Saints suffer first defeat on a messy afternoon

North faithful were, of course, brimming with glee too, having become the first club to defeat the defending champions in this already eventful and invariably intriguing season.

Saints, unbeaten in seven starts, never looked remotely comfortable on a filthy afternoon, but no doubt they will come again, while as for the winners their coach may say they are a long way from where he wants them to be, but in truth already they may be strong enough to wrench back the old trophy.

Cal Le Lacheur put Saints ahead early on, but Scott Bougourd equalised and shortly afterwards they were ahead as Mario Cacace's shot slipped from Jason Martin's grasp and just made it across the line.

Bougourd got his second from the penalty spot to put North 3-1 up before Dom Heaume's header reduced the deficit for Saints – all this before half-time.

The goal that sealed it did not come until second-half stoppage time as Joe Alvarez converted a penalty.

Elsewhere, Alderney won both games of their double-header, beating Vale Rec 3-2 and Bels 2-1, while a second straight win at home, this time an ultimately comfortable 4-0 success at home to Rangers, has lifted Rovers onto the coat-tails of Sylvans and in sight of the top half of the FNB Priaulx League table.

• More in Monday's Guernsey Press.