sees Rory Moriarty, Tom de Garis, Chris Phillips, Errol Cain, Damien Larkin return to his squad, but is without his trio of Guernsey FC players – Seb Skillen, Keanu Marsh and Paris Pereira.
‘The effort and commitment certainly wasn’t as high as it was in our previous cup games, so that was disappointing, but it seems to be an age old Vale Rec thing,’ said Bisson.
‘We have no problem rising ourselves for the so-called big games, but there are some games where it doesn’t happen and that is something I am trying to work on.’
Up at Blanche Pierre Lane, it is Sylvans already playing their third game in a week, having won one and lost one so far, the start of a run that sees them play their first six games in 17 days.
They are at full strength and visit a Saints team who welcome back Kyle Smith from illness, but are still without Danny Hale due to suspected ankle ligament damage.
‘We are not worried by what happened on Friday night, it is just one game and the 3G, as well as the small pitch, makes it unique to any other game we will play this season,’ said Saints coach Leon Meakin.
‘Obviously we would prefer to get off the mark with a win as soon as possible, but regardless of what happens, it is a long season ahead with lots of points to play for.’
